Places to Go: Runge Conservation Nature Center

Runge Conservation Nature Center

Hike a trail. Climb a turtle.

Meet with family. Hike a trail. Explore Missouri’s many habitats. Climb a turtle. Runge Conservation Nature Center (CNC) offers all of this and more for people seeking nature and outdoor activities over the winter holidays. 

Located on 112 acres in Jefferson City, Runge CNC is a destination for families wanting to get outside while showing off a local favorite, said Runge CNC Manager Kevin Lohraff. 

“People like to come here when they have family in from out of town to show off the place that’s close to home and also free,” Lohraff said. 

Runge CNC’s 2.4 miles of trails take visitors through a variety of restored habitats.

“One feature of the trails is that you’ll be able to be immersed in these different natural communities — prairie, savanna, glade, and forest,” he said. 

Visitors to Runge CNC’s building, which offers 3,000 square feet of permanent exhibits, are greeted by a giant box turtle statue — suitable for climbing. 

“We see the paradigm shift from the old museum style, textbook text everywhere in the building to exhibits that are now more experiential,” Lohraff said. “We want people to go through and experience what it feels like to be in a forest.”