Plains Conservation Center

1,100-Acre Shortgrass Prairie Preserve

Plains Conservation Center is a state-designated Natural Area covering 1,100+ acres of shortgrass prairie east of Aurora. The site combines wild prairie habitat with replicas of an 1880s homestead village and a tipi camp - all visible from the Rocky Mountain horizon. Managed cooperatively by Denver Botanic Gardens and the City of Aurora.

Education Programs & Overnight Camps

Denver Botanic Gardens runs the education calendar for schools and the public. Programs include:
- Wagon tours of the prairie
- Summer education programs
- Overnight camps (sleep in the tipis)
- School field trips to homestead village
- Public guided programs (fee-based)
- Free trail and visitor center access

What's Included

• Naturalist and historian guides
• Tipi sleeping arrangements for overnight camps
• Trail and visitor center access free

Experience

Most authentic shortgrass-prairie experience near the Denver metro - kids walk a real ecosystem and see how settlers + Cheyenne lived. Strong fit for school groups, scouts, and families looking for high-quality educational programming. Free for self-guided visits.