National Audubon Society
National Audubon Society
4.5
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Conservation area south of Joplin, Mo with extensive walking trails, museum, and wildlife programs & activities.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
164 reviews
Excellent
89
Very good
50
Average
24
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Robin V
Indiana661 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
My wife and I ran 5 miles here. It was a nice run with views of the stream the entire time. It is almost all paved except the rocky part on the top of the bluff. There are nice views from the bluff. The trail was not marked very well but we easily found our way. On the north end you cross across the creek on a concrete walkway.
Written 10 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy M
Springfield, MO83 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
We were in Joplin over a weekend and wanted to get in a good hike. Wildcat glades was recommended to us. Honestly when we drove up in looked abandoned however, we then seen signs that explained it was undergoing a restoration.
The gentlemen at the desk was very helpful in providing a map and where to walk to get the full 4 miles in.
There were a few places along the way that were scenic, the creek/river that runs along side the trails was very pretty however no matter how far we went we never felt we were in the wilderness or in nature. A large portion of the trail is paved, and we were never able to escape the noise from I44.
There was one section that stated hike at your own risk due to steep bluffs, honestly that was the best part of the whole hike, looking down at the water and more nature in view than the lower levels. Dont let the signs scare you off it is a steep climb in a few areas but nothing that makes you feel it is dangerous to do.
Bottom line: I enjoyed that the trail was 4 miles if you walked everything, I also liked how there were multiple parking lots you could part at. I did not ever feel like I was on a hike in nature but more like a pretty city park with lots of highway noise. I would not drive purposely to Joplin to hike this trail.
The gentlemen at the desk was very helpful in providing a map and where to walk to get the full 4 miles in.
There were a few places along the way that were scenic, the creek/river that runs along side the trails was very pretty however no matter how far we went we never felt we were in the wilderness or in nature. A large portion of the trail is paved, and we were never able to escape the noise from I44.
There was one section that stated hike at your own risk due to steep bluffs, honestly that was the best part of the whole hike, looking down at the water and more nature in view than the lower levels. Dont let the signs scare you off it is a steep climb in a few areas but nothing that makes you feel it is dangerous to do.
Bottom line: I enjoyed that the trail was 4 miles if you walked everything, I also liked how there were multiple parking lots you could part at. I did not ever feel like I was on a hike in nature but more like a pretty city park with lots of highway noise. I would not drive purposely to Joplin to hike this trail.
Written 2 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gnoontheroad
Fort Wayne, IN157 contributions
Jan 2017 • Business
In town on business for a day and was looking for a place to walk/hike. This was certainly a great find. I decided to do the entire loop, i.e. from the Nature center, over to the the Redings Mills bridge, across the river, to the other bridge and back. The trails on either side of shoal creek has very different terrain. The east side is water level and easy to walk and navigate. The west side is a little more tricky, higher up on a very steep and rocky cliff. Great views but keep children close.
Entire loop took me around 1.5 hours but I was really walking fast. Plan for at least 2 hrs if attempting the loop.
Entire loop took me around 1.5 hours but I was really walking fast. Plan for at least 2 hrs if attempting the loop.
Written 12 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan C
10 contributions
Nov 2016 • Family
Me and my family love walking the trails and looking at all the wildlife as we are getting our exercise and enjoying the nature
Written 27 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
navmaster
salt lake city7 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
The inside of this building has lots of great exhibits and MDC staff are very knowledgeable. The exterior and grounds are "rustic," meaning they are meant to look natural and have little landscaping.
Written 24 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K80Kendall
1 contribution
Jun 2013
My 4 and 1.5 year old daughters love this place. Lots of hands on stuff in the building and a fun place to go walking and enjoy nature!
Written 10 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Murphy L
Neosho8 contributions
May 2013 • Family
This is an outstanding place. It's free and although the interior exhibits are minimal, the walking trails are super. We were able to walk through spring time woodlands, along side Shoal Creek, and experience the wonders of nature firsthand. Very cool location!
Written 22 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tess H
Afton, OK87 contributions
Aug 2011
I took my poodle and she wasn't allowed to walk around on the trails at all.
Written 2 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John
Joplin, MO56 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
From a run down park to a beautiful nature center. This used to be nothing but delapidated ball parks and gravel roads, and has become a beautiful and educational nature center. It’s along shoal creek, and has some wonderful trails. Don’t miss this.
Written 15 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DDeLong
Joplin, MO12 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
Since the Audubon Society recently decided to end their participation with the Wildcat Glades facility, I am waiting for them to hit me up for a donation. I have an earful to offer them.
Written 30 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No, it’s free to walk the trails
Written 29 March 2018
Is this handicap friendly?
Would a person with COPD and using a walker enjoy themselves?
Do you have wheel chairs for guest at your location
Written 14 June 2016
Yes, they have wheelchairs...ask at Welcome Desk. Places to sit down also while viewed the aquarium and a ramp to walk down if steps are a problem. Ask front desk for any help needed as they are very helpful.
Written 21 June 2016
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