Renovated exhibits reopen at MDC Runge Nature Center

Discover nature with new forest habitat exhibits in Jefferson City.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has reopened exhibits at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City. Renovations to the main exhibit area feature new displays and an interactive design focused on forest habitat and ecology.

Upgrades to the forest habitat exhibits at Runge Nature Center include pathways through replica woods, a tree house designed specifically for children, and artistic detail with educational opportunities built into the surroundings. Plants and wildlife of all shapes, sizes, and colors appear around every turn, and are accompanied by interactive sounds, informational panels that appear to grow right out of the woods, and even a smelling station to discover Missouri’s aromatic trees.

The final exhibit touches still in progress include new aquariums and terrariums, additional accent lighting, and expansion of landscape murals. However, after a brief closure for the first major renovation in the nature center’s 24-year history, the exhibits are now open for enjoyment by visitors of all ages.

“These exhibit renovations offer visitors new opportunities to discover nature by learning about the plants and animals that inhabit Missouri forest ecosystems,” said Runge Conservation Nature Center Manager Kathy Cavender. “By keeping our interactive learning environment fresh and up to date, we hope to continue our decades-long tradition of educating and inspiring new generations of Missourians to discover nature and care for our state’s natural ecosystems.”

Runge Conservation Nature Center, located at 330 Commerce Drive in Jefferson City, is free and open for visitors Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Thursday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Trails on the property are open seven days a week, 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

For more information or to receive a free bimonthly newsletter announcing events and programs at the nature center, call (573) 526-5544, or visit nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/runge-conservation-nature-center. To sign up for Runge updates via text message, text “MDC Runge” to 468311.  

Exhibits have reopened after extensive renovations at MDC’s Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City. 

Newly renovated forest habitat exhibits at Runge Conservation Nature Center in Jefferson City include hidden wildlife in an indoor forest setting. 

Interactive, educational, and artistic details abound in the newly remodeled forest habitat exhibits at Runge Conservation Nature Center in Jefferson City. 

Exhibits have reopened after extensive renovations at MDC’s Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City. An owl, turkey, and squirrel share their native Missouri habitat with visitors to the new forest habitat exhibit.

An interactive tree house helps children discover nature from inside and atop a hollow oak tree. Visitors will find new attractions at MDC's Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City. 

New Forest Revealed exhibits have reopened after extensive renovations at MDC's Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City.  Discover nature in this remodeled indoor forest, and learn about Missouri's native plants, animals, and natural resources.