Best Conservation Department Independence Near Me

Melinda Pabst: This is such a great place for hiking and walks! The nature center is super fun for kiddos. They employees are super nice and helpful!

Angie Nickell: This is one of the best conservation areas we have visited in MO. The trails were very well maintained and mostly flat. We parked at the first trailhead for the Wildlife Habitat trail. We took that trail, connected with the Hickory Grove trail, then went on to the Bethany Falls trail. Bethany Falls is named for the "Bethany Falls limestone", there is not a waterfall anywhere on this trail. The limestone bluffs are really neat and fun to explore. While on the Bethany Falls trail, we took the Prairie Connector trail to the Discovery trail. The Discovery trail is a paved loop near the nature center. There is a second paved trail near the nature center, but we didn't explore it. The nature center is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so we didn't get to go inside it. We doubled back from the Discovery trail to the Prairie Connector trail to get back on the Bethany Falls trail. This led us back to the Hickory Grove trail so we could get back to where we parked. Strava clocked our hike at 6.85 miles. We really enjoyed our time here. Hikes can be short or long, depending on what time you have and how far you want to walk. Note - do not bring your dog(s) b/c they aren't allowed on the trails. Also, there is no trash can at the Wildlife Habitat trailhead. There is a dumpster at the Bethany Falls trailhead. There are a few privy toilets at different trailheads but no hand sanitizer so bring your own.

Tangy Gleets: I almost did not visit here because Google Maps says it's closed. You can walk most of the trails, though the close the gates at 8pm. Super fun, beautiful, and very easy trails to follow. There are little "adventure" trails from the marked trails, though I would only explore those with a friend or two. I used the AllTrails app to navigate and it was pretty much on! Some trails are dirt and grass, and others are paved or gravel. You can pick your own hike, or adjust on the fly. It's another gem of a trail area for eastern Jackson county! I would definitely recommend if you enjoy trails.

Leigha Zank: Burr Oaks staff provided a program about Reptiles to students at Pioneer Ridge in the Special Education program. The presentation was wonderful and students were able to interact with animals.

Brice Willson: Great local Nature Center with many exhibits for young and old! Many live animals, such as snakes, frogs, turtles, and large aquarium with many types of pond and river fish. Also an awesome bird viewing area with large windows. Many trails to walk through the area. Love it. Best of all it's FREE.

Michael Dade: Very clean park good trails, lots of things to explore.

Shane Supernault: It was awesome. Lots of trails and beautiful scenery

Katrina McGonigle: The trails are great. The nature Center is fine however the staff does not really interact with the patrons.

Isaiah: Nice scenic route. As expected!

Joey Lutes: Awesome little nature center - perfect for kids. Great hiking trails as well and very well maintained. Go explore!

Ryan: My favorite place to take my kids onto the years. Just spent the afternoon there with my ten year old son on my birthday. Something for all ages, no matter the weather.

Russell Boyce: Great place for learning about nature kid friendlyRestrooms: Clean

Samantha H: Great trail

Bill Cockerham: Fantastic area for walking.

Doug Hayes: Great place for kids and adults, inside or outdoors!

Liam Dowd: Kids love this place! Blue Springs has so much to offer!

Joseph Crownover: Great local place to trail walk.

Jack Patrick: Great place for a good hike

nobody important: Great place to take kids .

Amanda Blair: This was a great little hike. The rocks are beautiful. No dogs which is kinda nice sometimes. Lots of ppl out enjoying this trail.