Welcome to theCity of AuroraColorado

Morrison Nature Center will be closed on Friday, July 4 for the 4th of July. Normal hours of operation will resume on Saturday, July 5. 

Come join us for our 4th of July Spectacular at the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn from 6 to 10 p.m. 

 
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Wander through 250 acres of serene riparian woodlands, where well-maintained trails, diverse wildlife, and lush landscapes make every visit unforgettable. Often called Aurora’s hidden gem, this peaceful escape is home to a rich variety of plant and animal species.

Before you hit the trails, stop by the Morrison Nature Center to grab a map, uncover the site’s fascinating history, and meet our ambassador animals—a western box turtle, bull snake, and tiger salamander!
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The Parks, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) department is excited to announce the start of construction on an inclusive nature exploration area at the Morrison Nature Center! This new area is being built to give people of all ages and abilities a chance to enjoy nature, play outside and stay active in a safe and fun way.

Construction begins on June 18, and the project is expected to be completed by early winter. For more project information, visit EngageAurora.org/NaturePlay.

Wildlife Encounters and Fun Adventures

• Ambassador Animals - Step into the Morrison Nature Center and meet our amazing animal residents! Say hello to our bull snake, box turtle and tiger salamander—they’re always excited to make new friends (even if they don’t talk much!).
• Relax and Read – Curl up with kid-friendly books, field guides and natural history favorites in our cozy library.
• Get Creative – Dive into fun with animal costumes, handmade wooden puzzles and put on a puppet show—perfect for kids of all ages.
• Discover and Explore – Explore our seasonal exhibits showcasing the amazing local plants and wildlife that call Star K Ranch home

Outdoor Adventures Await

Beyond the Nature Center, Star K Ranch is a playground for nature lovers.

• Hit the Trails – Walk among cottonwoods, wetlands and prairies along our dog-friendly paths.
• Wildlife Watching – Keep an eye out for mule deer, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, coyotes and more.
• Self-Guided Tours – Pick up a history or sensory tour map inside the Nature Center or at the kiosk.
• Picnic and Relax – Enjoy lunch under our large picnic shelter with tables, benches and scenic views.
• Easy Access – Plenty of parking, bike racks, horse corrals, restrooms and pet waste stations for a hassle-free visit.

Join a Naturalist Program

Take a guided nature walk with one of our expert naturalists! Click the 'Nature Program's button above to view the latest program offerings schedule, or bring nature to you—we’ll visit your HOA, civic group or club with a talk on the wildlife topic of your choice. Call 303.326.8445 to learn more!