A Rocky Hike and Visit to Lakeside Nature Center at Swope Park in Kansas City, Missouri

 

We originally visited Swope Park in Kansas City, Missouri intent on exploring the rocky hiking trails. However, upon visiting Lakeside Nature Center, we discovered how vital the preserve's nature center is to wildlife rehabilitation and nature learning. The combination of hiking trails through a rocky landscape and the nature center crafted the perfect afternoon for us.

Rocky trails at Swope Park wind through the dense forest of summer.

Hiking the Rocky Trails of Swope Park

Swope Park features miles of multi-use trails for hiking and biking depending on the trail. Hikers wind through a landscape gifted with limestone rock formations of all shapes, sizes, and orientations. The nature-carved landscape treats with unique vistas inviting further exploration.

Blocks of nature-sculpted limestone create an intriguing landscape
in the woodlands of Swope Park.

We embarked on a the Fox Hollow Trail near the Lakeside Nature Center which featured fabulous overlooks as well as explanatory plaques. The overall trail is 2-miles. However, there is a midpoint where you can shorten your hiking adventure.

Sections of the trail allow for views of the ravine below
although somewhat obstructed by thick foliage.

I loved how chunks of rocks would just emerge before us as we navigated the woodland trail, wandering off every once in awhile on trail spindles. Some of the spindles guided us to views down into the deep ravine. Currently in the thick of summer, I wonder what the view looks like with less foliage. 

At points, we could get closer to the rocks and even carefully work our way down the formations. Unfortunately, rain began to make the trail a bit slippery midway through our hike. So, we did not get to explore as much as we would have liked to. Overall, the landscape blend of woodlands, a ravine, and rock formations crafted such a beautiful environment for a summer hike.

What is limestone? Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is formed by the accumulation and compaction of shells from marine life or the precipitation of calcium carbonate or evaporation leaving behind calcium carbonate.

Learning About Native Wildlife and Wildlife Rehabilitation at Lakeside Nature Center

After our hike, we explored Lakeside Nature Center to learn about wildlife being rehabilitated at the preserve. I was immediately impressed with the size of the facility. The facility houses over 60 rehabilitated animals. 

We first observed the raptors in their habitat. We enjoyed learning about the raptors including the peregrine falcon, American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, and Mississippi kite. I have never seen a Mississippi kite before so that was pretty cool. Additionally, the facility also has a special bald eagle exhibit. The bald eagle and other raptors serve as ambassadors to help us learn more about each species. 

A collared lizard rests on rocks at Lakeside Nature Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

We wandered our way through exhibits presenting all types of local wildlife including snakes, turtles, frogs, moles, a flying squirrel, an opossum, a collared lizard, and so many more. Each animal is native Missourian wildlife that has been rehabilitated at the center. While reintroduction into the wild is the goal, sometimes animals have injuries that will not permit them to return to the wild. They are able to live at the center and teach us about their lives.

The center also has a variety of wildlife and hiking programs throughout the year. Additionally, groups can reserve wildlife programs and the center has a program for ambassadors to come to your event. We are amazed by all of the work the center does to rehabilitated injured wildlife and educate the public.

Behind the nature center, we enjoyed watching birds visit a garden full of feeders. Remember to check this spot out on your visit. We loved observing the antics of a variety of birds and witnessing how they interact with each other.

A Memorable Nature Adventure

Our adventure to Swope Park offered us the nature respite we so needed. We reveled in the natural artistry of weathered limestone outcrops and formations. We benefited from the cool shade of the dense forest on a hot summer day. Lakeside Nature Center taught us more about wildlife native to Missouri. Our visit truly was a well-rounded nature experience.