Prairie Park Nature Center opened in 1999 as an 80-acre nature preserve on the east side of Lawrence.

The preserve incorporates wetlands, woodlands and prairie habitats and a five acre lake.  Visitors may see a wide variety of native Kansas wildlife on the property including beavers, deer, bobcats and birds of prey.

The nature center preserve and education building are operated by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department and funded by City of Lawrence sales tax revenue.

Prairie Park offers walking trails for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts as well as educational programs to the public, schools and local groups.

Mary’s Lake is just a short walk from the education building and is open for public fishing. It is stocked with fish by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

The education building features natural habitat dioramas, displays and live animals, including a live bird of prey collection with eagles, owls, hawks and falcons.