A guide to the history and natural resources of the Kansas City - St. Joseph area and surrounding communities

 

Nature Centers



WindingRiver.com is made
possible by these local sponsors

Smithville Marine
Serving Midwest boaters
for 25 years

Kansas City Paddler
Canoes, kayaks and
paddling gear

Hollingsworth Peonies
More than 200 varieties of
peonies for fall planting

Kincaid Gardens
100% stainless steel
plant markers

Sparks Antiques and
Collectibles Flea Market

400+ Dealers

Kalin Custom Homes
Rural estates and
residential
home building


City Description
Blue Springs, MO Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Missouri Department of Conservation
1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015
816-228-3766

Programs are designed to provide children and students the opportunity to learn about the natural world and the importance of conserving our fish, forests and wildlife.  Programs offered for school groups and self-guided groups, with focus on kindergarten through 8th grade. [Web Site]

Blue Springs, MO Kemper Outdoor Education Center
8201 Jasper Bell, Blue Springs, MO  64015 
(816) 229-8980

Located in Fleming Park.

[Web Site]

Kansas City, KS Mr. & Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Environmental Learning Center
4051 West Drive (Wyandotte County Lake Park_)
Kansas City, KS  66109     913-299-2384

[Web Site]

Kansas City, MO Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Urban Conservation Campus
4750 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64110
816-759-7300

The Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, through demonstration gardens and experiential student workshops, teaches urban citizens how valuable and necessary nature is to the city and to the people who live there.  [Web Site]

Kansas City, MO Lakeside Nature Center
4701 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132  
816-513-8960

Experience the wild world of nature in the heart of Kansas City.  Lakeside Nature Center exhibits native wildlife, including snakes, hawks, owls, fish, turtles, and more.  [Web Site]

Kansas City, MO Kansas City Zoo
6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO  64132 
816-513-5700

[Web Site]

Kingsville, MO

Powell Gardens
1609 NW US Highway 50, Kingsville, MO 64061
816-697-2600

Powell Gardens is a private, not-for-profit organization located just east of Kansas City, Missouri, with the mission of inspiring people to appreciate, beautify and conserve our natural environment. The Gardens’ peaceful setting on 915 acres provides opportunities for learning and reflection through a year-round education program, research and special events. 
[Web Site]

Leawood, KS Prairie Oak Nature Center
14701 Mission Road, Leawood, KS  66224
913-681-0902 ext. 11

The center houses nature exhibits such as mounted animals, live reptiles, amphibians and a large fish aquarium.  Our reference library is filled with books, magazines and a section on children's nature books.  A variety of programs are offered for private parties, groups and organizations including the Ironwoods Cabins, available for overnight adventures.

[Web Site]

Liberty, MO Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary
407 North Lafrenz Road, Liberty, MO 64068
816-781-8598

This is a private nonprofit nature sanctuary with 100 acres of land.  [Web Site]

Overland Park, KS Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
179th & Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS 66225
913-685-3604

Located on 300 ecologically diverse acres in southern Johnson County, Kansas.  So far, eight different biomes or ecosystems have been identified, many including rare or unusual plant species.  [Web Site]

Olathe, KS Ernie Miller Nature Center
909 N Highway 7, Olathe, KS     913-764-7759

[Web Site]


PO Box 119 ◦ Smithville MO ◦ 64089 Email Phone  816-898-7485