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Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center: A Natural Oasis

Explore unique chert glades, diverse wildlife, and educational exhibits at this Joplin conservation and Audubon center in Wildcat Park.

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Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center in Joplin, Missouri, protects the unique chert glades and the Spring River watershed. This conservation and education center showcases the diverse plants and animals of the glades, woodlands, and aquatic habitats. Visitors can explore trails, observe wildlife, and learn about local ecosystems.

A brief summary to Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best opportunities to spot wildlife.
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes to fully enjoy the trails.
  • Check the center's event calendar for guided tours and educational programs.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Joplin, take Joplin Transit Route 1 towards Joplin Plaza. Get off at the stop near 20th St and Main St after approximately 20 minutes. Walk south on Main St for about 0.5 miles until you reach 20th St. Turn right onto 20th St and walk for approximately 0.6 miles until you reach Riviera Dr. Turn left onto Riviera Dr and continue for about 0.3 miles. The Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center will be on your left. Single ride fare is $4.00.

  • Driving

    From central Joplin, drive south on Main Street, then turn right onto 20th Street. Continue west on 20th Street until you reach Riviera Drive, then turn left. The Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center will be on your left at 201 Riviera Drive. Parking is available at the center. Expect to pay around $2.88 for a gallon of gas.

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Discover more about Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center

Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center is a haven of natural beauty and ecological importance. It protects the last remaining globally unique chert glades, named for the bedrock on which they are formed. These glades host a unique collection of plant and animal species that converge with species from surrounding caves, prairie-savanna, and woodlands. The center was established through a partnership between the National Audubon Society, the City of Joplin, and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Although the Audubon Society withdrew in 2018, the center continues to operate under the Missouri Department of Conservation. The 11,000-square-foot nature center features exhibits, classrooms, and a 1,300-gallon aquarium showcasing local aquatic life. Outside, visitors can explore over three miles of trails that wind through diverse Ozark landscapes. The trails offer learning stations that highlight the unique ecosystems of the area. Wildcat Park also offers opportunities for swimming and picnicking. The center exemplifies sustainable technologies, holding a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

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