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Plains Conservation Center

Take a quick trip to Colorado’s high plains to experience life on the prairie then and now.  The Plains Conservation Center is a nature preserve and educational center with replicas of a homestead village and tipi camp that showcase pioneer and plains Native Americans life in the late 1800's. It encompasses over 1,100 acres of short grass prairie with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, located at 21901 E. Hampden Ave. Aurora, CO 80013. 


Come into the visitor center before you head out on the trails to pick up a map and learn about the history of the site.  Visitors can hike along rolling trails and are likely to see bald eagles, prairie dogs, pronghorn, coyotes and red-tailed hawks.

It's free to come in, hike the trails, explore the visitor center and check out the tipis and homestead village. There is a fee to attend any guided programs. 

Dogs, bikes and horses are NOT permitted
on the property.







Art on the Prairie Show 

Calling all Colorado artists...
The Plains Conservation Center seeks submissions from Colorado artists for the 1st annual Art on the Prairie Show. The show celebrates the diverse and vibrant culture of the state of Colorado by showcasing art depicting scenes and activities related to life on Colorado’s eastern prairie. We welcome all Colorado artists working in 2D medium to submit their work for consideration. Pieces could include landscapes, portraits, abstracts, or other subject matter that represents the spirit and essence of Colorado’s eastern prairie now and in days gone by. Selected work will be featured in the PCC gallery. Artists will be invited to the opening reception on July 7th.

Submission Deadline: June 20, 2023
Reception: Friday, July 7, 2023 5pm – 7pm
Submit up to 3 entries to: [email protected]  More information at www.prairieart.art
Categories: Painting, Drawing, Photography, Mixed-Media 
Eligibility: Colorado Residents. All entries must be the artist’s original design and execution.



Join the naturalist and Denver Botanic Gardens staff for guided hikes, presentations, and events including full moon hikes, homeschool programs, cultural history programs, astronomy nights, birding safaris, agriculture festivals and more!









SCFD FREE DAYS

Join us for wagon rides on the prairie to see resident wildlife, tours of the 1880's tipi camp and homestead village, and presentations by HawkQuest with live eagles, owls, falcons, and more during our SCFD free days. Free days this year are on the following dates:

  • January 19- 10am-3pm, Thursday
  • February 23- 10am-3pm, Thursday, HawkQuest at 11 a.m.
  • March 11- 10am-3pm, Saturday, HawkQuest at 10am and 11:30am
  • June 15- 9am-2pm, Thursday, HawkQuest at 10 a.m.
  • July 15- 9am-2pm, Saturday, HawkQuest at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
  • August 17- 9am-2pm, Thursday, HawkQuest at 10 a.m.
  • November 18- 10am-3pm, Saturday, HawkQuest at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
  • December 7- 10am-3pm, Thursday, HawkQuest at 11 a.m.

SCFFD

Contact Us

21901 E. Hampden Ave.
 Aurora, CO 80013

Daylight Saving Time (March 1 -October 31)
Monday through Thursday
6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Friday's
6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Standard Time (November 1- February 28/29)
Monday through Friday
6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Visitor Center Hours 
Wednesday through Friday noon- 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday- Closed
(hours subject to change)

Accreditations

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