Our Story

How We Started

In 1966, Lakeside Nature Center opened in the former Swope Park concession stand across from Lake of the Woods. At the time, it was the only facility in Missouri where the visitors could stand within inches of live native mammals, reptiles and birds of prey.

Environmental education was in its infancy and a group of biologists, educators and enthusiasts offered environmental science classes, resident camps and habitat exploration at the Nature Center.

Friends of Lakeside Nature Center (FOLNC) was founded in 1983 as a support organization for the Nature Center and continues to provide volunteers and funding.

New Facilities

In 1999, Lakeside Nature Center moved to its current location, remaining within Kansas City’s historic Swope Park. The award-winning facility designed by International Architects Atelier features a flat seam roof and interior metalwork provided by Zahner. The building has a unique concept and layout, often described as if it were birds in flight.

The Nature Center features huge windows that allow visitors to feel as though they are on a walk through the woods. Exciting displays of our native Missouri wildlife include large aquariums with fish and turtles, a bald eagle exhibit, a weathering area with owls and hawks, and numerous mammal, reptile, amphibian and fish displays. An interactive children’s play area and library overlook the wetlands where visitors can view a variety of birds species at the feeders.

Outside the Nature Center visitors can enjoy the native gardens, rest and picnic in the shade of the pavilion or hike the Fox Hollow trail system. The trail meanders along limestone bluffs, beside the scenic Fox Hollow Creek and through old riparian forest; all the while exploring the colorful personality of a deep, primitive, wetland valley. The entire length of the trail is 2 miles.