ResearchGuides: Natural History of the Greater Kansas City Region: Places

Prairies

Olathe Prairie Center
Olathe, KS
Jerry Smith Park
Kansas City, MO
Prairie State Park
Liberal, MO
Taberville Prairie
Missouri Dept. of Conservation
El Dorado Springs, MO
Konza Prairie
Manhattan, KS
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Strong City, KS

Wildlife Refuges

Loess Bluffs Wildlife Refuge
A great place to view bald eagles, snow goose migrations, and other waterfowl.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Mound City, MO
Big Muddy National Fish & Wildlife Refuge
Columbia, MO
Marais Des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge
Pleasanton, KS

Nature Centers

All of these nature centers also have hiking trails and places to observe nature. They range from extensive hiking trails through prairies, woods, and glades to shorter trails among native plants.

Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center
Missouri Department of Conservation
Kansas City, MO
Burr Oak Woods Nature Center
Missouri Department of Conservation
Blue Springs, MO
Cave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center
Jackson County Parks
Kansas City, MO
Ernie Miller Nature Center
Johnson County Parks and Recrecreation.
Olathe, KS
Great Plains Nature Center
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism; and Wichita Parks and Recreation
Wichita, KS
Lakeside Nature Center
Kansas City, MO Parks and Recreation
Swope Park
Kansas City, MO
Martha Lafitte Thompson Nature Sanctuary
Liberty MO
Prairie Park Nature Center
Lawrence Parks and Recreation
Lawrence, KS

Woods, Lakes, and Trails

Weston Bend State Park
Parkville Nature Sanctuary
Katy Trail State Park
Prairie Spirit Trail
Ottawa, Iola, and other KS towns

River Access

Cooley Lake Conservation Area
Missouri River Access/Ramp
Missouri Department of Conservation
Clay County MO
English Landing Park
Missouri River boat ramp/access in Parkville, MO.
Kaw Point Park
Missouri River access in Kansas City, KS.
Kaw River Access Map
from the Friends of the Kaw
MDC Missouri River Maps
Maps and access points in the state of Missouri.
Riverfront Park
Missouri River access/ramp
Kansas City MO

Reference Assistance

A Reference Specialist is available during library hours, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.

Contact us:

Phone: 800.662.1545 or 816.926.8701.
For questions about the collections or resources: reference@lindahall.org, or complete the Reference Request Form.
For questions about library accounts or renewals: circ@lindahall.org.
Check one of the Reference Guides that may provide additional help.

Click here for more information about using the Library.