Established in 1963 at the western end of Pioneers Park, the Nature Center is where Lincoln goes to remember what the land looked like before the city. Eight miles of trails wind through native prairie grasses, woodlands, and wetlands along Haines Branch Creek. The bison herd is the headline — bison have been in Pioneers Park since 1931, and recent additions from the Crane Trust brought the herd to twelve — with elk, white-tailed deer, turkey vultures, and owls in naturalistic exhibits along the trails.
Two interpretive buildings anchor a visit: the Chet Ager Building, with live animals, a bee skep, and a big herb garden, and the newer Prairie Building, a LEED-Silver straw-bale building with a green roof, prairie displays, and a gift shop. Kids who’ve been here on school field trips drag their parents back for the bison.
Admission is free; donations welcome. Buildings are generally open 9 to 4:30 (noon to 4:30 Sundays). Enter at 3201 S. Coddington or 2801 W. Van Dorn and follow the signs west about a mile and a half. No pets past the parking lot, and apply sunscreen before you leave the car — the wind carries it onto the flower beds.