Home › Kansas › Lawrence › Prairie Park Nature Center
Prairie Park Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 610 Google reviews · Running trail in Lawrence, Kansas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Prairie Park Nature Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
100-acres of wetlands, woodlands, prairie habitats & a lake, plus a nature center with live birds.
What runners say about Prairie Park Nature Center
“The grounds are nicely kept up with moved paths, paved areas and the beautiful lake!”
My family really enjoys the trails to walk on. It is a nice little jaunt around Mary's lake and back up to the nature center. Inside the nature center itself, they have all kinds of different animals as well as taxidermy and furs to feel. There is a classroom and they teach kids about different local animals.
I absolutely love this place!! First off, it is free to explore. The animals are amazing! I could have spent all day just chatting with them. The grounds are nicely kept up with moved paths, paved areas and the beautiful lake!
A really fun/educational place to visit. Our students loved the hands on show and tell- with super friendly and knowledgeable staff members. The display inside were great and the animals were fun to see & learn about.
Great nature center with 5 species of live owls. Free and fee programs. Also has walking trails, playground, lake for fishing and gift store. One of my favorite places in Lawrence.
Trail conditions & character
Plan your run at Prairie Park Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitelawrenceks.org
- Phone(785) 832-7980
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Lawrence
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Burroughs Creek Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 110 reviews
Clean park featuring a kids' playground, a splash pad and a trail.
Naismith Valley Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 89 reviews
25-acre park consisting of prairie grassland & trees that are home to many types of birds.
Baker University Wetlands
4.8 ★★★★★ 247 reviews
Spacious wetlands covering 927 acres, popular for bird & wildlife viewing, hikes & other recreation.
Lawrence Riverfront Park MB Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 60 reviews
Park with trails for walking and biking.
Lawrence River Trails
4.8 ★★★★★ 304 reviews
Popular cycling and hiking spot, with river views (and boat ramps).
Burcham Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 349 reviews
City park with a playground, trail & view of the Kansas River plus a preserved cottonwood forest.