Prairie Park Nature Center

Prairie Park Nature Center Prairie Park Nature Center opened in 1999 as an 80-acre nature preserve on the east side of Lawrence. It has since expanded to 100 acres.

Prairie Park Nature Center in Lawrence, KS is a nature preserve where visitors of all ages can discover and connect with local wildlife and the natural beauty of Kansas through engaging exhibits, live animal encounters, and hands-on outdoor activities. The preserve incorporates wetlands, woodlands and prairie habitats and a five acre lake. Visitors may see a wide variety of native Kansas wildlife

on the property including beavers, deer, bobcats and birds of prey. The nature center preserve and education building are operated by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department and funded by City of Lawrence sales tax revenue. Prairie Park offers walking trails for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts as well as educational programs to the public, schools and local groups. Mary’s Lake is just a short walk from the education building and is open for public fishing. It is stocked with fish by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. The education building features natural habitat dioramas, displays and live animals, including a live bird of prey collection with eagles, owls,9 hawks and falcons. (All information for this page was sourced from either the Prairie Park Nature Center or City of Lawrence, KS websites)

**Join Our Junior Naturalists Summer Camp!**Looking for a summer adventure for your kids? Enroll them in our Junior Natu...
05/29/2026

**Join Our Junior Naturalists Summer Camp!**
Looking for a summer adventure for your kids? Enroll them in our Junior Naturalists camp! Designed for ages 6 to 12, this fun-filled experience will have them exploring nature and learning about local wildlife.
Campers will enjoy interactive animal encounters, fishing, canoeing, and archery, all guided by our friendly counselors. They'll also go on exciting field trips around Lawrence!
Please pack a lunch, appropriate outdoor clothing, a snack, bug spray, and sunscreen. Our camp runs from 9 am to 3 pm, with an optional extension until 4 pm.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Call us at (785) 832-7980 for more info. *A full week of camp must be purchased before adding the extended option.

Enroll here >>>> www.lawrenceks.gov/ppnc

🐌 How does a snail answer the phone? 🐌🐌Shello?🐌Shello, there are still spots open for our Snail Terrarium Class on June ...
05/27/2026

🐌 How does a snail answer the phone? 🐌
🐌Shello?🐌
Shello, there are still spots open for our Snail Terrarium Class on June 6th from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM! Come learn about how cool snails are and how you can take care of some!

If you want to buy a ticket, click here ➡ https://lawrenceks.gov/prc/activity?n=323252

We are very excited for our camp season to start! The first week of camp is full, but there are still spots available in...
05/26/2026

We are very excited for our camp season to start! The first week of camp is full, but there are still spots available in our second and third weeks. Second week, the theme is Junior Naturalists, and it starts June 8th! The third week has Most Extreme Animals as the theme, and it starts June 15th!

If your child loves animals and nature, they will have so much fun at our camp! If you want to enroll or see what other camp themes we have this year click here: https://bitly.cx/IlwE3

05/22/2026

Here is a little moment of peace brought to you by one of our creeks! 🌧️🌧️

Trail Rating Today: Scenery: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Mud: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Earthworms: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Dry ground: ⭐️The weather might not be the m...
05/22/2026

Trail Rating Today:
Scenery: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mud: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Earthworms: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dry ground: ⭐️
The weather might not be the most optimal today, but there is still so much beauty to be found on our trails!

Playground update: As some of you may know we recently installed a new playground and we are excited to share that we ar...
05/14/2026

Playground update: As some of you may know we recently installed a new playground and we are excited to share that we are repurposing our old turtle statue, as well as adding two older turtle statues that were previously at Broken Arrow Park and Dad Perry Park! We’ve partnered with Van Go to give these turtles a creative makeover. Instead of realistic designs, the artists are painting them in unique, vibrant styles that tie the set together and capture the unmistakable Lawrence vibe and nature-themed elements!

Summer is approaching and fast! Some fun friends you might run into around town are Snails!Snails may be slow, but they ...
05/01/2026

Summer is approaching and fast! Some fun friends you might run into around town are Snails!

Snails may be slow, but they do big work in nature. They help break down dead plants and recycle nutrients back into the soil, keeping ecosystems healthy. They’re also an important food source for birds, turtles, and other wildlife.
Snails love damp places and are most active after rain—seeing them is a good sign of a healthy habitat!

How to Safely Help a Snail:
• Gently tap the shell to make sure the snail is aware of you
• Wait for it to retreat slightly inside its shell
• Slide a leaf, stick, or your finger under its body—don’t pull or force it loose
• Let the snail naturally release its grip before lifting
• Move it to a nearby shady, moist area (not too far from where you found it)
• Place it down gently and let it reattach on its own
Slow and gentle is the key—snails are delicate but easy to help!

Next time you see a snail, take a moment to appreciate these helpful little recyclers! If you're interested in more information and some 1 on 1 time with some of these friends check out our snail terrarium workshop Saturday morning June 6th!

Sign up here: https://kslawrenceweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=108792826)

Come check out our new park!Our new playground is ready and waiting for you! Bring the family, explore the outdoors, and...
04/24/2026

Come check out our new park!

Our new playground is ready and waiting for you! Bring the family, explore the outdoors, and enjoy a space built for climbing, playing, and discovering nature together.

And keep an eye out… it’s turtle season! We have our lonely giant turtle keeping an eye on the playground for now, but even more turtle friends are on the way and will be joining soon.
Pack a snack, bring your sense of adventure, and come spend some time outside with us!

Who’s ready to play?

Happy Earth Day from Prairie Park Nature Center! Today is a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference f...
04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day from Prairie Park Nature Center!

Today is a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference for the natural world around us. Whether you’re exploring a trail, planting something new, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the outdoors, you’re part of protecting our planet.

If you need a few ideas on how to get out of the house into nature here is a few:

- Stop by Mary's lake to take a nature walk and observe the plants, birds, and wildlife. Then stop inside to see more!
- Pick up litter at a local park or along a trail.
- Plant native flowers or start a small garden to support pollinators. Some native flowers to start with could be: Milkweed, Wild Bergamot, Liatris, Butterfly W**d, Coreopsis, Coneflower.
- Reduce waste by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
- Spend time learning about local ecosystems and how to protect them, stop by the nature center if you have questions you need answered!

Every day is a chance to care for the Earth—but today is a great place to start.

Psst… want to make a new (very cute) pen pal?Next time you visit Prairie Park Nature Center, be sure to stop by and writ...
04/18/2026

Psst… want to make a new (very cute) pen pal?

Next time you visit Prairie Park Nature Center, be sure to stop by and write a letter to our resident opossum! She has her very own mailbox, complete with paper and pens, just waiting for your notes.

Tell her a story, ask her a question, or just say hello—she loves hearing from her friends and who knows, she might even “read” it on her nightly rounds. Bring the kids, bring your imagination, and don’t forget to drop her a message!

📍 Prairie Park Nature Center
🕒 Stop by anytime during open hours
(Tues-Fri: 9am- 3pm/ Sat 9am-5pm)

We can’t wait to see what you write!

Address

2730 Harper Street
Lawrence, KS
66046

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17858327980

Website

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