FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Animal & Guest Safety

Can I walk the trails on my own?

There are a number of trails at LC Nature Park, some of which you can walk without a guide during days and times the park is open to guests. Others, like the trails through the dune forest, require a guide to walk. This is for the safety of guests, animals, and the sensitive habitat.

A handful of times each year, LC Nature Park will post guides along the guided trails and open them to all guests. Check out our program page to learn more about upcoming events.

Will I see the animals on my tour?

The bison and elk herds at LC Nature Park are semi-wild and have 80 acres of forest and prairie to roam. Seeing these majestic animals on a tour is never guaranteed. 

The best chance of seeing the animals is by joining a safari bus tour, particularly a Calves & Coffee or Calves & Charcuterie tour. These special tours are only offered in the summer, and there is a limited number of seats available. Check our programs page often, or even better, sign up for our e-newsletter, which lets you know about all the wonderful upcoming programs at the park. 

What items are not allowed at LC Nature Park?

The following are not allowed inside the Park

  • Firearms or weapons
  • Tobacco (including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipes and similar items)
  • Alcoholic beverages not provided by LC Nature Park
  • Open fires (including grills, campfires and firepits)
  • Sports equipment (including balls, frisbees and hacky sacks)
  • Balloons, streamers, projectile water toys or loud noise-making items
  • Bikes, skateboards, scooters, segways, wheeled shoes, skates or rollerblades

Out of the safety of visitors, our staff and animals, LC Nature Park personnel reserves the right to inspect bags, strollers, wagons and other items carrying belongings on site.

Can I smoke at LC Nature Park?

LC Nature Park is a smoke- and tobacco-free facility. This includes cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and similar items.

Are pets allowed?

For your safety, your pet’s safety, the animals, and everyone at the park, we do not allow pets at LC Nature Park. 

We encourage that your pets not be left inside of your vehicle during your visit.

Service Animals

LC Nature Park, a non-profit organization, prides itself on being a good member of the community and does its best to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

To that end, the Park follows the requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice in providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. 

When someone arrives with a service animal, a Park supervisor asks two questions to determine if the animal meets the criteria established by the U.S. Department of Justice:

  1. Is the service animal required because of a disability?

  2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

If these two questions are answered, and if the answers fit within the requirements, the person and service animal may enter LC Nature Park.

Guest Amenities

When is the park open?

LC Nature Park is open for regular tours on Saturdays, May through October. Entry is $7 per person, with free admission for children 3 and under and all members. Weekday visits are by appointment only.

You can learn more about how to visit the park on our seasons and hours page. 

Can I bring in outside food & drinks?

LC Nature Park allows outside food and beverages on grounds. These items can be brought with you inside of a bag or cooler. Glass containers and alcohol are not allowed.

Do you have strollers, wagons, or motorized wheelcahairs for rent?

LC Nature Park does not currently rent out strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, or other mobility assistance devices. 

Guests are welcome to bring their strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, and other similar conveyances from home. 

Is there a fee for parking?

Parking is free and available on a first come, first serve basis.

I have mobility challenges, can I still come to the park?

LC Nature Park believes Nature should be accessible for all. We strive to provide a safe and comfortable experience for all guests. 

Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Mills Education Center has ADA doors, a lift, and handicap accessible restrooms. 

All trails at the park are gravel or dirt. The trails around the Mills Education Center are wheelchair accessible. The rest of the trails at the park have steep hills and rough terrain. The main loop from the Mills Education Center through the Dune Forest and back is 1.3 miles. 

Learn more about Accessibility at LC Nature Park. »

Do you have a Lost and Found?

Any personal items found at the park are kept in our Lost and Found box. If you think you might have lost something at the park, please give us a call M-F at 260-999-3153. 

Admission & Payment

What types of payment do you accept?

LC Nature Park accepts all debit and credit cards, cash, checks, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. 

How much is admission?

LC Nature Park is open on Saturdays, May through October. On these days, general admission is $7. If you would like to ride the Safari Bus on one of these days, admission will be a total of $12/person. Additional fees may occur depending on special activities you elect to participate in. 

Members get in FREE on Saturdays. Learn more about how you can become an LC Nature Park Member. 

We have lots of fun and engaging programs throughout the year. Visit our Programs page to learn more about these programs and their cost. 

Are there additional charges besides the admission charge?

Park Saturday admission covers entry to the park, access to our Discovery Trails, and a guided hike (if offered that day).  The following require an additional charge: Safari Bus tour, special programs, concessions, and gift shop purchases. 

Program fees cover everything included in the program. 

Can I pre-purchase my Saturday Safari Bus Ticket?

LC Nature Park is open on Saturdays from May through October. During these days, the hikes and safari bus rides will be first-come, first-served. There is no online pre-purchase option for the tickets. Tickets will be sold starting an hour before the tour and can be purchased in person at the Mills Education Center. 

We have safari bus tours you can pre-purchase tickets for throughout the year. Please visit our Programs page to find upcoming tours and purchase tickets. 

Are there restrictions on the Safari Bus Tour?

Safari Bus Tours are weather-dependent and will not operate if there is rain, flooding, snow, ice, or if the temperature will not reach 50 degrees by 1 p.m.

The bus cannot hold more than 10 riders. Kids 3 and under must sit on a lap. 

We have a step stool to assist with getting into the safari bus, but the bus does not have a ramp or lift. 

Do you offer discounts on admission and tours?

LC Nature Park strives to keep our fees low and the park accessible. Below is information on special rates and discounts. 

  • Students or Teachers
    • Field trips are $5/student, with teachers and chaperones free. We also offer free field trips for Title 1 schools.
    • We have a Student Membership available as an add-on to an individual membership.
    • We do not offer individual discounts to students or teachers unless otherwise stated. 
  • Military
    • We do not offer a military discount
  • Group Rates
    • We do not offer group rates aside from field trips. 
  • SNAP/EBT
    • Children from families that are SNAP/EBT eligible are able to apply for Camp Trillium Scholarships and have their camp fees waived. Visit the Camp Trillium page to learn more. 
  • AAA or other clubs
    • We do not offer AAA or other club discounts
  • Senior Citizen
    • We do not offer a senior citizen discount

I homeschool, can I bring my kids on a field trip?

Homeschool groups of at least 10 kids can register for a field trip through our Field Trips page. 

We do not offer field trips to single homeschool families or groups of fewer than 10 kids. 

Rentals, Weddings, Camping, & Parties

Can I rent the Park/Mills Education Center?

LC Nature Park has a limited number of corporate rentals available each year. These rentals have a limit on the number of people and activities possible. Learn more on our rentals page. 

Can I have a wedding at the Park?

LC Nature Park is not available for weddings. This is a conflict of our mission and against local zoning laws.

Can I camp at LC Nature Park?

LC Nature Park does not allow overnight camping at the park. This is against local zoning laws.

Can I rent the Park/Mills Education Center for a party?

LC Nature Park and the Mills Education Center are not available for private rentals. Party rentals are in conflict with our mission and against local zoning laws. 

However, if you would like to come to the park on a Saturday when we are open (May-October) and bring a picnic, cake, or other celebratory items, you are allowed.

Community Support

Does LC Nature Park donate to local fundraisers?

LC Nature Park, a non-profit organization, prides itself on its contributions to the surrounding communities. In an effort to give back, the Park is willing to consider requests from the local community. Click here for more information.

Is there a special admission discount for qualifying non-profits?

Local 501(c)3 organizations can rent the Mills Education Center for 50% regular pricing. Learn more about rentals here.

There are no admission discounts for 501(c)3 organizations. If you would like to discuss partnering with the park, please reach out to us at info@lcnaturepark.org.