If the weather is fair, consider a visit to the Plains Conservation Center in Aurora. It offers six miles of hiking trails where diverse wildlife can be observed including: raptors, pronghorn antelope, insects, snakes and prairie dogs. You can explore the place for FREE during 2022 free days: January 20, February 17, March 19, June 16, July 23, August 18, November 19 and December 15.
Special programming includes wagon rides to the prairie and sod homestead (weather permitting). Explore the nature center, authentic Cheyenne camp with tipis, sod houses, blacksmith shop and one-room school house.
Visitors can hike along rolling trails and may see rattle snakes, prairie dogs, pronghorn, coyotes and red-tailed hawks. Those who are especially lucky may catch a glimpse of the resident bald eagle family.
Tour the homestead. Fuel up on treats in the picnic shelter. The Center helps visitors grow their knowledge and appreciation of the prairie ecosystem.
Free Day hours vary depending on season. Here’s the 2022 schedule:
January 20 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
February 17 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
March 19 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
June 16 — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
July 23 — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
August 18 — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
November 19 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
December 15 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The site is now managed by the Denver Botanic Gardens. 21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora.
Great place to visit.