MDConline Mobile

Campus Features

•  The nature center features a 160-seat auditorium, three classrooms, hands-on exhibits for all ages, a scientific research laboratory, freshwater aquariums, and an indoor wildlife viewing area.
• The “White Oak Trace” features two miles of nature trails allowing visitors to traverse rolling river hills with sinkholes, deep hollows, and ravines covered with prominent stands of poplar and oak.
• Native plants featured in the nature center’s landscape provide habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other wildlife species.
• The nature center’s gift shop features a wide variety of educational books, videos, and nature-related items. Final sales must be made by 4:30 pm.

Exhibit Gallery

Gallery visitors can start their experience by learning from Paul Corbin’s collection of Native American artifacts by viewing primitive tools that were used to harvest plants and animals hundreds of years ago. Interactive exhibits encourage exploration of the forest, marsh, swamp, and big river habitats of Southeast Missouri. Visitors can learn where to go in the region to experience these unique natural features and gain insight into local opportunities for camping, hunting, and fishing.

Making Connections

• Attend one of the many public programs, films, workshops or special events offered at the nature center. For more information on how to get involved subscribe to the nature center’s newsletter.
• Bring an organized group by calling in advance to schedule a naturalist – conducted program or hike. Request a leader guide to help plan your visit. Bus parking is available.
• Visit the Educators Resource Room to learn about the curriculum materials, videos, and discovery trunks available to teachers and youth leaders. Schedule a meeting or attend a workshop with a Conservation Education Consultant to experience methods for incorporating conservation principals into all disciplines.
• Help a child learn how to fish at the “Kids Only” fishing pond near the nature center’s entrance. Try a new outdoor skill at one of our skills workshops or meet with the area Outdoor Skills Specialist.
• Become a volunteer and share your enthusiasm for conservation through various opportunities.

What Does It Cost?

Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, a state agency supported by fishing and hunting license revenues and the statewide 1/8-of-one percent “Design for Conservation” sales tax. There is no admission charge.