Schermerhorn Park and Southeast Kansas Nature Center

Recently, I picked up a pile of brochures for nature centers and parks that our family has not visited. We have vowed to explore all of them before the end of the summer. Today, we started with Schermerhorn Park and Southeast Kansas Nature Center in Galena, Kansas. I have to admit, I did not have high expectations for this center as the brochure did not mention much and there was not a lot of information online. I was truly impressed with this center and the amenities it had for our family. When we arrived, Alex (our six year old son) was excited to play on the old school playground--the kind that you can get really hurt on (according to him). 

We then toured the nature center that is manned by very informative volunteers. The center has live fish and turtles as well as an active beehive. They also have a squirrel habitat viewing area and a huge collection of butterflies and arrowheads. To get to the nature center, you climb a stone terrace that was built in the 1930s (or you can drive around the back if you are not up for the trek).

There are several trails to explore in the 50 mile center that lead away from the nature center building. We chose the cave trail that begins next to a small bandstand area. The gravel and dirt trail was easy to navigate and it meandered along a waterway lined with stone that was also built in the 1930s. The cave itself is closed to protect the endangered wildlife that live there, but you can climb to the mouth of the cave.

The mouth of the cave.

Looking out from the mouth of the cave.

 

At the base of the cave is a trail that leads up to a grassland area that is covered in wildflowers.  Here the trail is grass and dirt and you feel like you are walking through a meadow.

 

After our hike, we cooled off in the Shoal Creek that runs along the park. The water was very clear and perfect for wading.

We will definitely visit again to explore the other trails. Next time, we will be more prepared with water shoes for all of us and a picnic lunch so we won't have to leave! 
Google Map of the Park