Fun and Educational Outdoor Activities Near Junction City, Kansas

Located below Milford Lake in the Flint Hills of Kansas is the Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery. These facilities are staffed by the Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks and offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about and gain a better appreciation of nature surrounding the Flint Hills area.

Milford Nature Center
The Milford Nature Center offers both indoor and outdoor activities for young and old alike. Visitors may view and touch native animal furs, print animal tracks and discover many hidden wonders.

Spectacular Underwater Scene
Within the building is a spectacular underwater scene to view that includes over 300 models of fish, turtles, frogs and more. Each model is carefully hand painted to be as realistic as possible. Children are fascinated with this peek at underwater life.

Terrestrial Diorama
Also available is a terrestrial diorama featuring the native prairies, marshes and woodlands of Kansas. The viewer will learn of and see more than 50 species of native plants and animals.

Live Animal Exhibits
Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery's live animal exhibits include many native snakes, lizards, prairie dogs and more. Many of the live animals are available for programs given by the Nature Center naturalists to schools, 4-H centers, scouts and other programs within the area. Program Brochures are available.

The Butterfly House
A new butterfly house has been added to the Milford Nature Center. After learning how to attract birds, butterflies and other animals to their backyard visitors can then take a walk through the beautiful butterfly house and see many different types of butterflies. Children, gardeners, even grandparents love this exhibit.

Nature Trails
The Milford Nature Center Tallgrass Trail is covered with bark chip and consists of a ½ mile loop or a 1 ½ mile hike through wooded areas, native prairie grasses and down to a nearby pond. This trail can be enjoyed year round without a guide; you can even bring your fishing pole.

Milford Fish Hatchery
The Milford Fish Hatchery is a warm water state-of-the-art facility and one of only 5 of its kind in this country. In Kansas the hatchery is one of 4 state facilities. Sport Fish for the many anglers that enjoy Milford Lake each year are reared in the Milford Fish Hatchery. The facility has both earthen ponds and concrete raceways. Contact the Milford Nature Center for guided tours of the Fish Hatchery. Visitors are also welcome to walk around the outside tanks at any time. Guided tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays from mid-April to October or by appointment any time of the year.

Location, Hours of Operation and Contact Information
The Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery is located at 3115 Hatchery Drive Junction City, Kansas 66441.

The Center is just 5 miles North of Junction City on US Hwy 77 from Interstate 70 and then 2 miles West on KS Hwy 57. The Center is open to the public Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM and 1:00 PM-5PM on Saturdays and Sundays. To schedule tours or inquire about programs phone 785-238-LEAF (5323)

Resources: Personal Experience and website research.