The Conservation Nature Center is located within Cape Girardeau's North County Park and showcases the rich cultural history and diverse natural resources of Southeast Missouri.
Campus Features
- The nature center features a 160-seat auditorium, three classrooms, hands-on exhibits for all ages, a scientific research laboratory, freshwater aquariums, and an indoor wildlife viewing area.
- The “White Oak Trace” features two miles of nature trails allowing visitors to traverse rolling river hills with sinkholes, deep hollows, and ravines covered with prominent stands of poplar and oak.
- Native plants featured in the nature center’s landscape provide habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other wildlife species.
- The nature center’s gift shop features a wide variety of educational books, videos, and nature-related items. Final sales must be made by 4:30 pm.
Exhibit Gallery
Gallery visitors can start their experience by learning from Paul Corbin’s collection of Native American artifacts by viewing primitive tools that were used to harvest plants and animals hundreds of years ago. Interactive exhibits encourage exploration of the forest, marsh, swamp, and big river habitats of Southeast Missouri. Visitors can learn where to go in the region to experience these unique natural features and gain insight into local opportunities for camping, hunting, and fishing.
Making Connections
- Attend one of the many public programs, films, workshops or special events offered at the nature center. For more information on how to get involved subscribe to the nature center’s newsletter.
- Bring an organized group by calling in advance to schedule a naturalist – conducted program or hike. Request a leader guide to help plan your visit. Bus parking is available.
- Visit the Educators Resource Room to learn about the curriculum materials, videos, and discovery trunks available to teachers and youth leaders. Schedule a meeting or attend a workshop with a Conservation Education Consultant to experience methods for incorporating conservation principals into all disciplines.
- Help a child learn how to fish at the “Kids Only” fishing pond near the nature center’s entrance. Try a new outdoor skill at one of our skills workshops or meet with the area Outdoor Skills Specialist.
- Become a volunteer and share your enthusiasm for conservation through various opportunities.
What Does It Cost?
Cape Girardeau Conservation Campus Nature Center is operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, a state agency supported by fishing and hunting license revenues and the statewide 1/8-of-one percent “Design for Conservation” sales tax. There is no admission charge.
Special Topics
Area Information
- Building Hours
- 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Closed on Sundays and Mondays, New Years day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. - Area Hours
- Open daily from sunrise to 10:00 PM in accordance with the Cape Girardeau County Park Rules and Regulations
- Directions
- Located within Cape Girardeau's North County Park, just east of Interstate 55 (Exit 99) and Kingshighway (State Highway 61).
- Regulations
- Pets, horses, hunting, collecting, littering, fires, and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the nature center grounds or trails.
- Jogging, bicycling, skateboarding, in-line skating, scooters, and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails.
| Event and Date | Location | Reserve by: |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Display - Along the Road
Tuesday, February 2 – Saturday, February 27, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | |
| Mudpuppies-Wildlife in Winter
Saturday, February 13, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Saturday, February 13 |
| Purple Martin Primer
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Tuesday, February 16 |
| Mudpuppies-Wildlife in Winter
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Saturday, February 13 |
| Discover Nature Families - Habitat for Bluebirds
Thursday, February 18, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | |
| Meet the Artist
Saturday, February 20, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | |
| Racers - Spring Journeys
Saturday, February 20, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Saturday, February 20 |
| Conservation Trails-Hickory Canyons/Pickle Springs
Saturday, February 20, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Saturday, February 20 |
| Nature Art - Nature Scrapbooking
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Tuesday, February 23 |
| Great River Road Adventure
Saturday, February 27, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Saturday, February 27 |
| Discovery Station - Reptiles and Amphibians
Saturday, February 27, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | |
| Temporary Display - The Call of Nature
Tuesday, March 2 – Wednesday, March 31, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | |
| Discover Nature Families - Photography
Saturday, March 6, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Saturday, March 6 |
| Discovery Station - Don't Rescue Me
Saturday, March 6, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | |
| Native Plant Seminar
Saturday, March 13, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | |
| Nature Art - Seed Packets
Thursday, March 18, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Thursday, March 18 |
| Discover Hunting - Hunting Spring Gobblers
Saturday, March 20, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Saturday, March 20 |
| Mudpuppies - Busy Beavers
Saturday, March 20, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Saturday, March 20 |
| Mudpuppies - Busy Beavers
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Tuesday, March 23 |
| Froggy Friday
Friday, March 26, 2010 |
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center |
