Springfield Conservation Nature Center

Something exciting is always happening at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Indoors you'll find new programs, activities and displays each month. Outdoors, seasonal changes and unpredictable wildlife make each visit an adventure. So come visit the nature center often!

Natural

Surprise a white-tailed deer bedded in a cedar thicket. Smell the fresh scent of the Ozark woods after a rain. Watch an eagle snag a fish from an icy lake. At the Springfield Conservation Nature Center there are trails to walk, exhibits to explore, and videos and programs to enjoy. All year-round, it's the place to experience and learn about the Missouri outdoors.

Nearby

Within the city limits of Springfield, a half-mile from the intersection of US-65 and US-60, the Springfield Conservation Nature Center is easy to find and easy to get to. It is no more than a 25-minute drive from anyplace in town!

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is a little piece of the Ozarks within the city limits of Springfield. It's a place to enjoy nature's gifts, and to learn about the importance of taking care of them.

Bring a group...

Call or write in advance to schedule a naturalist-conducted program or hike for your school class, scout organization, tour or other group. Missouri teachers can arrange field trips which help fulfill for students the state's "Core Competencies and Key Skills." Take advantage of the center's pull-through bus parking area and large restroom.

Come on your own...

Hike a trail - we have six of them, short and long. Experience the sounds of the nighttime forest and discover how rainwater becomes spring water, all in the center's multi-sensory exhibit room. Watch birds and other animals visit our pond and feeders from the comfort of our indoor wildlife viewing area. Attend a special program, guided nature walk or video. Call ahead for a schedule or ask at the information desk when you arrive.

Nature Center Features

What Does It Cost?

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, a state agency supported by fishing and hunting license revenues and a statewide 1/8-of-one-percent sales tax. No fees are charged at the center.

Springfield Conservation Nature Center Building Open year-round, seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Area Hours Open daily 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. from March 1 through October 31, and daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the year. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Regulations

Pets, horses, hunting, fishing, collecting, littering, fires and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the area. Bicycles, skating, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, and motorized vehicles are not permitted on trails.

Area Information

Building Hours
Open year-round, seven days a week - 8am to 5pm.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Area Hours
Open daily 8am - 9pm from March 1 to October 31 and daily 8am - 6pm the rest of the year.
Directions
The nature center is located in southeast Springfield just west of US-65 off the James River Freeway (US-60).
Regulations
Pets, horses, hunting, fishing, collecting, littering, fires and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the area.
Bicycling, skating, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, and motorized vehicles are not permitted on trails.

Effective March 1, 2010

Building Hours
Open year-round, seven days a week - 8am to 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Area Hours
Open daily 8am - 9pm from March 1 to October 31 and daily 8am - 6pm the rest of the year.
Directions
The nature center is located in southeast Springfield just west of US-65 off the James River Freeway (US-60).
Regulations
Pets, horses, hunting, fishing, collecting, littering, fires and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the area.
Bicycling, skating, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, and motorized vehicles are not permitted on trails.
 
Events for Tuesday, February 9 - Saturday, April 10, 2010
Event and Date Location Reserve by:
Story Time With Ms. Ladybug
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
WildHeart In Concert: Bringing The Heart Of The Wild To The Heart Of The Child
Friday, February 12, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, February 12
WildHeart In Concert: Bringing The Heart Of The Wild To The Heart Of The Child
Friday, February 12, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, February 12
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Friday, February 12, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Little Acorns: Winter Woodpeckers
Friday, February 12, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, February 12
Little Acorns: Winter Woodpeckers
Friday, February 12, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, February 12
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Little Acorns: Winter Woodpeckers
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Saturday, February 13
Backyard Bird BINGO
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Backyard Bird BINGO
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Hiking Club
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Saturday, February 13
Discover Nature Families: What's In An Owl Pellet?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Sunday, February 14
Little Acorns: Squirrel Scamper
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Wednesday, February 17
Little Acorns: Squirrel Scamper
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Wednesday, February 17
Owl Prowl
Friday, February 19, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, February 19
Conservation TEEN Club: Vulture Venture
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Saturday, February 20
Conservation Kids' Club: Nature Games
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Thursday, February 25
Little Acorns: Skunk Scurry
Friday, February 26, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, February 26
Little Acorns: Skunk Scurry
Friday, February 26, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, February 26
Nocturnal Animals
Friday, February 26, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, February 26
Little Acorns: Skunk Scurry
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Saturday, February 27
Discover Nature Families: Turkey Hunting For Beginners
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Thursday, March 4
Little Acorns: Salamander Slide
Friday, March 5, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, March 5
Little Acorns: Salamander Slide
Friday, March 5, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, March 5
Little Acorns: Salamander Slide
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, February 5
Hiking Club
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Saturday, March 6
Little Acorns: Spring Has Sprung
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Tuesday, March 9
Little Acorns: Spring Has Sprung
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Tuesday, March 9
Story Time With Ms. Ladybug
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Parents As Teachers Story Time
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Parents As Teachers Story Time
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Parents As Teachers Story Time
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Woodcarving Demonstration
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Virtual Hunting and Fishing
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
The Art of Woodcarving
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Saturday, March 13
Ozark Day Hiking And Backpacking--Trips And Tips
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Thursday, March 18
Babes In The Woods
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Thursday, March 18
Little Acorns: Spring Peepers
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Saturday, March 20
Babes In The Woods
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Saturday, March 20
Toddler Tales
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Badge Bonanza
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Thursday, March 25
Little Acorns: Spring Peepers
Friday, March 26, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, March 26
Little Acorns: Spring Peepers
Friday, March 26, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Friday, March 26
For Adults Only: GPS For Beginners
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Saturday, March 27
Conservation TEEN Club: GPS And Geocaching
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Saturday, March 27
Conservation Kids' Club: Flower Power
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Springfield Conservation Nature Center Tuesday, March 30