Here at Pioneers Park Nature Center we believe the best way to learn about nature is to experience it first-hand. Programs and events are offered year round to provide guided experiences for all ages. Some of our programs include nature-based preschool for 3-5 year olds, nature themed birthday parties, summer day camps for 3-17 year olds, and other public programing – see our June events listed below. We hope to see you on the trails soon.
Pioneers Park Nature Center is located on the west end of Pioneers Park, 3210 S. Coddington Ave.
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:30 am – 5 pm, Sunday: noon – 5 pm
- 668 acres of woodland, wetland, and prairie habitat to explore
- Over 8 miles of hiking trails winding through the various habitats, gardens, and natural play area
- Two interpretive centers, the Chet Ager Building and Prairie Center
- Indoor and outdoor exhibits including live animals such as snakes, turtles, owls, hawks, and bison
- Admission is free
Open Late – Tuesdays This Summer
The Nature Center has extended hours this summer. Every Tuesday* May 29 – August 28 we will be open till 8 pm (*except July 3, August 7, and August 14 due to other programing in the park). The Chet Ager Building will close at 7:30 pm. Woodland and wetland trails close at 8 pm.
June Programs
Bites, Bikes, and Bison
Join the Friends of Pioneers Park Nature Center for a family friendly bike event on June 30, 2018,
Kids are FREE! $15/adult ticket or $12/ticket for Friends of Pioneers Park Nature Center.
Tickets and more info available at lnknaturecenter.org/bbb. Get your tickets early and present the confirmation email at Wheelie Good Bike Shop (5633 S 16th Street) to have a complimentary chain and cassette check, plus 15% off of an annual service. Enjoy food and drink form local vendors, 11 am – 2 pm. Options include: Gilded Swine, Dig’N Taco Loco, Pepe’s, Gelato to Go, Happy Raven local beer and cider.
Participants choose their bike ride route. First ride will depart at 9 am.
- 4 mile easy flat route on trails in the park, one water stop included.
- 11 mile out and back (includes 1 free drink at White Elm Brewing Co.)
- 17 miles downtown loop (includes ½ off drink at Method Cycles and Craft House and 1 free drink at White Elm Brewing Co.)
- Strider course for kids *Some Strider bikes will be available.
Family fun at the Nature Center during and after bike rides.
- Hayrack tours of the bison and prairie.
- Picnic on the bison pasture overlook
- Yard games, including a bison chip toss
Nature’s Treasure Trek 
Fridays in June, 9:30 – 10:30 am
$3/person/trek
Join us each week for a treasure trek around the Nature Center. A special theme each week will give us clues to what to search for on our trials. This program is geared towards young children and their families. Register the Wednesday before each trek.
- June 8 – Our Forest Friends
- June 15 – Trees, Seeds, and Bees
- June 22 – Can you Dig it?
- June 29 – Where the Bison Roam
Father’s Day – Frogs and Floats 
Sunday, June 17, 1-3 pm
$20/family
Spend the afternoon celebrating dads with frog catching, tadpole chasing, and exploring the wetlands at the Nature Center. We’ll have nets to dip in the water, buckets to collect critters, magnifiers to get a closer look, and field guides to help ID our findings. After the exploration we’ll relax with a cool treat of root beer floats. Old shoes are recommended. Register by June 13.
Contact Us:
Phone number: 402-441-7895
Email: naturecenter@lincoln.ne.gov
Website: parks.lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter
Stay connected
- Sign up for our online newsletter. It’s simple - fill out the form and check the Pioneers Park Nature Center box.
- Follow @LNKnaturecenter on facebook, Instagram, and twitter.
Pioneers Park Nature Center is a valued sponsor of Macaroni Kid Lincoln. We appreciate your support in reviewing our sponsors' emails and hope that their products and services are useful for your family. Macaroni Kid Lincoln is supported solely by our local sponsors. Please note that if you choose to unsubscribe to this email, you will no longer receive the free weekly Macaroni Kid Lincoln email newsletter and event calendar. Thank you for reading!
