Walk with Wildlife at the Great Plains Nature Center

This is an activity that could easily become an annual family tradition. Get up close and personal with wildlife at the annual Walk with Wildlife at the Great Plains Nature Center here in Wichita on Saturday, May 20, 2023. It makes for a fun and interesting day spent outside. Really, it’s such a treat! And admission is only $10 per carload for the whole day.

What You’ll See:

Walk with Wildlife is an immersive experience where you’ll tour habitat stations set up throughout the inner loop of Chisholm Creek Park. You’ll meet turtles, ducks, snakes, honeybees, mammals, amphibians, and raptors. If you’ve never met a bald eagle up close, this is your chance! Be sure to check out our fishing station and meet teams from the Flatland Fly Fishers, the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit, Pratt Education Center, Southeast Kansas Nature Center, Beaver’s Den Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and more. Our paved nature trail is ADA compliant and accessible to all.

Location and Directions:

The Great Plains Nature Center is located at 6232 E 29th St N, Wichita, Kansas. If you’re arriving by car, the nature center is easily accessible via highway K-96.

• Take the Woodlawn St. exit and go south.
• Turn right on 29^th St. and take a quick right into our parking lot where you’ll pay $10 to enter the parking lot. (Bring Cash or Scan a QR Code to Submit Payment)
• Want guided directions? Click here.

$10 Carload Entry Fee:

Walk with Wildlife has an entry fee of $10 per carload, which helps support the conservation efforts and educational programs of the center. You can pay with cash or scan a QR code at our entry station in the parking lot. No prior registration is required.

Weather Considerations:

Check the weather forecast for Wichita, Kansas, on the day of your visit. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions, wearing comfortable walking shoes, and consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. If it’s raining we’ve got a plan for that, too! Rain or shine, plan to come on out and meet wildlife from across our beautiful state.

What to Bring:

Here are some essential items to bring with you for a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

a. Camera: Capture the beauty of the Great Plains Nature Center and its wildlife by bringing your camera or smartphone. Our wetlands are teaming with all sorts of amazing birds, fish, turtles, and more!

b. Binoculars: If you plan to adventure farther into the park, bring a pair of binoculars to enhance your wildlife observation opportunities. You’ll have a better chance of spotting birds, mammals, and other creatures if you’d like to explore the park after visiting our educational stations.

c. Pocket Guide and Agents of Discovery App: Pick up a pocket guide from the front desk at the nature center and install the Agents of Discovery app on your smartphone before visiting Walk with Wildlife. These resources can help you identify the various species you encounter during the walk and are a great way to introduce your family to these species before they see them in person on Saturday!

They’ll have various insects, reptiles, mammals, birds, and amphibians and can answer any questions you or the kids may have.

When you’ve had enough of the Kansas heat, head indoors to the Koch Habitat Hall to enjoy the hands-on activities and nature displays in air-conditioned comfort. Catch a fun and educational videos in Coleman Auditorium and shop in the Owl’s Nest Gift Shop. Don’t miss the outstanding publications and guides by local authors and photographers for sale in the gift shop.

Bring your camera! This will be a good day to get pictures of the kids and the wildlife. 

Paul Spexarth of the Kansas Hawking Club at the 2008 Walk With Wildlife.  This is one of my favorite pictures from that day.

Walk with Wildlife
Date: Saturday, May 120, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Chisholm Creek Park, Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E. 29th Street North
Cost: $10 per car load
For more information, visit the Great Plains Nature Center website here.