When you’re looking to reconnect with nature and have a slow Kansas City outing, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary is the perfect escape.
Plan Your Visit to Martha Lafite
Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Liberty, Missouri, is a 100-acre private, non-profit nature preserve dedicated to environmental education and conservation. It features 4 miles of hiking trails, a nature center with live animal exhibits, and diverse habitats, serving as a tranquil outdoor space for hiking, birding, and education.
Operating Hours
March 1 through December 15: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Closed all major holidays and either the day before or the day after.
The Wildlife Sanctuary Hiking Trails are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Highlights for Your Visit to Martha Lafite
Story Walk
The United Tweets of America Story Walk features Hudson Talbott’s book “United Tweets of America: Their Stories Their Glories.” As you walk along the paved path (about one mile), you’ll see a page from each state and their birds. The story walk ends at the Rush Creek Overlook. You can purchase the book in the Nature Center gift shop.
Mom Tip
The walk starts at the picnic shelter. Pack your lunch and eat before embarking on your walk. You can park at the shelter or walk down from the Nature Center.
Play in the Creek
As you finish up the story walk, you can continue down to the creek bed. If the water isn’t high, it’s a great place to learn to skip rocks and make a stick boat. We spent almost an hour here just playing!
Mom Tip
It doesn’t hurt to bring a change of clothes and clean shoes for the car to avoid bringing any mud home with you!
Nature Center
Inside the nature center, you’ll find rescued animals (we saw snakes, frogs, spiders, a rabbit and chickens) along with nature exhibits and interactive activities. There is an indoor bird viewing area, which makes for a great stop to cool off or wait for rain to pass. My kids thoroughly enjoyed the cozy tent with nature books and hearing different kinds of bird calls. You’ll also find a place to fill up your water bottle, bathrooms and a gift shop.
The center also offers rotating exhibits and educational programming throughout the year, making repeat visits worthwhile.
Hummingbird Deck
See hummingbirds and butterflies up close on the new Hummingbird Deck! It’s a peaceful place to watch hummers and butterflies any time the Nature Center is open.
Hiking Trails
The four miles of trails at Martha Lafite wind through forests, prairie spaces, and along Rush Creek, giving families plenty of variety during a visit. Some paths are paved and stroller-friendly, while others feel more rugged and adventurous for older kids.
Mom Tips
Fill up your water bottle in the Nature Center.
Don’t forget bug spray and check for ticks when you get home!
Summer Camps and Educational Programs
Earth Guardians Adventure Days summer camps are taught by seasonal naturalists and trained volunteers. Camps for ages 3-14 focus on exploring nature and science surrounded by Missouri wildlife. Family camps are also available.
Supporting the Nature Sanctuary
This nature sanctuary does not receive any federal, state, or local tax funding. It is supported in part by annual membership fees from the Friends of the Sanctuary. Friends’ contributions help with wildlife habitat improvements, educational programming and protection of rare plants. Members also get first access to register for camps and other programs.
Another way to support the sanctuary is through donations – look for boxes to leave your donation, anything is appreciated!
Nearby Family Fun
If you’re looking to make a day of it, visit nearby Stocksdale Park for more hiking trails and a fun playground, or head into Downtown Liberty to visit the Jesse James Bank Museum.
