Chaplin Nature Center
Located near Arkansas City, KS, Chaplin Nature Center is owned and operated by the Wichita Audubon Society. The trails are open to the public at NO CHARGE from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.
We have a new Director!
Our new director is Eden Johnson. Please help us welcome her!
Visitor Center
The trails are open every day from dawn to dusk. The bluff staircase sustained major damage in a recent storm, and numerous trees have fallen on the trails, so access may be limited. Please check the kiosk for details and be careful!
Weekends: The Visitor Center is open Saturday 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday 1 – 5 pm.
Weekdays open seasonally Tuesday – Friday
March 15 – June 30 9 am – 5 pm
July 1 – August 31 10 am – 2 pm
September 1 – November 14 9 am – 1 pm
November 15 – March 14 closed
Closed Mondays and major holidays
Chaplin Nature Center is not a rehabilitation facility. We cannot take orphaned or injured wildlife. Please refer to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website for a list of current rehabilitators.
Programs
Programs will resume when a new director for the nature center is hired. The search process will begin soon.
Getting to CNC
Address: 27814 27th Dr, Arkansas City, KS 67005
Click here to go to Google maps for directions and a larger map
Rules for visitors
Please be considerate by:
- Leaving your dogs and horses home
- Staying on designated trails
- Leaving flora and fauna in nature
- Being quiet; no excessive noise or music
- Properly disposing of trash
Other Rules
- No campfires or camping
- No bicycles on trails
- No vehicles on trails
- No alcoholic beverages
- No visitors past dark