This review is for the Ernie Miller summer camp offered here each year through Johnson County Parks and Rec. as we've been sending one of our kids here for most of the summer. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from an outside nature camp, but pulling up to Ernie Miller each day something that's made really clear from the staff is how dedicated they are to making sure your kids have a fun time all summer long. The camp counselors are super engaging and great with the kids. I love that my kiddo gets to learn about local animals and nature while at Ernie Miller, and also that they go on fun field trips which spice things up each week. Additionally they are on top of weather changes and take the kids inside if there is lightning. I've been watching as a new facility is being built at Ernie Miller and I can't wait to come back sometime when they are done and further explore the nature trails and the new building. read more

I have been to Ernie Miller many times over the years and I love this place. I was a little disappointed on today's visit with my toddler grandson. The staff member was nice who greeted us. And we were actually the only people on the inside of the nature center, so we got to enjoy it in a peaceful environment. There were some field trip kids having event events outside. My grandson enjoyed exploring, but I was disappointed to see that quite a few of the displays were out of order. Also, I had to tell staff that there was a mouse in bird nature viewing area. A child had left a cracker, and apparently a mouse had gotten in was taking advantage of it! But then I went into the newer section with the displays and another mouse ran out and was running around the room towards my grandson. So I think they need to correct this issue before it gets too out of hand. The trails are great and the natural gardens are as well. They have some great programs for the community. I just think that some of the displays need to be fixed and taking care of the pest problem, I'm sure if they let the hawk in there he would handle it! lol read more

See all

LABEL YOUR TRAILS. Give folks some direction. I had no idea where I was going and ended up on a (much nicer) subdivision's trail. Had to walk in circles three times to find - a port-a-potty. All of the restrooms were closed on a Sunday afternoon. The view of all of the dead trees was "breathtaking." Last time I'm visiting this park. Kansas City, MO actually has their act together. read more

The wonderful lady at the front desk greeted My family and I with a warm welcome. She was very informative about all the different animals the nature center had on display today. It was wonderful! After we had finished checking out everything we asked a few questions about the red tailed hawk and the beautiful owl they had in the exhibit, she told us the back story on those wonderful creatures, and they are in good hands. I'm so glad places like this still exist. This was a great experience! read more

Ernie Miller Nature Center - This Barred Owl is blind in his left eye left and is not able to be released back into the wild. - Hiking Near Me - Olathe, Kansas

See all

This is a truly great place to enjoy nature and the peaceful outdoors. I have been coming here since elementary age, and there have been many upgrades to the place throughout the years. Ernie miller has many paths to follow and is a great place to spot wildflowers and be surrounded by trees. I used to come here for summer camp, and also with my family, or to bike around by myself. Truly a serene environment! This past time, we even got an up close experience with a fawn! read more

One of my to spots in the Kansas city Metro for Family Photos or Senior Pics There are a ton of great trails with shaded areas to get great pictures almost anytime of day. The trails are very well maintained, its never too crowded walking around, and it's big enough to spend a few hours walking around and finding awesome spots for long lasting memories. I am readily available at this location. If you are interested in photos at this location, you can email me at shirkmedia.co@gmail.com to set up an appointment! You can also check me out on instagram at shirk_media read more

See all

I was a child who leaned on her idols, many of whom were fictional and depicted in books (Pippi Longstocking), fictional and depicted on TV (Morticia Adams), real and depicted on TV (Cher) or real and depicted in books...and wrote the books herself (Laura Ingalls Wilder). For many children, the fantasy lands of art, literature, film, and even TV is integral to a childhood rich with imagination. Happy times, right? As a child, I loved contemplating times of yore. When Christmas gifts of oranges and a metal cup were cherished, for example and meals of gruel were not only tolerated but made into plates of fancy. What does any of this have to do with the Ernie Miller Nature Center, you ask? On Saturday, I brought my young charge, the impressionable and imaginative Miss Z, to Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthday party held here. Although the event listing on the website suggested pioneer attire, I thought that was written in jest. I was pleasantly surprised to see all the girls and their moms show up in costume! Sadly, I had to retire my bonnet years ago, so neither myself nor Miss Z was in costume. Costuming aside, we had a lot of wonderful things in store for us. First, Laura Ingalls Wilder showed up to talk to all of us about the stories of her childhood. I couldn't believe they were able to get her to show up, as I'm sure she's a super busy lady, what with all that butter to churn and fields to tend to...not to mention books to pen. But she entertained us for quite a while and everyone in the room was fascinated with her storytelling ability. How awesome it is for girls to put down their Bratz dolls (or Diva dolls, whatever they're called this year) and think about a super cool pioneer girl who 100 years ago enticed her arch enemy to swim with the leeches when she dissed her homestead. Next, we were divided into groups that got to learn how to make rag dolls (Miss Z's favorite), see how it is to learn in a one-room school house, and join in some country dancin'. Oh, and I totally didn't realize that they had cupcakes back in the pioneer days, but these were appropriately small, in keeping with those leaner times. The "show" ended with one of the nature center's volunteers coming in with a magnificent barred owl on her arm. It didn't seem particularly interested in any of us, but then again, we weren't a bunch of tiny rodents. The grounds of the nature center look like they'd be wonderful for a hiking expedition in better weather. It's open all winter, as you can explore the main building's wildlife exhibits and bird watching. Be sure to keep an eye out for the really fantastic events that go on here regularly. read more

Ernie Miller Nature Center - Hiking Near Me - Olathe, Kansas

See all

I love this park! The trails are beautiful, you can see deer, hawks, and coyotes out here. You can even stay on the concrete trail if you want to instead of taking the dirt trail! It's shady, and a great place to take a picnic! read more

We were looking for an inexpensive family day out, and found it in Ernie Miller Nature Center. It was FREE! Now. That's my idea of inexpensive! The museum was neat for a small town nature museum. It really wasn't that informative. They had lots of live reptiles. Yuk. The museum had some info on primitive pioneer days, but not much. Again, this is for the onlooker, not the enthusiast. The nature hike was. Well. As nature hikes go. Somewhat uninformative as to what we were looking at, (Okay, totally void of info on what we were looking at) but it was cool to take a nature walk and look for wood ticks when we got home! They have a few owls on premises, those are cool. And a hawk? I think. I don't recall. At any rate, take sensible shoes, water, and a snack. The trails can be um....fun! read more

Do you love trails?! Do you love nature?! Well, I've got the place for YOU! It's the Ernie Miller Nature Center, and it's NATURIFIC! Really, I'm not saying this to be snarky. It's actually really awesome. Here's why : I grew up in the SF Bay Area, and one of the things my mother used to do with us kids on the weekends (usually a Sunday, when she was particularly sick of us being around the house) was to pack our snotty asses up and take us to Tilden Park or Kennedy Grove and just let us run around on the trails, picking up sticks, looking at tracks and creeks and rocks and moss and stuff into our clothes were filthy and senses filled with what was the closest thing to being away from civilization as possible for a poor single-mom in the East Bay. Fast forward to my own single-parenthood, cooped-up Sunday with kids going bonkers, and it hits me : GET THEM INTO NATURE! So I says to the kids, I says : "Drop yer blocks and grab yer socks, we're buggin' out!" "Where are we going?!", they bleated, to which I tell them, "It's like a park, but you might get eaten!" So we drive out to the (shudder) Olathe outskirts to Eddie Miller's Center of Nature, and no sooner are we out of the car, but we see a bunch of other families, surely there for the exact same reason. I nod at the Dads and wink at the Moms, and like a flash, the kids just want to dash across the first wooden bridge they see at the trailhead. The bait has been taken... And we walk! And they ask, "What are we gonna see, Daddy?" And I just easily walk along, a slow stride, looking up at the rocking, bare treetops and say, "What we see, kids. We'll see what we see..." And boy did they see. They didn't wanna take the short trails, either. They wanted the long ones, the ones that would take them further, higher, deeper into the brush, the trees, the mud, the leaves, and no mention of possible wild animals, poison plants, or hobo encampments kept them from wanting to go further into the recesses of the Natural Center of Ernie Miller. Seriously, these kids wouldn't stop! I actually was thinking I may have to start eating wild berries or something to keep up. We went the big-ass trail, too (It's not really called that), and the ONLY bummer about it is that that one kinda goes near nasty ol' K-7 at one point. But we just pretended it was some kind of weird intermittent waterfall instead of cars making all the noise at that part of the trail. By the time we'd gotten to the end of the trail (a mile around, maybe?), the kids seriously wanted to go AGAIN, like they'd just been on some carnival ride. I had to be the party-pooper and remind them that they needed to eat and probably wash themselves before somebody thought we were some kind of backwoods family come out th' forest fer some soo-plies at the Gen'rul Store or what-not. So, dirty and exhausted and filled with awesome, we got back in the car and drove back to our city-slicker livin' home, kids asleep in a matter of minutes, being worn out from the exertion of...well, being something alive within something alive. And upon that drive home, I recollected my favorite moment during the walk : I had stopped the kids on the trail and said, "Hey guys....listen...", and they stopped, looking up, looking around, hearing nothing but the wind and tree branches banging against each other, for a good few minutes. "Remember this, you guys...", I recommended...much the same way my Mom did when we were kids... read more

Nice nature center with lots of programs and events for families. Check their schedule online to see what they've got coming up. There's a small fee to attend the programs (~$3), but it's worth it. Live animals make an appearance at each program and really help hold the kids attention. In the back of the center is a play area for younger kids. Definitely best for 10 and under, but with all the animals to see older kids would have a good time too. A decent sized gift shop is up front. Lots of books, rocks and minerals, stuffed animals, and insect candy are available. There are hiking trails available as well. They are well maintained and are some of our favorites in the area. read more

See all

Although the nature center wasn't open when we came on a Sunday morning, Ernie Miller was an excellent place for a daybreak hike. I love that the trails are open 24 hours. They were fairly well blazed and kept, including the unpaved areas. We spent about an hour and a half exploring here and it was excellent, almost like an "enchanted forest" vibe in some areas with all of the twisted roots and plenty of shade...it was the perfect place to welcome early autumn weather. I enjoyed this area much more than I expected! read more

Ernie Miller Nature Center - Nature Center - Hiking Near Me - Olathe, Kansas

See all

Great nature center, especially for kids from 2 to 10. Combination of exhibits inside and trails outside. Inside includes about five rooms that have live turtles, snakes, and frogs, along with videos on the surrounding area, and hands on objects: snake skins, pelts, antlers. Outside includes owls, hawks (in cages), paved trails, rustic trails, forest, bridge over creek. We spent about two hours here. read more

See all

This place is HUGE! It's such a great hike, and it's reasonable in terrain, though I'd warn the average person - Do not tread lightly after it rains, because it is MUDDY. Having said that, they've added a lot upgrades to the park that I would say is worthy of the woods. The bridge is beautiful, and the new ampitheater is something to take in an afternoon under. The paths are ample and paved most places, and if you so choose, you can get lost in the woods. I love Ernie Miller for a bevy of reasons, and hate it for only a few. I saw a turkey the last time I was there, and he saw me. We stared at each other for a while, then he quite literally high-tailed it out of there. I've spent quite a few hours lost in the Nature Center, and have had a great time picnicing in the less traveled spaces. The creek is nice too, but take heed: the summer is RICH with seed ticks (ticks so small they'd look like specs of fine pepper flake. So spray on, move swiftly, and breath deep. It's a fine spot for a hike. read more

Really good people tending to nature. Brought the kids on a school trip and was treated wonderfully with a lot of one on one time. Great experience. read more

The trails around Ernie Miller get 5 starts. So well maintained and beautiful. It is a great escape from the city. They have great maps to help you navigate as well. We didn't make it around all of the trails with our toddler but it was a nice wide path and no worries having her run around on them. Inside the nature center was very nice and maintained as well. I just wish there was more live critters to see. I love what they do have and how they are presented but even more would be fun. They have a room that is full of windows and you can just sit and watch outside. It is so serene and there are books and puzzles for the little ones. Great little field trip for all ages. read more

I love this place. Mind you, I love hiking, walking, and being in nature. I got the right dose of those things and more during our last visit there. You definitely feel like you are taken away from the city as you embark upon your journey on the path. And if you did want to gather some information, learn something during your visit - be sure to visit the Nature Center itself. There is an adorable little theatre within the trees, as well as various events held weather permitting. This is just the kind of place to go if you want to get away from it all and be at peace with the outdoors locally. If you are someone who prefers paved paths and keeping your shoes spotless, you might want to be mindful in your choice of shoes. But still check it out. It's worth the trip. And if you are someone with wonky balance issues, I might suggest a walking stick. I am one of those people myself. There are places to park, signage, and lots of nature to absorb. I'll continue to go back, even though it's not exactly in my hood. read more

Beautiful and well maintained. Weekly visit for a short hike! Or long hike paved or unpaved.

Great place to take your family! The nature building is nice in that you'll get a chance to see some indigenous Kansas wildlife. On display during our visit: -Tiger Salamander -Box Turtles -Fish such as blue gill, sunfish, and catfish -Barn owl -Honed owl -Barred Owl -Red Tail Hawk The trails are quite nice as well. We did one of the shorter paved ones, but there were off-shoots into the woods. Even noticed a wild box turtle crossing the path and a skink on a log. Very nice place to come when you wish to unplug. read more

Amazing hiking trails and scenic creek areas, this has to be one of the most well-maintained and functional trails in the metro area. the tree foliage towers over the trails, so even on extremely hot days, the sun is shaded enough to keep you from being burned. They also do a fair job of maintaining the paths although lately there has been a lack of shrub trim. I also have to say this is a great place for bird watchers as well. Nice variety of fowl at any given time of the year. Note to mountain bikers, this is a walking trail ONLY. It's not designed for your bike's tires and all you will do is ruin the path for hikers in the future (many water puddles from tire tracks). Please take your off-road escapades to Shawnee Mission Park. read more

This place has potential. Very nice hiking trails, some paved, some unpaved. Biking allowed on paved trails too. Looking forward to a return visit when I can check out the center (closed on Sundays in the summer). From the website... "Ernie Miller Nature Center was the first Nature Center in Johnson County. The Center provides an opportunity for learning, understanding, and admiring nature's ever- changing ways. It is the focal point of cultural, historical, and environmental education programming offered to all ages by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The Center contains displays, live animals, and Nature's Corner Gift Shop, along with a friendly, knowledgeable staff eager to share their knowledge of nature." read more

This is the first nature center in Johnson County , and it is very well done. They have a nature center and a myriad of programs that are nature related. The hiking trails can be confusing, not labeled well, but vary in challenging degrees. The paved are the easiest and shortest but are connected by several unpaved trails that are steep and also at some points a bit treacherous. You have the option to pass through or walk over creeks surrounded by trees, birds and flowers. The Ernie Miller Nature Center is a great hiking area for any hiker. read more

I went here about a year ago in the midst of the ice storm, so I didn't go on any of the trails, but did go inside the nature center. They had several owls and a snake or two. I keep meaning to go back during better weather to explore the trails. read more

The trails around Ernie Miller Nature Center are a nice walk, including for those with young children. There's a very small pond and several spots (along the smaller loops especially) that are quiet and nicely wooded. There's not any elevation to speak of and the distance is manageable for all ages. The larger loop passes quite close to the highway, so you have to tolerate traffic noise for about 1/3 of that trail. The nature center itself is lacking. The exhibits are OK but the large space seems very underutilized (though it did appear much was used for classroom space for summer camps). The bird viewing area is disappointing. Not enough cover nor feeders. They should check out the one at Prairie Park Nature Center in Lawrence if they want to see how it can be improved. Overall a nice 2-hour outing with the family. read more

Such a great place to experience a bit of nature. I love walking the trails especially, but when my boys were younger, we enjoyed the nature center, animals and exhibits. read more