Fountain Creek Nature Center

Many people flock to the Colorado Springs area for its natural beauty. There are outdoor treasures all over the Front Range. Fountain, which is a city just south of Colorado Springs, offers a vast trail network and the Fountain Creek Nature Center. This is a beautiful destination any time of the year. In addition to coming at your leisure, there are many events and programs throughout the year. 

Where is Fountain Creek Nature Center?

To find Fountain Creek Nature Center, travel on I-25 to exit 132. Next, go east on CO 16 to US Highway 85 (N. Santa Fe Ave.). Turn right and go south for ½ mile. After this, turn west on Cattail Marsh road and follow it to the parking lot. You can also map it. 

The address is:

320 Pepper Grass Lane

Fountain, CO 80817

When you arrive, you will find access to trails and you can also stop at the nature center. Admission is free and all are welcome. The current hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. 

Exhibits at Fountain Creek Nature Center

The nature center is a terrific stop for both adults and children. The building overlooks the wetlands, with terrific bird-watching opportunities. You can grab a pair of binoculars to look closely at the birds and other animals. In addition, there is a fascinating display of the history of the area. Also, you can find information about the local watershed and saving water. There are puppets, costumes, and a variety of displays. 

The volunteers who staff the nature center are friendly and knowledgeable. They can give you insight into local animals and planning a route for exploring the trails. While in the nature center, you can use clean restrooms and fill up water bottles. 

Programs at Fountain Creek Nature Center

There is always something going on at Fountain Creek Nature Center. Many schools come for field trips and there are summer camps available to youth. In addition, there are events scheduled throughout the year. Check out any upcoming events here. 

Also, check out these upcoming events in July and August 2022.

Twos and Threes Outdoors: Turtle Time

Thursday, July 21, from 9 AM to 10:15 AM

Friday, July 22, from 9 AM to 10:15 AM

This program allows 2 and 3-year-olds to explore nature through a story, interactive activities, and a short hike. The price is $3 per person, including adults and siblings.

Active Adults: Native Pollinator Lecture and Hike

Saturday, July 23, from 6 PM to 8 PM

Come to the nature center for a lesson on local pollinators with guest speaker David Wooly. Learn about lesser-known pollinators and how we can help them. After the lecture, participants will walk along the nature trail to find bugs and pollinators in action. Prepaid registration is required and the price is $5 per person or $4 per member.

Insect Songs

Saturday, July 30, from 9 AM to 11 AM

Summers are filled with insect songs. Some creatures heard in the area include katydids, cicadas, tree crickets, and field crickets. Learn about their songs and come try to find them in the wild. This program includes a craft, hike, and games. The cost is $5 per person or $4 per member and prepaid registration is required.

Nature Adventures - Messin’ With Mud

Thursday, August 11, from 9 AM to 10:30 AM

Friday, August 12, from 9 AM to 10:30 AM

This program is for children ages 3-6 with an adult. Participants will enjoy crafts, stories, puppet shows, hands-on activities, and time on the trail. The cost is $3 per person and prepaid registration is required.

Twos and Threes Outdoors: Nature’s Alphabet

Thursday, August 18, from 9 AM to 10:15 AM

Friday, August 19, from 9 AM to 10:15 AM

Another chance to explore nature with your 2 or 3-year-old. This program includes a story, interactive activities, and a short hike. The price is $3 per person, including adults and siblings.

Monarch Magic

Saturday, August 20, from 10 AM to 11:30 AM

Learn more about the amazing monarch migration to Mexico. Participants will view an indoor presentation, make a craft, and search for caterpillars and adult butterflies to tag and release for research. The cost is $5 per person or $4 per member. Prepaid registration is required.

Hiking and Bird Watching

The trails directly outside Fountain Creek Nature Center in the Cattail Marsh Wildlife area are for hiking only. They are closed to bicycles and dogs. If you would like to hike farther, ride your bike, or bring your dog, some trails continue outside of the Cattail Marsh Wildlife area. The trails follow Fountain Creek, which is lovely and home to a variety of birds and other animals. Keep an eye out for red-wing blackbirds, turtles, great blue herons, white-tailed deer, frogs, snakes, hawks, and ducks.

Trails connect Fountain Creek Nature center to Willow Springs Ponds and Fishing Area, which is located to the north. In these ponds, you can catch bluegill, rainbow trout, and channel catfish. Many large trees provide shade and there are many picnic tables available.

If you follow the trails south, you can reach Fountain Creek Regional Park. This large park offers many amenities. You can also reserve park facilities for a party or large gathering. Youth sports teams often use this park for practice and games and the dog park is a fun place for dogs to run off-leash. Additional amenities in the park include:

• Basketball court
• Horseshoe pits
• Interpretive displays
• Picnic pavilions
• Picnic tables
• Playground
• Playing fields
• Restrooms
• Sand volleyball court
• Community and demonstration garden
• Drinking fountains.

Living in Fountain

Fountain is a rapidly growing community about 15 minutes south of Colorado Springs. It is also close to Fort Carson and offers small-town charm. There are great schools in Fountain, many community events throughout the year, and ample opportunities to get out and explore nature.

If you’re interested in searching for homes in Fountain, or nearby Colorado Springs, work with an experienced Realtor who knows and loves this area. Contact Mark Main today and begin your home search at Best CS Homes.