Lakeside Nature Center is located at 4701 East Gregory Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri’s Swope Park. It is owned and managed by Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department.  Email us at folnc@crn.org.  Check our hours here.

Swope Park is an 1,800 acre wooded park that also houses the Kansas City Zoo, Starlight Theatre, Blue River Golf Course, Swope Memorial Golf Course, a Disc Golf Course, Swope Park Pool, ball fields, picnic areas, and a pond for fishing. Additionally, the Blue River winds through the Park.

Lakeside Nature Center is an incredible place to enjoy learning about local native wildlife, including birds of prey, snakes, amphibians, turtles, fish, and invertebrates. Whether you wish to explore the exhibits on your own, or sign up for a wildlife program, your visit is certain to be enjoyable.  Need a map to find us?

Learn more about the Lakeside Birds of Prey.

Meet the oldest resident at Lakeside Nature Center; Wilma the ornate box turtle.

Identify the wildflowers in the Prairie, Savannah and Butterfly Gardens that surround Lakeside.

Hike our trails and revel in the peaceful beauty of the site.

Friends of Lakeside Nature Center supports the Nature Center by providing volunteers and funding to assist with exhibits, programs, and wildlife rehabilitation.

Updated 09/11/10