Jefferson City
Missouri
Runge Nature Center
This 100-acre area in Jefferson City features a visitor center with exhibits and live-animal displays, special events, trails, demonstrations, and diverse natural habitats.
At the Runge Conservation Nature Center, come and enjoy the wonders of Missouri's habitats and the fish, forest and wildlife resources found in the Show-Me State. Get acquainted with beauty as we travel from the rugged prairies of the north to the swamplands of the Bootheel.
Facility and exhibits
- 200-seat auditorium, three classrooms, and indoor wildlife-viewing area, library, and 3,000 square feet of exciting exhibits
- All indoor facilities are disabled-accessible
- Pull-through bus and RV parking
Upcoming Events at Runge Nature Center
Hunting Series: Small Game Hunting
Hunting Series: Waterfowl Hunting
Hunting Series: Tree Stand Safety
Hunting Series: Archery Hunting
Hunting Series: Firearms Deer Hunting
Recent News
Celebrate the Holiday Season at Runge Conservation Nature Center on December 27 - 29, 2023
All ages are invited to the nature center’s Holiday Happenings 3-day event. Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to celebrate the holidays at Runge Conservation Nature Center with…
Read More »MDC Invites Novice Hunters to a Year-Long Hunting Series in Jefferson City
This free series will expose participants to various methods of hunting in Missouri. JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites novice hunters to a year-long hunting series focused on deer, turkey, and…
Read More »Enjoy an Outdoor Movie Night at Runge Nature Center on May 19, 2023
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites outdoor enthusiasts for a movie under the stars May 19 from 8-9:30 p.m. at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City. End the work week by exploring the Runge Nature…
Read More »MDC Invites the Public to Dive Into Nature Through Reading at ‘Into the Words’ at Runge Nature Center on February 4, 2023
This book discussion series is for all readers and nature lovers ages 16 and older. Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites readers and nature fanatics to “Into the Words”, a book discussion…
Read More »MDC Invites the Public to Learn About Owls at Runge Nature Center on January 20, 2023
Participants will learn about owls before observing owls in their natural habitat. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to learn about owls at Runge Nature Center from 6:00-8:30 p.m. …
Read More »MDC Invites the Public to an Eagle Adventure on Jan. 28, 2023
Participants will have the opportunity to view live eagles in programs and in their natural habitat. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to learn about eagles at Runge Nature…
Read More »Learn Fishing Skills with MDC’s Free Fly-Tying Classes in Jefferson City
MDC staff will guide participants through the skill of fly-tying JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to spend a few relaxing hours with MDC staff learning the art of fly-tying. Many…
Read More »MDC Runge Nature Center Hosts Holiday Celebrations from December 28-30, 2022
Participants can experience a host of holiday-themed activities all three days. Jefferson City, Mo -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to celebrate the holidays at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City. Staff will…
Read More »MDC Hosts Free Cedar Wreath Making Event on Dec. 20 at Runge Nature Center
Participants will be able to take their wreath home just in time for the holidays. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to celebrate the holidays and help Runge Nature Center make use of…
Read More »MDC Offers Free Nest Box Building Event in Jefferson City on December 17, 2022
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites participants ages 7-12 years old to give back to nature through creating a nest box for winter birds around their home. This event will run from 10-11:30 a.m. at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson…
Read More »MDC Offers Free Bird Identification Event at Runge Nature Center on December 16, 2022
Participants will be treated to a warm cup of coffee or tea while learning about Missouri’s birds. Jefferson City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to start their morning with an MDC naturalist to…
Read More »Learn the Basic Functions of Guns at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City on October 18, 2022
This event will be geared toward new and novice hunters and shooters JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to get familiar with different gun types and their functions at an event at Runge…
Read More »MDC Invites Youth to Firearm Safety Event on October 15 in Jefferson City
Participants will learn how to safely handle and use firearms for hunting. JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites youth ages 6-10 to a firearms safety event at Runge Nature Center. Participants will…
Read More »Learn Different Campfire Cooking Techniques in Jefferson City on October 12, 2022
Participants will learn tips to cooking over a bonfire. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.-- There is nothing better than a warm campfire on a cool fall evening, except maybe fresh food being cooked over that campfire. The Missouri Department of Conservation…
Read More »MDC to Host Beginner Deer Hunting Event in Jefferson City on October 15, 2022
Participants will learn the basics of successfully deer hunting. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites beginner deer hunters ages 6 and older to an introductory event on deer hunting. This event will…
Read More »Learn the Basics of Nature Photography at Runge Nature Center on September 24, 2022
MDC volunteer Dan Bernskoetter will share tips on capturing natural scenery JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to spend the morning with local photographer and MDC staff volunteer, Dan…
Read More »Go Nuts About Squirrel Nunting at MDC Beginner Squirrel Hunter Event in Jefferson City on September 29, 2022
Participants will learn the best ways to hunt squirrels. JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to “go nuts” about the squirrel hunting season at their beginner squirrel hunting event…
Read More »MDC’s Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City Hosts Art Exhibit in September and October
Visitors can view artwork from dozens of local artists free of charge. Jefferson City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in partnership with Spotlight on the Arts and JARICK Productions is exhibiting more than 40 guest…
Read More »Witness Monarch Butterfly Tagging at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City
Four separate events will be held to allow participants to watch the tagging process. Jefferson City, MO. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to participate in a monarch butterfly tagging event in Jefferson…
Read More »Learn to Cook Using a Dutch Oven in Jefferson City on September 17, 2022
Participants will get to experience preparing food using a Dutch oven then get to taste the product of their work. Jefferson City, Mo -- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to return to classic cooking styles by…
Read More »Observe Birds in Their Natural Habitat at Runge Nature Center
Join Naturalists at two separate birding events Sept. 23 and Oct. 5 Jefferson City, Mo. – Join Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) naturalists on a bird watching adventure at Runge Nature Center. Visitors will get to observe the…
Read More »Learn the Stories Behind the Photography at MDC Event Sept. 1 in Jefferson City
MDC nature photographer David Stonner will share how he captures his iconic photos. Jefferson City, Mo. – Photographing nature requires skill and a whole lot of patience. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to…
Read More »MDC Hosts Free River Exploration Event on the Maries River on August 5, 2022
Participants will explore animal and plant life in the Maries River JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Naturalists from the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City invite residents of all ages to participate in…
Read More »Explore the Various Native Types of Milkweed at Runge Nature Center on July 28, 2022
Milkweed plants are a critical part of the survival of many insects in Missouri. Jefferson City, Mo. – Milkweed, part of the family of Asclepiadaceae, exists naturally in Missouri as eleven different species. This plant is known for its…
Read More »Teachers Invited to MDC Unhooked Summer Workshop on July 7-8 in Jefferson City
Two-day workshop will focus on MDC Discover Nature Schools Unhooked 6th-8th grade curriculum. JEFFERSON CITY, MO – One of the best ways for students to learn about nature is to interact with the outdoors. The Missouri Department of…
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