Explore the Kansas prairie at Wolf Creek
This environmental education center includes a lookout tower and 3 miles of trails bordering Wolf Creek Reservoir.
Trail Wolf Creek Environmental Education Area
Overview
This remote prairie preserve gives visitors the opportunity to experience natural Kansas up close. It’s home to numerous varieties native wildlife and wildflowers. A highlight is the “silo” Eagle’s Nest wildlife viewing tower, which allows you to climb 65 stairs for a hawk’s view of the landscape. The 160-acre area is split into two sections. The silo is on the west side. The east side is accessed by a gated trailhead. If it’s locked, you can continue your journey on foot via the access road, then resume walking on the trails. Both areas contain bridges and boardwalks. Download our map to make the most of your experience.
If you want a more diverse experience, Wolf Creek Environmental Education Area is about 30 minutes from Eisenhower State Park. Visits to the two locations can easily be combined on the same day.
Drive Time It’s 90 minutes from Downtown Kansas City.
Length There are five trails, totaling about 3 miles in length.
Address and location
The eastern trailhead is on the north side of 17th Road NE at the intersection of Milo Lane. The west trailhead is a gated driveway that appears immediately after crossing the lake eastbound. The nearest landmark is the Eisenhower Training Center, which is a building owned by Evergy, the utility company. The Google map and trail map below may also be of assistance. The nearest community is New Strawn, Kan.Conditions This is a well-preserved trail that even has – wait for it – restrooms at the east trailhead. Trails are natural surface and are generally well-marked and maintained. There are few elevation changes.
Kid friendly? This is a natural surface trail, so children will need to walk or be carried.
How busy? This is remote area, so you are likely to have it to yourself unless there is a youth group visiting.
Pets Yes, on a leash, unless stated otherwise
Bikes Yes.
