Carson Nature Center-South Platte Park

Specialties

South Platte Park is an 880-​acre natural open space along the river in Littleton. We feature guided programs for families, naturalist skills classes for adults, nature birthday parties, summer and school break camps for youth, and field trips for schools and youth groups. The Park also features a nature center with exhibits on the wildlife of the area, a classroom available for rental, 5 lakes open to fishing, over 4 miles of hiking trails, a regional biking trail, and excellent bird and wildlife watching in the heart of the Denver Metro region.

History

Established in 1983.

South Platte Park was created by the City of Littleton following the flood disaster in 1965. The City residents voted to tax themselves and changed the Corps of Engineer plans for a river channel, instead buying the property along the river to remain as a natural floodplain park — a new precedent in flood control. South Suburban Parks and Recreation manage the property under contract for the City. The lakes were formed from gravel mining activities, and the Carson Nature Center was the private family home for the Theo L. Carson family before being donated and moved to its current location. The center has been offering public programming since 1989, and programs have grown in diversity and popularity through the years.