Pioneer Park And Nature Center stands as a unique gem in Lincoln, Nebraska, offering an immersive experience in nature and history. This expansive center provides diverse facilities and exhibits designed to educate and inspire visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. From modern, eco-friendly buildings showcasing regional ecosystems to historic structures that whisper tales of the past, Pioneer Park and Nature Center seamlessly blends learning and outdoor adventure.
Modern Buildings at Pioneer Park and Nature Center: Exploring Ecosystems and Innovation
The modern buildings at Pioneer Park and Nature Center serve as gateways to understanding the natural world. Each building is thoughtfully designed to enhance the visitor experience and promote environmental stewardship.
Chet Ager Building: Wetlands and Woodlands Exploration
The Chet Ager Building is your first stop for delving into the fascinating ecosystems of wetlands and woodlands, including the unique saline wetlands of eastern Nebraska. Inside, engaging exhibits provide in-depth information about these vital habitats. Large windows offer stunning views of Heron Pond and a meticulously cultivated garden, complete with bird feeders and water features. This thoughtfully designed outdoor space attracts a wide array of bird species, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. Adjacent to the building, visitors can explore the fragrant Louise Evans Doole Herb Garden and the interactive Children’s Garden, further enriching their connection with nature.
Prairie Building: Sustainable Design and Prairie Ecosystems
The Prairie Building is an exemplar of green building design and a showcase for the plants and animals of the Great Plains. This LEED-certified building incorporates numerous sustainable features, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. Constructed with straw bales, geothermal heating and cooling, recycled and low VOC materials, and topped with a green roof, the Prairie Building embodies eco-conscious design. Inside, over one thousand square feet of exhibit space features live animal displays and interactive exhibits highlighting prairie ecosystems.
The Prairie Building also houses essential visitor amenities and administrative functions:
- Extensive Exhibit Space: Over 1,000 square feet dedicated to prairie ecosystem displays, including live animal exhibits.
- Public Conveniences: Restrooms and a drinking fountain are readily available for visitors.
- Nature Preschool Classrooms: Dedicated spaces for early childhood nature education programs.
- Nature Center Administration Offices: Administrative hub for the park’s operations.
- Gift Shop: A delightful shop offering snacks and a variety of nature-themed items such as books, field guides, note cards, and educational toys.
- Malinovskis Auditorium: A rentable space for meetings and events.
Malinovskis Auditorium: Unique Event Space in Nature
For a truly unique event venue, consider the Malinovskis Auditorium. This flexible meeting room offers a peaceful and natural setting overlooking a serene pond and prairie landscape. Ideal for a variety of gatherings, from business meetings and club events to lectures, workshops, and even birthday celebrations, the auditorium can accommodate 80 guests in auditorium-style seating or 60 at tables. Rental includes tables, chairs, sound and video equipment, a kitchenette, and coffee urns. Two doors open onto a spacious deck, extending the usable space and providing direct access to the prairie trailhead. For reservations, please call 402-441-7895.
Lynn Johnson Nature Education Building: A Hub for Learning
The Lynn Johnson Nature Education Building, completed in 2020, serves as a dedicated learning laboratory for students and program participants. Funded through the Lincoln Parks Foundation and generous contributions, this building is designed to facilitate hands-on outdoor education experiences. Please note that this building is not open to the general public and is reserved for scheduled programs.
Step Back in Time: Historic Buildings at Pioneer Park and Nature Center
Pioneer Park and Nature Center also preserves and celebrates local history through its collection of historic buildings, offering a glimpse into Nebraska’s past.
Cunningham School: Experience 19th Century Education
Step back in time at the Cunningham School, originally Saunders County District 113. This charming one-room schoolhouse, initially built in the 1800s and rebuilt in the 1930s after a fire, offers a unique historical perspective. Moved to the Nature Center in 2009, the Cunningham School provides a living history experience for area 4th-grade students. During the school year, children participate in a day-long program simulating a school day in the late 1800s. The schoolhouse, situated on a hill overlooking the Martin Prairie, is open to the public during special events, offering a fascinating glimpse into Nebraska’s educational heritage.
Hudson Cabin: Pioneer Living History
The Hudson Cabin tells a compelling story of early pioneer life in Lancaster County. Built by Thomas Jefferson Hudson in 1863, this cabin was considered a grand home in its time, even boasting a shingled roof, a rare luxury. Remarkably, this cabin was “rediscovered” in 1964 during a remodeling project in Lincoln and saved from demolition. After a period of storage and restoration, the Hudson Cabin found its permanent home at Pioneer Park Nature Center in 2010. During 4th-grade Prairie Immersion hikes, students visit the cabin to understand the scale of a “grand” pioneer home – a modest 14 x 16 feet. The Hudson Cabin is also open to the public during special events, providing a tangible connection to Lincoln’s early history.
Explore the Gardens at Pioneer Park and Nature Center: Beauty and Biodiversity
The gardens at Pioneer Park and Nature Center are thoughtfully designed to showcase the beauty and ecological importance of prairie plants and provide inspiration for home gardeners. Many plants featured are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for the Nebraska climate.
Louise Evans Doole Herb Garden: Aromatic and Educational
Established in 1972 and renovated in 2003, the Louise Evans Doole Herb Garden is a sensory delight located north of the Chet Ager Building. Named after Mrs. Doole, a renowned editor and author on herbs, the garden has expanded from 16 to over 150 labeled herb varieties. This fragrant garden is meticulously maintained by staff and volunteers and serves as an educational resource, showcasing the diverse world of herbs.
Irene and George Alexander Bird Garden: A Backyard Bird Sanctuary
The Irene and George Alexander Bird Garden, established in 2012 west of the Chet Ager Building, is a haven for birds and a demonstration of backyard wildlife habitat creation. This garden features feeders, a water feature, and a diverse selection of flowering plants and shrubs specifically chosen to attract birds. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching from within the Chet Ager Building or from the strategically placed bird blind within the garden.
The Children’s Garden: Hands-on Learning for Kids
The Children’s Garden provides a unique hands-on learning experience for young visitors. This raised-bed vegetable and flower garden is planted and cared for by children participating in Nature Center programs. Beyond developing motor skills, children learn about plant life cycles and the importance of gardening. Everyone is welcome to explore and enjoy the vibrant plantings in this engaging garden space.
More to Discover: Other Facilities at Pioneer Park and Nature Center
Edna Shields Natural Play Area: Nature-Based Play for Children
Unleash your child’s imagination at the Edna Shields Natural Play Area! This innovative play space encourages unstructured play in a natural environment. Children can engage in sensory-rich activities such as playing in the dirt, building with sticks and pods, crawling through logs, digging in the sand, and constructing forts. Research highlights the crucial role of natural play in children’s development, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and a love for the outdoors. Benches are provided for parents to relax while children explore and discover the wonders of nature in this engaging play area at Pioneer Park and Nature Center.
Pioneer Park and Nature Center offers a rich tapestry of experiences, blending natural exploration, historical discovery, and educational opportunities. Plan your visit to Pioneer Park and Nature Center today and immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Lincoln’s premier natural escape.
