The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch

if I could give this place a «0» I would if you want your car vandalized visit this place We visited on Sunday Oct 25, 2015 for a city event. I was lead to a parking spot by attending city worker where my car was one of 5 car that got vandalized my windows were smash out (side Window and back window) I really can thank the city for this EVERY EVENT SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE SECURITY the city drop the ball and had NOBODY to watch carS in THERE PARKING LOT THAT THEY DIRECTED CAR TO. I will not be joining them in any more of there FREE EVENT nothing free about it. Us victumes were watched by those crooks who vandalized cars for purses. I have to be glad That I didn’t go back to my car SINCE I WOULD HAVE BEEN CATCHING THEM *this could have been real bad*
Filed claim with risk management and of course denied serious? You told all of us cars where to park StupidS!!!
Thats the city for you!
I would have been better off getting towed then having to replace windowS Cause I was going to park illegally but… no followed parking attending
Was this a inside job? This WAS THERE FAULT THIS HAPPENED NO SECURITY THEY TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY
Needless to say if your into vandalizing cars the City of Aurora WELCOMES YOU you can count on them not ALWAYS HAVING SECURITY
I will never take my family to another City of Aurora Event

Right in the middle of the plains I have a place to escape the traffic and people. There are deer and birds if you’re quiet enough to not scare them away.

This is NOT a review for the adjacent Star K Ranch Open Space (reviewed separately with 5 stars)
This Nature Center to me is emblematic of government waste that little notice. They spent a fortune restoring a tiny little house. Its filled with lame displays, like a taxidermy coyote chasing a taxidermy bird. It was staffed by two employees who were all smiles and little knowledge. Barely recognized, I was there while they chattered about personal gossip.
There is no point to these make-​jobs in a building that really has no function. And how many people even know about this place. DID YOU? I thought not. Proof its uselless: If they charged a $ 2.00 to get in, no one would go. Instead, they charge the taxpayer for something we don’t want or need.

The world is full of beautiful, amazing, generous people like the folks at The Morrison Nature Center, the fabulous people that donate to them, and the cream of the crop, gems like Mary Jo who take nature lovers like me to places like this. The grounds, the building and the treasures inside attest to the hard work of many many people.
Inside, my favorite parts were the live turtles (I LOVE turtles!) and the adorable costumes for kids to dress up like local creatures and play in a band! In addition to these amenities, there are also other information stations, a big olé map of the immense Sand Creek trail and a very lovely sitting area. While we were there a large school group was having a joyful picnic sack lunch outside. That this nature center is free and so excellently cared for that it makes me love Colorado and its wonderful inhabitants even more!

This review gives you two for one. The Morrison Nature Center in the Star*K Ranch and the Sand Creek Trail.
The Morrison Nature Center is in the newly remodeled 60 year old Stark homestead on the Star*K Ranch (The Star*K Ranch is a 200 acre ranch and outdoor learning center in Aurora). They offer programs for nature enthusiasts of all ages; and stopping by will give you just a taste of the wildlife you could encounter on the trail system. In the winter, you can sit in front of the fire place and read one of the many books about the area. On the walls are a few pictures of Papa Stark’s home with a sign telling everyone it is here for your enjoyment. What they do not tell you is some of the illustrious past, like the days of gambling and keggers. Of a sheep named Willie who could eat a cigarette and drink a beer. There were many a wild days at the MNC; now there are many wild days of a different sort… bald eagles, deer, pronghorns, coyotes, porcupines, etc. MNC borders the Emil-Lene’s Steak House which offers a nice lunch for your visit.
The Sand Creek Trail which runs through the Star*K Ranch is a 14 mile trail connecting the Platte River Greenway and High Line Canal trails. It runs from Coal Creek arena skirting the Bluff Lake wetlands and through the former Stapleton Airport site and on under I70 at Quebec. This is a hidden jewel for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. There is trailer parking if you bring horses. If you are looking to get out in our fresh Colorado air and do not want to head up to the mountains, go down to the plains and discover how diverse this area we call home.
And best of all… it is free!!! And it is less than 15 minutes from downtown Denver.