Not far outside of Lincoln, a tallgrass prairie teeming with beautiful plants and diverse wildlife is waiting for your visit. You may think that winter is an odd time to visit an outdoor nature preserve, but Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center is absolutely gorgeous any time of year.
The 850-acre site includes areas of native tallgrass prairie, woodlands, and wetlands.
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
This Audubon Center is an important part of the migration journey for many types of birds. Winter is a particularly fantastic time to spy some of the state’s winged visitors and permanent residents. You can see at least eight different species here if you keep your eyes peeled.
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
There are plenty of other animals to spot at Spring Creek Prairie, though sightings may be a little less frequent in the winter.
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
The center regularly hosts guided wildflower and bird walks to get visitors acquainted with all of the magic that Nebraska nature has to offer.
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
You can also venture out on your own. There are miles of trails where you can go explore at all times of the year. Bring your snowshoes in the winter for a particularly memorable experience!
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
Spring Creek Prairie isn’t just beautiful; it’s also historic. The wagons of pioneers traveled through this very place in the 19th century, and the deep ruts they left behind can still be seen. In this picture, they are filled with snow, at the top of the hill and just to the left of the bare tree.
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
This pristine prairie has never been touched by a plow, so it gives you a real sense of what it looked like hundreds of years ago. Educational programs are offered year round so visitors of all ages can learn about this place and what it means to Nebraska.
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center can be found at 11700 SW 100th Street in Denton. It is open seven days a week, all year except for major holidays. Admission is very affordable at $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, students, and children (6-17); and free for children 5 and under. Or go on a Tuesday when admission is free for everyone! Visit their site for more information on future classes and other programs. If you’re not a fan of being outdoors in the winter, the prairie is also completely magical in every other season.
Facebook/Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
Looking for even more natural beauty in the Cornhusker State? Check out the 8 Natural Wonders of Nebraska.
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