Plains Conservation Center
Explore a reconstructed prairie homestead and Cheyenne camp, hike trails, and encounter wildlife at this educational conservation center.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free days & special events
Plains Conservation Center
Best Time
Free days & special events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a reconstructed prairie homestead and Cheyenne camp, hike trails, and encounter wildlife at this educational conservation center.
"A surprisingly neat and engaging place with no cost! Bring the kids and let them burn off some energy."
🎯 Check for Free Days
Visit on free days for wagon rides, animal demos, and tours. Donations are welcome!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are well-developed, some are wide enough for vehicles. Good for walking and exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Homestead & Tipi Camp
Prairie Homestead Area
Step back in time at the 1880s homestead and Cheyenne tipi village. Experience life on the plains firsthand.
Wildlife Encounters
Various Trails
Spot pronghorn, bald eagles, and prairie dogs in their natural habitat. Bring binoculars for the best views!
Interactive Educational Programs
Visitor Center & Event Areas
Engage with friendly volunteers and learn about prairie life through demonstrations and special events, often featuring live birds of prey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Prairie Ecosystem
Free Days & Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check for Free Days
Visit on free days for wagon rides, animal demos, and tours. Donations are welcome!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are well-developed, some are wide enough for vehicles. Good for walking and exploring.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Essential for spotting wildlife like pronghorn and nesting eagles from a distance.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Especially important during warmer months. Stay hydrated while exploring the prairie.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check for Free Days
Visit on free days for wagon rides, animal demos, and tours. Donations are welcome!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are well-developed, some are wide enough for vehicles. Good for walking and exploring.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Essential for spotting wildlife like pronghorn and nesting eagles from a distance.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Especially important during warmer months. Stay hydrated while exploring the prairie.
🚗 Easy Access & Parking
Conveniently located off Hampden with ample parking, making it a stress-free start to your visit.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Exploration
Children love feeding farm animals and exploring the historic sites. A great place for them to burn energy.
🐍 Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for native species like prairie rattlesnakes; admire from a safe distance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Plains Conservation Center for its educational value, friendly volunteers, and engaging historical exhibits. Many highlight the free admission and the opportunity to see native wildlife and learn about prairie life. While some note the landscape is primarily short grasses, the overall experience is highly recommended for families and nature lovers.
"This is a great place to learn about how the first settlers survived and lived on the plains. The volunteers are so friendly and passionate and love kids. Families with kids had a blast feeding the farm animals and I loved chatting to the Botanic Garden volunteers in the veggie garden. A woman in period clothing was baking delicious molasses cookies in one of the “soddies”. They even have an old school house. You can walk to the buildings or ride in a wagon, which I did, because it was really hot. I went on a Saturday, entry was free (donations welcome). Overall a very positive experience, would definitely recommend."
Freude am Geigen
"We wanted to see some good prairie and possibly some wildflowers so we gave the Plains Conservation Center a try. Right off Hampden and easy access with plenty of parking, it started off on the right foot.
There is a nice visitor center(with helpful and friendly volunteers), training buildings, admin building, restrooms, a yurt and nice demonstration garden.
We hit the PCC welcome trail just north of the buildings. As there are guided tours, the trails are big enough to allow passage of motor vehicles.
Almost immediately we began seeing Pronghorn. I think we ended up seeing around 25 of them. We were hoping to see more forbs and bluestone, but it was mainly short grasses. And, unfortunately, along the Soddie Trail, a lot bull and Canadian Thistle.
Trails: Seem to be well developed. We took the PCC Welcome Trail, Toll Gate Fork Trail, Soddie Trail and then part of the North Soddie Loop for a total of 2.6 miles. Maps show these trail locations and distances well. There was a thunderstorm moving into the area so we had to cut our exploration short.
However, besides the Pronghorn, there were two adult Bald Eagles nesting (about where Riparian Trail and Toll Gate Fork Trail meet) and a juvenile sitting in the trees. The hills to the east of the creek is where we saw most of the Pronghorn.
Along the North Soddie Loop trail there are numerous stations with old farm equipment. Pretty cool if you like thus kind of stuff. I think most had QR codes to learn mire about them.
In addition, there are three tipis set-up in an education area and a garden, corral and sod house (?) we didn't explore due to the weather.
There were additional trails we didn't explore, but will be back to check them out as well!"
Peter Boyd
"A surprisingly neat and engaging place. We parked and walked to the farm site past all the antique farm equipment. The visitors center is really good at educating people about the plants and animals of the CO prairie. On a nicer day, I’d take time to hike the loop and enjoy all the views. Plus, no cost! Bring the kids and let them burn off some energy. 😊"
LS Sheldon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Plains Conservation Center is located at 21901 E. Hampden Avenue in Aurora, CO. It's easily accessible by car with plenty of parking available.
Information on public transportation options is limited, but driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the center.
The center is situated right off Hampden, making it straightforward to find. Use GPS for precise navigation to 21901 E. Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the center, making it easy for visitors to access the grounds.
The center is part of a trail system and has been used for trail unity runs, suggesting it's bike-friendly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Plains Conservation Center is often free, especially on special event days. Donations are always welcome to support their conservation efforts.
The center is typically open to the public Wednesday through Sunday. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most current hours.
Yes, the center hosts free days, often featuring wagon rides, live animal presentations, and tours of the historic village.
For general visits, advance booking is usually not required. However, for special events or group tours, it's advisable to inquire about reservations.
The center is generally open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, so weekday visits are possible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can often spot pronghorn, bald eagles, prairie dogs, and various native plants. Keep an eye out for smaller creatures too!
Yes, there are well-developed trails like the PCC Welcome Trail and Soddie Trail, suitable for walking and exploring the prairie.
You can explore a reconstructed 1880s prairie homestead, a Cheyenne tipi camp, and an old schoolhouse, offering a glimpse into historical life.
Guided tours are often available, especially on special event days, and volunteers are present to share information about the prairie ecosystem and history.
It's recommended to bring water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, and binoculars for wildlife viewing. Sunscreen and hats are also advisable.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dedicated food vendors on-site. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy during their visit.
Yes, picnicking is a great way to enjoy the natural surroundings. Bring your own food and find a scenic spot to relax.
Being located in Aurora, CO, there are numerous restaurants and cafes a short drive away from the center.
It's best to bring your own water as there are no facilities for purchasing drinks on-site.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food is encouraged, allowing you to enjoy a meal amidst the prairie landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic homestead, tipi village, and open prairie landscapes offer great photo opportunities. Wildlife sightings also make for fantastic shots. 
Yes, photography of the native wildlife is encouraged, but always maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the animals.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permits.
Early morning and late afternoon light (golden hour) can create beautiful, dramatic shots of the prairie and historic structures.
Yes, prairie dogs are active and can be photographed, especially if you are patient and observe their colonies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for special events like 'Trick or Treat' nature walks or days with live animal presentations from HawkQuest, which are always a hit with children.
The friendly volunteers are great with kids, making the educational aspects engaging and fun. Remember to bring water and snacks, as there are no food facilities on-site. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Bring your binoculars to enhance your wildlife spotting experience, as pronghorn and various bird species are common sightings. The center's commitment to preserving the prairie ecosystem makes it a valuable spot for anyone interested in natural history and conservation.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic prairie views, saving money on dining out. The free access and self-guided exploration make it an ideal outing for those looking to maximize their travel budget while still having a rich and memorable experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Prairie Ecosystem
Visitors can explore various trails that wind through the prairie, offering opportunities to observe the flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for iconic prairie inhabitants like pronghorn, prairie dogs, and various bird species. The center also emphasizes the historical significance of the plains, showcasing how indigenous peoples and early settlers interacted with and utilized this environment.
Understanding the prairie ecosystem is crucial for conservation efforts. The Plains Conservation Center provides an accessible and engaging way for people to connect with this vital natural heritage, fostering appreciation and a desire to protect these open spaces for future generations.
A Journey Through History: Homesteads and Tipis
Adjacent to the homestead, you'll find a Cheyenne tipi camp, representing the traditional dwelling of indigenous peoples who inhabited these lands for centuries. This exhibit provides insight into their nomadic lifestyle, deep connection to the land, and sustainable practices. The juxtaposition of these two historical perspectives highlights the diverse human history of the Great Plains.
These historical reconstructions are not just static displays; they are living history exhibits brought to life by passionate volunteers, some even dressed in period clothing. This immersive experience allows visitors, especially families, to connect with the past in a meaningful and educational way.
Wildlife Spotting and Conservation
Beyond the larger mammals and birds, the center is also home to smaller creatures like black-tailed prairie dogs, whose bustling colonies are a fascinating spectacle. You might also encounter reptiles, such as the prairie rattlesnake, a reminder of the diverse and sometimes surprising inhabitants of the plains.
These wildlife encounters underscore the importance of conservation efforts. By protecting these natural spaces, the Plains Conservation Center helps ensure the survival of these species and their habitats. Visitors are encouraged to observe wildlife respectfully from a distance, using binoculars to enhance their viewing experience without disturbing the animals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit