It all began when Dillon’s Grocery Stores wanted to provide its Hutchinson, Kansas, employees with a nature center where they and their families could enjoy the great outdoors, including swimming and picnics. It was commonly called Dillon’s Lake in those days.
“In 1970, the land was given to the City of Hutchinson, with the Hutchinson Recreation Commission responsible for providing public recreation and outdoor education opportunities,” information on the website says.
It all began with 28 acres and grew to the present 100-acre wild arboretum and designated National Urban Wildlife Sanctuary. “Dillon Nature Center is home to more than 300 species of woody plants, hundreds of varieties of wildflowers and native grasses, 200 species of birds, and a large variety of other wildlife along three miles of National Recreation trails,” the website lists.
Although the Visitors Center is the best spot to begin your visit, I found it hard to get past the glorious flowers lining the entrance sidewalk. Inside the center is a nature display and an excellent gift shop.
Visitors can hike through the grounds, fish in the stocked pond, bird-watch, and explore the plants and wildlife. There is also a playscape for children to enjoy, as well as picnic areas for families.
Special events are held all year. The center is open seven days a week and is free. For more information, click here.
For information about the other excellent attractions, including Cosmosphere and the Strataca salt mine in Hutchinson, check out these articles.
