Our Story
Since its inception in 1966, Lakeside Nature Center has been a cornerstone of environmental education in Missouri. Originally located in a former concession stand, it has evolved into a premier facility within Kansas City’s historic Swope Park. Founded by a dedicated group of biologists and educators, the Friends of Lakeside Nature Center was established in 1983 to support the center's mission. The center now features expansive windows that immerse visitors in the beauty of Missouri's wildlife, offering a unique opportunity to observe native mammals, reptiles, and birds of prey up close.