Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center

This is a beautifully well laid out visitors center. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, the restrooms clean and well kept, and the displays fun and informative. The gift small was a bit small but had some pretty neat clothing and educational material.
As the previous reviewer said, there are several bird feeders out side both sides of the center where you can see various local bird species up close.
It’s also true that the trail is mild and seems pretty good for all age groups though we didn’t go very far.
As we were there towards the end of summer it was very hot and not a great deal of activity aside from some cardinals, a couple of woodpeckers, a circling turkey vulture or two and a red tailed hawk.
We will definitely return though to see what wintering birds show up!
This place is well worth the visit for anyone interested in conservation, the local ecology and for the birds of course!

The Wildcat Glades Conservatory and Audubon center was open in 2007 and is a beautiful nature center very close to I-​44. In the center you can learn about the local ecosystem and ecology. Everybody is very nice and helpful there, so make sure to ask the staff if you have questions. They can give you trail maps, bird lists and other information. There are educational exhibits of lizards, snakes, tarantulas, flora and bird feeders. My favorite part of that center was the large glass windows where I could watch multiple species of local birds at the feeders without scaring them away!
Right out side of the beautiful building is spectacular hiking along the Shoal creek and in the rare chert glades. These hikes are paved and non-​strenuous. All hikes are great for children and people of all abilities. I really enjoyed visiting and I will be sure to stop by again next time I’m in Joplin!