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Visit us at our new headquarters- the Lafayette Nature Center!  

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THE LAFAYETTE NATURE CENTER- A HOME FOR NATURE CONNECTION

300 Old Laramie Trail E, Lafayette, CO 80026
Free and open to the public

Thorne Nature Experience created the Lafayette Nature Center to be a welcoming place for all members of our community to gather and connect with nature and each other. Enjoy world-class nature play areas, grassy field space, gazebos, a BBQ pit, and the natural beauty of nearby Coal Creek Open Space. Whether you like to climb, dig, swing, slide, or just relax in the great outdoors, the Lafayette Nature Center has something for everyone.

Lafayette Nature Center Highlights

  • Outdoor play and learning spaces, including nature playgrounds with features like sandpits with water, log structures, loose parts for building, and a nature-themed swing and slide.
  • Community gathering spaces with two first-come first-served gazebos (with electrical outlets), a BBQ pit, and field space.
  • Connecting trail to nearby Coal Creek Open Space, an incredible natural area with giant cottonwood groves, abundant flora and fauna, and year-round access to water exploration.
  • Family & Community Programs- Thorne is excited to host events in both English and Spanish that will take place regularly at the center. CLICK HERE to see our event calendar.

See Thorne’s Event Calendar

Plan Your Visit

The outdoor spaces at the Lafayette Nature Center will be open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. The Nature Preschool enclosed play area (4) is closed to the public unless the gate is open. There are no indoor public exhibits at the Lafayette Nature Center.  

  • To keep the LNC safe for young children:
    • No pets allowed
    • Adult supervision required
    • Nature play areas and pavilions may be closed when in use by Thorne 
    • No tobacco or drug use

CLICK HERE for directions to the Lafayette Nature Center. For more information about visiting the Lafayette Nature Center, email info@nullthornenature.org or call 303.499.3647 x100.

“We are so excited to have a space in our community that helps our children grow up feeling connected to our local ecology. It is important that people understand that nature is everywhere, not just some “pristine” place you have to drive to in the mountains. A space designed for nature exploration will be a valuable asset to our community and children.”

– Local Family