This nature center is around the corner from my house and I have been coming here for years so it will always hold a place in my heart. I primarily come here to run. There is not a lot of visible wildlife compared to some of the other nature centers in the area although I have seen butterflies, raccoons, armadillos, and a really large land turtle on the grassy plains part in the way back.

When you first enter you follow an elevated boardwalk to the two story visitors center. The lower level has a ranger station with some educational displays. To the left is an amphitheater with bench seating. On weekends I have seen folk concerts and weddings held here. Also on the lower level you will find the bathrooms and water fountains. The second floor is a reception area called Royal Fern Hall complete with a kitchen that can be rented for weddings and meetings. Every Halloween they do a nice program for the kiddies up there. Once a week they also offer yoga in the park. There is a sign advertising it at the entrance from Lyons Road.

Once you go around the visitors center you will come to a small gate that will take you out to the paths. The path to the left is the Cypress Creek Trail. It is a half mile elevated boardwalk that loops back around to the start. This is the only good area for a wheelchair. The path to the right takes you over a small bridge and out to the back field and a path that goes through the woods. Here you will find the one mile Prairie Overlook Trail that has a small elevated covered observation platform with benches. Maps for everything are at the visitors center.

If you come here you want to make absolutely sure that nothing is left visible in your car. There has been a number of break ins primarily taking place later in the day towards closing time when there are less people around. You also want to bring some bug spray with you especially if you plan on going through the woods. The last time I was here this month was not bad but I have been here when the mosquitoes were so thick I literally ran for my life. This a great and cheap (no fee) place to relax in nature and decompress from the stress of the work week.