LAKESIDE NATURE CENTER
Lakeside Nature Center is located in Swope Park at at 4701 East Gregory Boulevard.  Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sunday, noon-4pm, nearly 50,000 visitors annually walk through the Center to enjoy native wildlife in natural exhibits, accompanied by informative, innovative graphics.

Several aquariums, including one that is 600 gallons, feature Alligator Snapping Turtle, other aquatic turtle, and native fish.

See native venomous snakes like Timber Rattlesnake and Copperhead.  Constrictors like the Black Rat Snake. Bullsnake, Milk Snake, and Prairie Kingsnake are just a few of the reptiles that our visitors can admire.

Meet two of our resident Birds of Prey. This Great Horned Owl was brought to Lakeside Nature Center in 1981. It had suffered permanent wing damage from an injury.

This Red-Tailed Hawk was found in the wild in a weakened condition. It appeared that the bird was socialized with humans, suggesting that someone had raised it. It could not learn to hunt on its own, so became a permanent resident at Lakeside Nature Center.

Other birds of prey at Lakeside include a Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Turkey Vulture, American Kestrels, and Screech Owl. These birds are on display and are used during our wildlife programs.

NATURE TRAILS

Checklist of Birds found in Swope Park

Click here to see a printable checklist of birds found in Swope Park.

Lakeside Nature Trail
(open to public during daylight)
Behind Lakeside Nature Center is a graveled walking trail that runs roughly 1/3 mile. The trail is atop a limestone ridge that overlooks a valley below. Along the trail, signs provide information about the different areas. See a beautiful water garden, watch butterflies and hummingbirds visit the prairie flowers, see bluebirds catch insects in the savanna, enjoy the shade of the oak and hickory trees, and walk along the awesome Bethany Falls Limestone boulders.

Fox Hollow Nature Trail
(open to public during daylight)
Nestled in the valley behind the Center, the trail meanders along limestone bluffs, beside the scenic Fox Hollow Creek, through old riparian forest, all the while exploring the colorful personality of a deep, primitive, wetland valley.

Lakeside’s Marsh Trail
(open to public during daylight)
Behind the original Lakeside Nature Center at 5600 Gregory, a trail meanders around a marsh and to a bend in the Blue River. The trail is accessible except after heavy rains. The marsh acts as a sponge to hold the rain water and slowly allow it to run into the Blue River. Kingfisher, herons, toads, frogs, turtles, snakes, and various other birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates make this unique habitat their home.

Camp Lake of the Woods Trails
(call about access to this area)
Camp Lake of the Woods is an incredible 350 acres of oak/hickory forest atop limestone. A natural glade thrives along the south/southwest edge. Several trails meander throughout. The trails are used by the Nature Center’s Naturalists to teach students interested in the natural world. Facilities in the area are available to Scouts and other organized groups.

RENTAL FACILITIES
Call (816) 513-8960 for information and prices

Lakeside Nature Center’s Classroom.
The classroom at the Nature Center is available to rent for one to two hours during the day on Saturdays and Sundays, during regular open hours. It is often used for children’s birthday parties. Prior to or following the party, the Naturalists can be scheduled to present a wildlife program for the group.

Lakewood Lodge
A rustic dining hall with full kitchen is located at nearby Camp Lake of the Woods. Facility is a great place for a family reunion, wedding reception or corporate retreat. Dining hall will seat about 100 people.

Hogan
The Hogan has been used by Scout groups for many years. The octagon shaped building is a great indoor retreat and the surrounding grounds are perfect for tent pitching. The nearby fire ring and glade trail make it the perfect setting for an overnight.

Blue Mills and Westport Landings
Left over from the resident camp era, the rustic cabins surrounded by woods can be used for classes, retreats, or overnights.

(Updated: 9/26/08)