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Discover the Lookout Mountain Nature Center...where nature's riches abound and where curiosity and exploration are always rewarded.

Connect with nature at this 110 acre park.  Inside experience exhibits that depict migrating birds and reveal secrets of the ponderosa pine forest.  Visit the Discovery Corner and Observation Room.  Outside stroll trails winding through forest and meadow, picnic beneath towering pine trees or join a naturalist-guided program.

History
Charles Boettcher, a prominent Denver entrepreneur, built his family's summer home in 1917.  In 1968, his granddaughter, Charliene Breeden, donated the home and 110-acre property to Jefferson County.  Today, the Boettcher Mansion is a rustic, yet elegant setting for social and business events.

Lookout Mountain Nature Center (LMNC) was housed humbly first in one room of the Boettcher Mansion, then in the garage.  In 1990, it moved to the servant's house.  In 1997, the new LMNC opened its doors. The facility demonstrates sustainable design by using earth-friendly building products including floors from recycled train boxcars, decking of recycled soda bottles and sawdust, floor tiles from recycled windshields, locally quarried rock, native plant landscaping and more!

Mission
The Lookout Mountain Nature Center creates awareness, understanding, and conservation of Jefferson County's open spaces through year-round educational programs and exhibits.

Services
Services through the Nature Center

• LMNC offers something for everyone, toddlers to seniors, individuals, families and groups.
• Discover natural treasures in Jefferson County Open Space Parks on guided programs
• Explore interactive exhibits that reveal some of nature's secrets
• Search the facility for recycled, reused and earth-friendly building materials
• Browse nature books, gifts and toys
• Join a Naturalist-guided activity to learn about your favorite nature subject
• Stroll the self-guided nature trail and search for wildlife or the clues they leave behind
• Volunteer your time at the Nature Center
• Schedule a Group Program ... it's easy!
• Learn about the Nature Center's internship opportunites
• Things to do on the Preserve-Search for wildlife on 1 1/2 miles of gently rolling trails.
• Picnic under towering ponderosa pine trees.
• Photograph scenic views of Pike's Peak and more.
• Travel trail links to Apex and Windy Saddle Parks, Beaver Brook Trail, and Buffalo Bill's Museum and Grave.

Trails
Lookout Mountain Nature Center is far more than a building. It is a 110-acre park with trails winding through towering ponderosa pines and montane meadows. It is wildlife habitat, home to Abert's squirrels, deer, songbirds and more. It is a program which encourages discovery of and learning about Jefferson County's natural treasures.

• No dogs, bikes or horses allowed on Forest Loop and Meadow Loop trails in the Preserve.
• No collection of wildflowers and other natural resources.

Getting There
Lookout Mountain Nature Center/Preserve is just minutes off I-70.  Westbound, take exit 256 and turn right.  Eastbound, use exit 254 and turn left.  Then follow the brown highway signs.

Nature Center Hours

Regular Hours: 
Monday - closed
Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Summer Hours:   (May 27 - September 3)
Monday - closed
Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.


Phone:  720-497-7600

*Please note the Preserve is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk.

Last Modified: Jun 15, 2009 05:07 PM