spring creek prairie audubon center

This was a great experience for our family. There is something for everybody here! There is great history, there are wonderful walks in nature and the people working there are very friendly and helpful. How many places this close to Lincoln can you see wagon tracks from over 100 years ago and the hands on activities are perfect for people of all ages.

A friend brought me here to experience the tallgrass prairie. We walked through the grasses up a hill and spread out a blanket for a picnic in the middle of the field. It was so relaxing to lie down and listen to the grasses moving in the wind while the sun warmed my bare feet, arms, and face. There are extensive walking trails on this 800+ acre nature reserve, and you can see where the settlers drove their wagons along the cutoff for the Oregon Trail. Best of all, it's super close to Lincoln. While I was there, a local yoga group was having a retreat in one of the buildings, and outside was another group planning an outdoor wedding at the site. There was also a neat set of exhibits inside, including skeletons, taxidermy, and pelts of animals. They have a gift shop, too. I would go back here next time I'm in Lincoln because it was so peaceful and beautiful. My friend told me to return in late September because the grasses will turn color to a brilliant gold.

Wanted to see an "original" piece of the prairie...as the pioneers saw it...and the Audubon Center has over 600 acres of never tilled prairie. Really fun to see an original slice of the American Great Plains and Tallgrass Prairie. Be aware that the prairie grasses do not reach the full 6 foot height until the Fall. The Audubon Center is well designed (it includes a small interpretive center, restrooms and a picnic area) and has easy trails to walk. Although you could spend all day here, our visit of about an hour was sufficient. Since it is only about 10 minutes off I-80 it could make for a relatively quick (and educational) stop along your route.