Ernie Miller Nature Center

Lamp of Freedom

Freedom! -- It was the dream of living free that compelled slaves to travel north.  Step back in time as "Georgette Tucker" shares her story of the Underground Railroad, a labyrinth of safe houses, ingenious hiding places, acts of bravery and suffering.

Location:Your School
Fee: $56.00/$61.00 first program
$40.00/$44.00 consecutive programs
Maximum: 35 students
Time: 1 hour
February 

Heritage History Lab

Early morning at Ernie Miller Park finds your students traveling back in time.  During the 1700's they will meet Jacque, a French fur trapper, who describes his life on the waterways and on the prairies.  They will also meet an Osage Indian who tells of the ways of his people.  During the 1800's they will meet a newly arrived pioneer, who relays her family's hardships and their survival on the journey west.  These living history presentations will be followed in the afternoon by "hands-on" participation in pioneer games, erecting a teepee, and activities that will better acquaint students with the prairie ecosystem.

Location:  Ernie Miller Park
Fee:  $6.25/$6.75 per student
Minimum:  80 students or $500.00/$540.00
Time:  9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
September, October and November

This activity won the 1990
National Association of Interpretation
Region VI Outstanding Interpretive Program                  

And won the 1991 National Recreation and 
Park Association Midwest Region               
Class I Arts and Humanities Award

Archeology Lab

This archeology program is designed to introduce students to the methodology of archeology, as well as provide the opportunity for students to participate in a simulated archeological dig.  The students will measure, catalog and interpret the artifacts they discover during their excavations. 

After lunch, students will observe and participate in a Primitive Technologies Workshop, which will include hunting technologies, fire building, paint materials, games and entertainment.  These hands-on activities will provide students insight into how archeologists reconstruct the culture of ancient societies and tell the "story" of prehistoric humans.

Location:  Ernie Miller Park Nature Center
Fee:  $6.25/$6.75 per student
Maximum:  50 students
Minimum:  30 students or $187.00/$202.00
Time:  9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
January and February

Laura's Legacy

Author Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories of growing up in America's Heartland have entertained and fascinated audiences for years. Invite laura to your classroom and hear the lessons she learned living on the prairie. Stories of survival in aha harsh environment and pioneer tall tales will spark your students' imagination and curiosity.

Location:  Your School
Fee:  $51.00/$56.00 first program
$37.00/$41.00 consecutive programs
Maximum: 35 students
Time:  45 minutes program,
January and February

Ecology Encounters

Who is the Old Man and what is the "treasure" that he has hidden at Ernie Miller Park?  How can the "Keepers of the Circle" help us find the treasure?  Aided by a map and compass, your students will search for clues the Old Man has left to mark the trail to the "treasure."   Assisted by the mysterious "Keepers of the Circle," your students will discover the secrets of decomposers, producers and consumers - three components of the ecosystem.

Grades:  3rd - 6th
Location:  Ernie Miller Park
Fee:  $6.25/$6.75 per student
Minimum:  50 or $312.00/$337.00
Time:  9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.,
April and May

This activity won the 1986                      
National Association of Interpretation
Region VII Outstanding Interpretive Program

Winter At Valley Forge

Winter 1777....
Commander George Washington and his troops are stationed at Valley Forge, Surviving the bitter cold and harsh conditions in the fight for America's future and freedom of every citizen. Listen as the struggle for independence is told through the voices of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in establishing a new country. Stories of Nathan Hale, Paul Revere, and other American heroes will be highlighted.

Location:Your School
Fee: $51.00/$56.00 first program
$37.00/$41.00 consecutive programs
Maximum: 35 students
Time: 45 min
December - January

For Information on our Snakes Alive or Wildlife Who's Who Programs Please Call 913-764-7759

New Fee Structure

10 Percent Discount Now Offered for
Johnson County Residents

1st price - County Residents/ 2nd price- Non-Residents
All prices are subject to change.