The Global Meaningful Travel Map

Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center/Wildcat Park/Wildcat Glades Nature Group

Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center/Wildcat Park/Wildcat Glades Nature Group

Explore unique chert glades, diverse habitats, and an aquarium, with trails and nature programs for an immersive outdoor experience.

OUR EXPERIENCES
The Center offers indoor conservation learning with an Ozark stream aquarium, nature exhibits, bird-viewing, and classrooms. It also features the Wildcat Glades Nature Store, run by the Wildcat Glades Friends Group.

The Nature Group protects Wildcat Park’s rare chert glades through education, sustainability, and nature-based programs. The park includes trails, native plant gardens, and diverse habitats like glades, creeks, caves, and woodlands.

Visitors can borrow a Discover Nature Backpack for enhanced hikes. Trails connect to the City of Joplin’s system.

Both groups offer free programs, wildlife exhibits, and volunteer opportunities. The Nature Group is volunteer-led, with one paid director.

ABOUT US
The Center and its grounds are a public/private partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation, the City of Joplin, and Wildcat Nature Group, with the aim of connecting people to nature.

OUR IMPACT
Chert glades, unique to southwest Missouri, are rare, dry habitats with exposed bedrock—only 20–60 acres remain. They support specialized species like lichen grasshoppers, centuries-old stunted oaks, and the reintroduced collared lizard.

Shoal and Silver Creeks are key migratory bird habitats and home to the endangered Neosho Mucket Mussel. The area has hosted Audubon conservation efforts for several bird species.

Once used by Indigenous peoples for tool-making, arrowheads are still found on the glades.

The LEED Silver-certified Center features geothermal heating, a living roof, permeable parking, and energy-saving technology, all designed to reduce runoff, conserve energy, and protect the environment.

DETAILS
To learn more, contact: tim.smith@mdc.mo.gov

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
1-50

Do you require visitors to pre-book?
Yes

Do you have group rates?
No

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
No

What languages do you offer your services in?
English

When are you open?
The Center is open Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Wildcat Park is open from dusk until dawn year-round. The Nature Group's Education Cottage is open only during scheduled programming.

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
All facilities are ADA-compliant. The paved trails are accessible with minimal rough surfaces.