Bear Creek Nature Center: Foothills Exploration

Discover the wonders of the Colorado foothills at the Bear Creek Nature Center, located within Bear Creek Regional Park in Colorado Springs. This nature center provides an opportunity to learn about the region's diverse ecosystems through interactive exhibits, guided programs, and self-guided tours. The center features exhibits about the flora, fauna, and geology of the area. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers lead interpretive programs and special events throughout the year, catering to both children and adults. Explore two miles of nature trails that wind through prairie, scrub oak woodlands, and cottonwood riparian areas. These trails are for foot traffic only, offering a peaceful escape into nature. For those seeking longer hikes, the regional trails within Bear Creek Regional Park are open to hiking, horseback riding, and leashed pets. Bear Creek Regional Park has a rich history. The Ute Indians originally used the area as a hunting ground. Later, it served as a crossroad for explorers and settlers and a gateway to the gold mines. From the late 1800s to 1984, a residential poor farm occupied the land, providing shelter and sustenance for the homeless and vulnerable. Today, the park is a multi-use space offering various recreational opportunities, including an archery range, equestrian course, and a popular dog park. In 1976, the Solar Trails Center was constructed to increase awareness of the natural and historic environment, and in 1979, it was renamed Bear Creek Nature Center. A fire damaged much of the nature center in 2001, but it was rebuilt and expanded with public support.