This 100-acre "wild arboretum" and one of the 8 Wonders of Reno County overflows with thrills for nature lovers. Discover more than 300 species of woody plants, hundreds of varieties of birds, and a large variety of other wildlife along three miles of National Recreation trails. DNC is one of the favorite places for locals to take keepsake photos or have an outdoor picnic. It also includes a spring-fed pond stocked with fish, surrounded by beautiful flower gardens and outdoor sculptures. A natural playscape area for children allows young ones to play freely, use their imaginations to build structures, make art and music, as well as learn about wild birds and gardening. The Nature Center's Visitors Center (free admission) features newly renovated and interactive exhibits (Sept. 2014), a meeting room, natural science classroom, nature library, observation deck, and the Wild Things Gift Shop. Guided tours are available throughout the year, as are school groups. Open daily (trails and grounds)
Dillon Nature Center has a wonderful meeting room that is great for staff retreats, seminars, business meetings, smaller family reunions, staff Christmas parties, wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners, showers and many other events. Some of the outdoor areas of the nature center have been popular sites for smaller outdoor weddings.
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-sunset; Weekends & Holidays, 9 a.m.-sunset
Bird Watching @ Dillon Nature Center
February 27, 2021 • Hutchinson • Map it
Join the Dillon Nature Center Superintendent for a leisurely stroll on the nature center trails as we look for birds. This... Learn more
Family STEM: 'Environmental Forensics'
February 27, 2021 • Hutchinson • Map it
In the Family STEM - Environmental Forensics Class, families will try to solve the case of a mysterious and unknown animal... Learn more
Jr. Naturalist: Endangered Species
March 13, 2021 • Hutchinson • Map it
The Junior Naturalist Classes at the Dillon Nature Center are for ages 8-12 yrs old, who enjoy exploring and learning... Learn more
Little Sprouts 'Prairie Dogs & the Black Footed Ferret' (ages 3-5)
March 13, 2021 • Hutchinson • Map it
Preschoolers (Ages 3-5 yr old) will have a blast at the Little Sprouts program at the
Nature Explorers: Endangered Species (ages 6-8)
March 13, 2021 • Hutchinson • Map it
In this Nature Explorers Class (Ages 6-8 yrs old), learn about endangered animals in Kansas. You will explore... Learn more
Adult Enrichment: 'DIY Butterfly Fence Art
March 16, 2021 • Hutchinson • Map it
In this Adult Enrichment Workshop for ages 12 & up, you will create a beautiful 32 X 19 wood and bowling pin butterfly... Learn more
Bird Watching @ Dillon Nature Center
March 27, 2021 • Hutchinson • Map it
Join the Dillon Nature Center Superintendent for a leisurely stroll on the nature center trails as we look for birds. This... Learn more
Hiking & Bird Walks: Family Prairie Hike
March 27, 2021 • Hutchinson • Map it
Join the Dillon Nature Center staff for a relaxing stroll in the prairie. We will look for signs of spring and go in... Learn more