Johnson County Park & Recreation District: Parks & Facilities: Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center

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Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center, JCPRD's 116-acre park, consists of a diverse range of habitats such as tall grass prairie, upland meadows, bottomland forest and a beautiful stream to explore. It also provides a variety of exhibits as you discover more about the park’s wildlife and history.

The 116-acre park has been preserved in much of its natural state and features an outdoor amphitheater with seating for 80 persons, picnic shelter, three miles of nature trails, including a self-guided 1/4 mile accessible nature trail.

The EMNC also includes a gift shop for nature enthusiasts, year-round interpretive programming for all ages and is staffed by knowledgeable park naturalists and police of our Safety and Outdoor Education Division. Programs offer experiences that help to create awareness and respect for wildlife and habitat.

Outdoor Discovery Camps
Our Outdoor Discovery Camp is offered at two locations in the summer, Ernie Miller Park (6-12 yrs) and Shawnee Mission Park (8-12 yrs). Pre-registration for these camps is required. The focus of the camp is to connect children to nature, our heritage and each other. Activities include boating, fishing, archery, hiking, swimming and nature related programs. Before and after care is provided for working parents. To enroll or learn more about our camps, visit our Camps page.

Outdoor Discovery Camp Required Forms
Personal Data & Activities Permission (Required) [55KB]
Health History (Required) [50KB]
Authorization for Emergency Medical Care (Required) [105KB]
Authorization for Medication Administration [40KB]

Outdoor Discovery Camp Policies and Information
Camp Policies & Supply List [75KB]
Tentative Shawnee Mission Park Schedule [65KB]
Tentative Ernie Miller Schedule [50KB]

Ernie Miller Park Nature Center Hours:
Fall & Winter Hours - November 1 to March 31:
	Monday - Saturday: 9 am to 4:30 pm (Closed for lunch 12 pm - 1 pm) Sunday: 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Spring & Summer Hours - April 1 - October 31:
	Monday - Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm (Closed for lunch 12 pm - 1 pm) Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm (Closed on Sundays - June, July & August)
Ernie Miller Park & Trail Hours: Open Daily - Dawn to Dusk

Ernie Miller Park Shelter
To insure the use of a shelter, reservations are recommended. Ernie Miller Park is equipped with 1 multi-functional shelter available throughout the year for gatherings including weddings, graduations and birthdays. For details about all JCPRD shelters, including Ernie Miller Park, view our JCPRD Park Shelter Info. Chart. Patrons can reserve shelters by walk-in or by phone. For additional details visit our Reservation and Rentals page. To inquire or to reserve a shelter, visit our Registration Office or contact us Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at (913) 831-3359.
Note: During your event, please have a copy of your reservation form available.

Park Police and Park Safety
If safety issues arise, contact the JCPRD Park Police by calling (913) 782-0720. If you're contacting the Park Police to resolve a conflict related to a shelter reservation, please be sure to have your copy of the reservation with you.

Educational Programs and Camps
Our knowledgeable staff present a variety of fun, educational programs for all ages. For more information about the center’s youth, preschool outreach, school programs and our Outdoor Discovery Camps call (913) 764-7759 or view our downloadable material below.

Recent Ernie Miller Improvements and Amenities
A major expansion of EMNC has been completed and has added more than 5,800 square feet to the facility. New amenities include a multipurpose room, an exhibit room, a wildlife-viewing room facing the woods and a 500-gallon aquarium featuring native fish.

Donations for Animal Supplies Sought at EMNC
Individuals, families and groups wanting to make a difference are invited to consider contributing a gift to the animals at the Ernie Miller Nature Center.

Items needed: black oil sunflower seed; white millet or safflower seed (no seed mixes, please); suet cakes; dried seed corn on the cob; LabDiet 5001 rodent food; pine bedding; bags of new clean cypress mulch; various sizes of clear Critter Keeper boxes with snap tops from pet stores; ferret snacks; bleach, laundry soap; and dryer sheets.

Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for a new experience? Have a skill or interest that you are willing to share? Want to learn a new skill? Presently, opportunities exist for people to be Nature Center volunteers. Adults are needed to deliver environmental programs, conduct nature walks, staff the Nature Center, and much more. You need not be an expert – training and support will be provided. For more information about volunteer opportunities, view our volunteer manual.

Download Forms
To view and download Ernie Miller Nature Center forms and other JCPRD downloadable forms, visit our PDF page by clicking on the Download Forms button below:

Downloadable
Park and Program Information

2012 EMNC Spring Tracks Newsletter [830KB]

Preschool Nature Awareness Brochure [300KB]

2012 EMNC Interpretive School Program [800KB]

Youth Outdoor Recreation Ed. Programs [285KB]

Park Shelter Info Chart [30KB]

Living Memorial Program [195KB]

Picnic Program Brochure [610KB]

Picnic Shelter

8 tables (1 accessible), seating for 64 persons

Grill not available

Path from shelter to Nature Center is handicapped accessible with assistance

Electricity; no water available

Nearest restroom located in Nature Center facility

No playground

If difficulties arise, contact a JCPRD Park Police.

To check for possible park or trail
closings please call the 24-Hour Park Information Line at (913) 312-8833.

"Thanks so much for the wonderful day we spent in the "past". You have a well organized program and our students found it an awesome experience."
-5th Grade Teacher, Tomahawk Elementary

Johnson County Health
Department Flier:
Prevent Tick-Borne Illnesses [180KB]