Museums and Nature Centers

We share space, land, water, and air with many species on this section of the earth called Kansas. The wise use and stewardship of our natural resources in Kansas is everyone's responsibility. That is why these six nature centers were established across the state. They allow visitors to see up close the animals and plants that live across Kansas. Below is a list of KDWP facilities and those that involve a cooperative relationship between KDWP and another entity. For listings of other museums and nature centers in Kansas, visit our sister website, TravelKS.com.

Pratt Education Center's emphasis is to discover the wildlife of Kansas. Numerous displays, dioramas, and exhibits provide close encounters with the native birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles of Kansas.

Milford Nature Center provides visitors with a better understanding of the natural communities of Kansas. At the center, visitors have the chance to see and touch native animal furs, print their own animals tracks, and use their sense of touch to identify natural mystery items.

The Great Plains Nature Center provides opportunities for the public to learn about the natural resources of the Great Plains Region. It also provides visitors with enjoyable educational experiences that impart the importance of wise stewardship of natural resources. The Great Plains Nature Center is a cooperative effort of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the Wichita Park and Recreation Department.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center presents the wild, wonderful world of wetlands through interpretive exhibits, educational programs and research. Visit KWEC and view some of the lesser known Cheyenne Bottoms inhabitants in the classroom, take a stroll along the half-mile nature trail and follow the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway through Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is managed by Fort Hays State University in cooperation with KDWP. 

Southeast Kansas Nature Center sits on a hilltop in scenic Schermerhorn Park overlooking Shoal Creek and offers something for everyone. There are exploration drawers with hands-on materials, bird viewing, nature and history films, native animal and plant exhibits, a large collection of Native American artifacts and live insects and reptiles. Outdoors, enjoy a network of nature trails, peek into a cave, or fish in Shoal Creek below the center.