About the Nature Center
Prairie Park Nature Center opened in 1999 on a 100-acre nature preserve on the east side of Lawrence. The preserve features a five-acre lake, as well as wetland, woodland, and prairie environments.
Visitors may walk the trails to see a wide variety of native Kansas wildlife on the property including deer, coyotes, bobcats, and birds of prey.
The education building features natural habitat dioramas, displays and live animals, including a live bird of prey collection with eagles, owls, hawks and falcons.
The nature center conducts a wide variety of environmental and recreation programs for the public, schools, scouts, adults, and other groups.
The nature center preserve and education building are operated by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department and are funded by City of Lawrence.
Visit Us
2730 Harper St.Lawrence, KS 66046
(785) 832-7980
HOURS
Monday
Closed
Tuesday-Saturday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday
Closed
Mary’s Lake
Mary’s Lake is just a short walk from the education building and is open for public fishing. This lake participates in State Community Lakes Fishing Program and is stocked with fish by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism throughout the spring and summer.
A state fishing license is required for people ages 16 to 65. Limits are posted at the lake.
View the Map of Trails at Prairie Park Nature Center»
Directions
Prairie Park Nature Center is located on the east side of Lawrence. Find us in the neighborhood via 27th Street off of Haskell Avenue.
Group Visitation Policy
Visiting groups from other facilities or organizations of 8 or more people (including children) who have not booked a program should schedule their visits in advance. This will insure that their visit does not overlap with other scheduled groups or large programs.
This will assist the nature center staff in making sure that all visitors have a good experience.
The nature center reserves the right to ask unscheduled groups to delay their visit if the building is busy.
Groups may schedule their visit by phone: 785-832-7980.
Our Mission
Dedicated To Building Connections With Nature
The mission of the Prairie Park Nature Center is to promote an appreciation of the importance of conserving the natural world through hands-on environmental and conservation education.
The nature center is free to all visitors.