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    Plains Conservation Center

    4.7 (23 reviews)
    Open 6:30 am - 4:30 pm

    Plains Conservation Center Photos

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    Crafts December 2022
    Bee W.

    I bought tickets for a wagon ride at the center. I have never visited this natural space even though o have driven past it many times before. We drove through the entrance and towards buildings. There were two signs directing us to the parking lot. We walked towards the wagon and were directed to check in at the visitor center. They had craft tables set up in the visitor center. Also restrooms available. They announced the ride would begin soon and for us to gather outside. We boarded the wagon and took advantage of the cushioned mats for us to sit on. They also had quilts for the cold. I must have not read the description well because the naturalist, David, told us Santa was riding with us! What a surprise. He was the western Santa with cowboy hat and curled mustache. Slightly bumpy ride but David told us lots of interesting facts about the area and plants and animals which thrive there. The ride stopped in different areas for us to look at the various locations of interest. The herd of pronghorn were amazing. We saw a bald eagle nest and the bald eagles. That was even more amazing. After the ride we got to visit with Santa, Mrs Claud and an elf. Drink hot chocolate or cider and sit by the fire. Restrooms were available in that building as well. I complete the chime stick craft I started before the ride and made an ornament for our tree as a momento. What a fun day. Even my son enjoyed it. I was afraid it would be boring for him as he had visited the center twice before. Another memory made.

    Alisa J.

    The Plains Conservation Center is such a cool and beautiful place. It's definitely a bit out there, but it's worth it to feel a bit more out of the city. They have some nice walking trails and it's cool to see all of the historic artifacts and buildings. Highly recommend checking it out!

    Wendy H.

    Go to this place when it's SCFD free day because they have a full day of fun things. When we went, HawkQuest was there with Kin introducing us to an owl, Harris Hawk, Bald Eagle, and Perrigrine falcon. Next there was a wagon ride where we learned about all those pronghorns and prairie dogs who we're watching us pass by. We got introduced to Cherokee Indian artifacts while inside one of the teepees. The sod houses are interesting to see too as they remind us that the are was once without trees. The staff is always so informative and engaging.

    Michael M.

    The PCC is an excellent glimpse into Colorado's past. I went there one late afternoon and there were no activities, but it's not hard to see this place would be an excellent place for kids and school groups, and adults will enjoy this place to. While walking down the gravel road, I took in the vast plains views, and contemplated what life would be like in the eastern plains as a settler trying to carve out a living in what is essentially a barren wasteland much of the year. I enjoyed the geese flying in formation, the cattle running in the distance but did not, unfortunately, see the antelope. I wasn't certain how much of the structures were real versus reproduction, a testament to the quality of the work put into the park. The road is lined with the remains of farm implements from several different periods of history. The trails provide a beautiful place to get a long gentle hike. If you love history, scenery and wildlife, this is the place to go. Just minutes from Denver, yet a world away.

    Teepees on the horizon.
    Pete H.

    This is a fun interactive place to tour. It's a gem near Aurora, Denver, and Centennial. We rode the wagon on a Saturday tour with Julie, who was knowledgeable and fun. Tourists ranged for 5 to 80 years old and it looked like it could accommodate a wheelchair. Binoculars were even provided. Julie shared some interactive props illustrating how much water the area gets per year and we all got to touch prong horn antlers and skin. We saw many animals and learned a lot about short grass prairies. We hiked around a bit too and checked out the teepees. I'd recommend this as a nature experience to anyone into the open plains, old west history, or viewing wildlife.

    Prairie Dogs!
    Meg H.

    Who knew a place like this existed in the Denver Metro area? The Plains is a 1000 acre (and 9000 additional acres 30 miles further east) outdoor education facility, where kids of all ages can learn a bit about the 19th century prairie settlers, the plains indians, and all kinds of prairie wildlife. It started out in 1949 to educate farmers in farming and ranching techniques to avoid another dust bowl disaster. It is now an educational non-profit, funded by private donations. The best part? It's FREE! They do have programs that will charge a nominal fee, such as guided nature walks, bird watching , and constellation programs. The site also hosts a farm to table dinner each season, where the chefs use cooking techniques of the era. But for 6 days a week you can stroll the grounds at no charge, for as long as its open. The grounds are just lovely, in a windblown, Little House On The Prairie sort of way. You could spend all day out here, listening to the prairie dogs warning each other of your presence (did you know their yips have adjectives?), checking out the sod houses, the one room schoolhouse, petting the big cows, chasing chickens, or viewing the reptiles in the prairie house. Want to ride your bike? Come on out, and avoid the crowds on the metro bike paths. With 1000 acres to explore, there's a good chance you will have some privacy. This is an especially great place for kids to run around and get some fresh air, and learn something in the process.

    The Plains Center of Aurora at sunset is a beautiful place.

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    2 months ago

    Great people who have a lot of knowledge of the area. Highly recommend. We went to do a tour & attended a pow wow.

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    Staff were so helpful and informative. They clearly love their work. Good walk/ hike during cooler weather. No shade

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    8 years ago

    Oh my god! Such a great place for kids. We saw so many animals on the wagon ride! Totally worth it. A hidden gem :)

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    Ask the Community - Plains Conservation Center

    Review Highlights - Plains Conservation Center

    On our first visit we enjoyed the farm - especially the chickens - and just walking around the prairie and all of the wildlife.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    This is always a worthy trek. We left early because it gets hot, quick. Our family has been…read moresupportive of this organization for several years now. The staff is pleasant and the volunteers are informative. We had a lovely walk. I like the rubber-like surface that has been added to the walkway. They are always improving. We saw many animals out enjoying the early morning breeze before the heat of the day. By the time we got back to our vehicle it was getting quite warm. Always a great experience.

    We brought our young kids here on Saturday and had a wonderful experience. We got there at 9 am…read more(right when they opened the doors) and while it was very windy on the walkway, it was a relief against the blazing sun. Many of the animals were active until around 10:30/11 when the temperature warmed up. Right out of the welcome center, we saw 2 of their jaguars (which we were told are usually pretty elusive), some foxes, bobcats, bears, and to our happy surprise, a cheetah. It came out of the shade in the back of its habitat and approached the fence close to the walkway because an employee was driving by. It sat there for awhile until the employee drove off, so we were able to get lots of pictures. My son LOVES cheetahs, so this was definitely a highlight for us. Of course, when we mentioned it to not 1, but 2 employees/volunteers, they both said that that sanctuary location doesn't have any cheetahs. I showed them the pictures and they stated that it was a leopard. While they certainly do have a leopard (which we also saw), this was indeed a cheetah. So, my 1 suggestion to the sanctuary is to educate the staff on the animals there. Aside from that, we also saw wolves, lions, tigers, and camels. Be prepared to walk the 3 miles round trip. Bring lots of water and snacks (they have bathrooms and shaded rest stops along the way). Bring binoculars (or rent theirs for $10 like we did)--the sanctuary is expansive, far beyond what's next to the walkway. And take your time! We told our littles that the animals were playing hide and seek. It is a worthwhile experience!

    Plains Conservation Center - nonprofit - Updated September 2026

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