Milford Nature Center
Kansas Dept. of Wildlife & Parks

Situated below Milford Lake in the Flint Hills of Kansas, the Milford Nature Center is designed to give visitors a better understanding of and appreciation for the natural communities in Kansas. Visitors have the opportunity to see and touch many native animal furs, print their own animal tracks, and discover hidden wonders. A walk through the nature center reveals that Kansas has an astonishing abundance and variety of wildlife because of the many different kinds of habitat found here.

See a spectacular underwater scene, which contains over 300 models of fish, turtles, crayfish, tiny mayfly larvae, and more. Each is hand painted and recreated in amazing detail. A terrestrial diorama features the prairies, marshes, and woodlands of Kansas. More than 50 species of plants and animals are included. 

Live animal exhibits feature native animals including snakes, lizards, frogs, prairie dogs and more. Most of these creatures are used in the many different programs given by the center’s naturalists. These programs are available to schools, 4-H clubs, scouts, and other interested groups. Nature Center Programs Brochure

Nature trails, a birds of prey exhibit, and a backyard habitat area (a demonstration area on how to attract birds, butterflies, and other animals to your backyard) can be enjoyed on the center’s grounds as well as a walk through the center’s new Butterfly House (open from June through October). Adjacent to the nature center is the state’s only warm-water intensive-culture fish hatchery. Visitors are welcome to walk around the outside tanks at any time. Guided tours of the hatchery are offered Saturdays and Sundays from mid-April to October or by appointment any time of the year.

To reach the nature center, go five miles north on US Highway 77 from Interstate 70 (exit 295) then 2 miles west on Kansas Highway 57. The Milford Nature Center is located below the Milford Dam.