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 Park Safety and Interpretive Division. Programs offer experiences that help to create awareness and respect for wildlife and habitat.

Ernie Miller Park Shelter
Reservations for all JCPRD shelters is required. 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 difficulties arise or contact the JCPRD Park Police at 913-782-0720 and please have your shelter 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.

Outdoor Discovery Camps
Our Outdoor Discovery Camp is offered at two locations in the summer, Ernie Miller Park (6-8 yrs) and Shawnee Mission Park (8-12 yrs). Pre-registration for these camps is required. Registration begins in February. Details and registration information will be available at that time.

• 2010 Outdoor Discovery Policies & Supply List [142KB]
• 2010 Outdoor Discovery Personal Data & Permission [93KB]
• 2010 Outdoor Discovery Health History Info [65KB]
• 2010 Outdoor Discovery Emergency Authorization [85KB]
• 2010 Outdoor Discovery Shawnee Mission Park Sched [150KB]
• 2010 Outdoor Discovery Ernie Miller Sched [155KB]
• JoCo Health Dept's Summer Prevention Tips [155KB]
  

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.

The Ernie Miller Nature Center has ongoing needs for supplies for both the animals kept at the center and the wild animals that come to the feeders.

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; small bags of timothy hay; 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.

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 No playground If difficulties arise, contact a Park Ranger at (913) 782-0720.

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

"This is quite simply the best program we've participated in during my 26 years of teaching! (Heritage History Lab)"
Indian Valley Elementary