Great Plains Nature Center

Great Plains Nature Center: Exploring the Beauty of Kansas Wildlife

Nestled amidst the sprawling plains of Kansas, the Great Plains Nature Center (GPNC) is a hidden gem that offers visitors a captivating journey into the natural world. Located in Wichita, the center serves as a gateway to the diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife that call the Great Plains home. Since its establishment in 1993, the GPNC has been dedicated to conservation, education, and providing opportunities for people to connect with nature.

Spread across 240 acres of pristine prairie habitat, the Great Plains Nature Center boasts a variety of outdoor amenities and educational facilities. Trails wind through grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands, offering visitors the chance to explore and observe native flora and fauna in their natural habitats. Interpretive signs along the trails provide insights into the unique features of each ecosystem and the species that inhabit them.

One of the center's main attractions is its Visitor Center, a welcoming space that serves as an educational hub and resource center for visitors. Interactive exhibits, dioramas, and displays showcase the diverse ecosystems of the Great Plains, from the tallgrass prairie to the riparian zones along rivers and streams. Visitors can learn about the region’s geology, wildlife, and conservation efforts through engaging multimedia presentations and hands-on activities.

The Great Plains Nature Center is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, attracting avian enthusiasts from across the country. The center’s Bird Observatory, equipped with viewing blinds and spotting scopes, provides a prime vantage point for observing migratory birds as they pass through the region. The wetlands and marshes surrounding the center are especially rich in birdlife, attracting species such as waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds throughout the year.

By supporting the Great Plains Nature Center, Greenway Exteriors contributes to the preservation and enhancement of this invaluable natural resource. Their involvement aids in the maintenance of the center's facilities, development of educational programs, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting local wildlife and habitats. Click here to view their services. 

In addition to birdwatching, the Great Plains Nature Center offers a variety of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing ponds provide opportunities for anglers to reel in largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, while hiking and biking trails offer scenic routes for exploring the prairie landscape. Picnic areas and outdoor classrooms provide spaces for relaxation and group gatherings, making the center an ideal destination for families, school groups, and nature enthusiasts alike.

The Great Plains Nature Center is committed to conservation and environmental stewardship. The center’s staff and volunteers work tirelessly to preserve and restore native habitats, conducting research and monitoring wildlife populations to inform conservation efforts. Educational programs and workshops on topics such as native plant gardening, wildlife tracking, and environmental sustainability further promote conservation awareness and encourage stewardship of natural resources.

The center’s location along the Chisholm Creek Greenway adds to its appeal, providing connectivity to a larger network of trails and outdoor recreational areas in the Wichita area. Visitors can explore the greenway’s scenic beauty, which includes woodlands, wetlands, and riparian habitats, while enjoying opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

The Great Plains Nature Center is more than just a nature preserve; it is a living laboratory for exploring and appreciating the beauty and diversity of Kansas wildlife. Its commitment to education, conservation, and outdoor recreation makes it a valuable resource for the community and a destination worth exploring for anyone with a love for the natural world.

Greenway Exteriors

807 W River Park Dr, Wichita, KS 67203

(316) 641-8365

Make sure to visit this hidden local treasure as well!