The historic scout cabin in Schermerhorn Park has been transformed into a wonderful nature center. Animal and plant exhibits native to the area are displayed throughout the center. Exploration drawers are filled with hands-on materials to give visitors an opportunity to learn about nature up close. Environmental education classes and workshops are offered each month. The adjoining park grounds, trails, cave and creek make a perfect setting for science and nature studies. Visitors are pleasantly surprised with the wide variety of activities and materials available.
Our Vision
The Southeast Kansas Nature Center Foundation of Galena was founded with the purpose of developing and maintaining an environmental resource center for area schools, educators and the community at large.
History of Schemerhorn Park
In 1922, Edgar Backus Schermerhorn, a wealthy citizen of Galena donated land south of Galena on Shoal Creek for the purpose of building a city park. During the mid 1930's and early 1940's the W.P.A. (Works Progressive Administration) built the park's well-known stone terracing walls and other structures. Just inside the entrance there are picnic and cooking areas as well as a playground. Schermerhorn Park is one of the greatest places to experience the "Kansas Ozarks". The city maintained park is a biological wonderland. The park is alive with examples of native wildlife. Some of the animals in the state can be found within the boundaries of the park. The spring that flows from Schermerhorn Cave, located in the park, is home to the dark-sided salamander, the cave salamander and the graybelly salamander, all on the Kansas endangered list. Also birders from all over the state know of the park for its wide variety of birds found in the area.
Probably the best place to see examples of Mississippian limestone of the Ozark Plateau is located at Schermerhorn Park. Shoal Creek, one of the major tributaries to Spring River, flows through the park. This spring-fed, ozarkian stream has been the major force shaping the basin, producing the physiographic features so common to the Ozark region--rolling hills and steep river bluffs. The park sits at the west end of a tall limestone bluff on the north side of the river.
Click on images to enlarge.
Friendly Volunteers
At this time we are almost entirely staffed by volunteers. Our friendly staff will assist you with any questions you may have.
Become a Member
The Southeast Kansas Nature Center Foundation of Galena is a not-for-profit organization. If you become a member your donation will help promote and support this worthwhile project located at Schemerhorn Park of Galena, Kansas.
Membership types are: Individual Yearly, Family Yearly, Lifetime Individual, Lifetime Family
Please click the following link to access the Membership Form.
Schermerhorn Park Galena, Kansas
