10 Best Nature Centers in Missouri!

Missouri is filled with amazing outdoor destinations, from Lampe to Valley Park. Whether you're looking for a place to hike, birdwatch, or just enjoy nature, these 10 incredible places in the Show Me State are sure to have something for every interest.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, Lampe, MO

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is an incredible natural paradise with 10,000 acres of rugged beauty where visitors can explore towering bluffs, cascading waterfalls, and countless other breathtaking sights. Enjoy outdoor activities for the whole family, from horseback riding and trout fishing to wildlife tours and hiking.

Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, Blue Springs, MO

Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area is the destination for nature lovers in Blue Springs. With 1,071 acres of green space, it is the first Missouri Department of Conservation Nature Center in the state that offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience wildlife viewing and learning experiences.

Lakeside Nature Center, Kansas City, MO

Discover the wonders of nature at Lakeside Nature Center. Here, visitors can explore the trails and experience the educational programs to learn about native plants, animals, and their habitats. And don't forget, Lakeside Nature Center is also one of the state's largest wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

Remington Nature Center Of St. Joseph, Saint Joseph, MO

The Remington Nature Center offers more than a simple nature experience. They not only introduce visitors to the beauty of the natural world but also to the rich history of the area. Enjoy the best of both worlds at this unique attraction.

George Owens Nature Park, Independence, MO

Located in eastern Independence, George Owens Nature Park is an 87-acre paradise for outdoor lovers. Whether you are fishing at the lake, hiking the trails, or spotting wildlife, there is a little bit of something for everyone. Indulge in the endless adventure that awaits.

Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, Liberty, MO

Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, Liberty, MO Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary is a serene escape for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike. With quality environmental, wildlife, and science programming, visitors can tour the sanctuary's hiking trails and nature center for an unforgettable experience.

Audubon Center at Riverlands, West Alton, MO

The Audubon Center at Riverlands is an oasis for nature lovers of all kinds. Explore over 4,000 acres of stunning wetlands, go bird-watching, and learn about the vibrant wildlife and natural resources of the Mississippi River and the Great Rivers confluence. Come discover a world of beauty and significance while supporting a healthy, vibrant community.

Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit, MO

From the rolling seas of native grasses and forbs to the woodlands that burst with blooming wildflowers in spring and cool shade in summer, the Shaw Nature Reserve is an escape to the past. Experience the bustling prairie of Native Americans and buffalo and explore the wonders of the outdoors.

Ozark Rivers Audubon - Nature Center, Rolla, MO

Ozark Rivers Audubon - Nature Center, Rolla, MO Discover the importance of nature conservation through the Ozark Rivers Audubon Chapter. The passionate members of this center are committed to preserving and restoring the bird habitat of the Ozarks. Immerse yourself in the world of birds as you learn to appreciate the natural wonders of this breathtaking region.

World Bird Sanctuary, Valley Park, MO

The World Bird Sanctuary combines the best of nature with the best of entertainment. Enjoy 305 acres of hardwood forest with free seasonal shows, nature trails, education programs, and more. Get up close and personal with non-releasable birds in their large outdoor avian exhibits and witness the hospital's dedicated work to rehabilitate injured birds of prey.

This text was created by the author with the assistance of GPT-3, a large-scale language generation model developed by OpenAI. The author reviewed, edited, and revised the draft language to their satisfaction and is fully responsible for the content of this publication.

View more Missouri Nature Centers and Botanical Gardens.
Share your favorites!
Missouri Search
Visit a Nature Center and Botanical Garden Near You
Find Nature Centers and Botanical Gardens Near You
330 Commerce Drive, Jefferson City, MO
This 100-acre area in Jefferson City features a visitor center with exhibits and live-animal displays, special events, trails, demonstrations, and ... Read More
13th Street from Franklin Avenue, Columbia, MO
The McAlester Arboretum features 25 acres of some of the most unique trees and plants in the country, including one of the largest collections... Read More
Conley Avenue, Columbia, MO
About Us:The garden was established in 1999, under Chancellor Richard Wallace as part of the campus beautification efforts. August of 2009 marks th... Read More
550 Meriweather Ct, Rolla, MO
The Ozark Rivers Chapter is the steward of Audubon Trails Nature Center (Audubon Trails NC). For the nature-lover, conservationist, hiker, runner a... Read More
601 North Hickory Street, Salem, MO
The purpose of the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History is to maintain and establish an area with paths through natural settings of prairies and ... Read More
275 Highway West, Stanton, MO
We are a USDA Licensed facility that offers guided tours. Outside, you will be four feet from our big cats, along with some small furbearing animal... Read More
4601 South Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO
Something exciting is always happening at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Indoors you'll discover nature through programs, activities a... Read More
1609 NorthWest US HighWay 50, Kingsville, MO
About Us: Powell Gardens is a private, not-for-profit organization located just east of Kansas City, Missouri, with the mission of inspiring people... Read More
Highway 100 and I-44, Gray Summit, MO
About Us: Shaw Nature Reserve strives to inspire responsible stewardship of our environment through education, restoration and protection of natura... Read More
7295 Highway 94 South, Saint Charles, MO
The Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center represents a window to the past and the U.S. Department of Energy’s commitment to the future throu... Read More
2360 Hwy. D, Saint Charles, MO
Located in St. Charles County, the 3,000-acre August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is home to the St. Louis regional office, which includes a... Read More
Route 1, Winona, MO
Twin Pines offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, nature photography and other nature-related activities. A trail through the area provides... Read More
2751 Glencoe Road, Wildwood, MO
Rockwoods Reservation in western St. Louis County harbors a rich diversity of plant and animal life as well as springs, caves, and rock formations.... Read More
8201 Jasper Bell, Blue Springs, MO
The Kemper Outdoor Education Center offers outdoor Team Building programs for groups as young as 5th graders through adults. Groups face multiple c... Read More
4106 West Highway 76, Branson, MO
In June of 2006 The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure opened its doors to the Branson, MO area and visitors from all over the country. Sinc... Read More
1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs, MO
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area is 1,071-acre property located in Blue Springs just north of I-70. Burr Oak Woods was purchased in 1977 and the Na... Read More
125 Bald Eagle Ridge Road, Valley Park, MO
Mission Statement: The World Bird Sanctuary's mission is to preserve the earth's biological diversity and to secure the future of threatened bird ... Read More
1601 South Speck Road, Independence, MO
George Owens Nature Park has given families the opportunity to reconnect with their natural environment since 1977. The park is open year round and... Read More
1050 Riverside Drive, Saint Charles, MO
The Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center is the Discovery Expedition’s permanent home. Situated beside the Missouri River at Bishop... Read More
597 New Smizer Mill Road, Fenton, MO
Size:         125 acres Trails:         1.7 miles - gravel and wood chip &nbs... Read More
Show More
Select a Missouri town to find
the Best Things-To-Do and Places To Go around you
Mercer County
Saint Louis City County