Cheat Sheets Local Travel & Activity Ideas
The opportunities found here are offers from our Program Partners. For more information, or to schedule a visit to one of these locations, please contact the partner directly. Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center | Cape Girardeau, MO
The Conservation Nature Center is located in Cape Girardeau’s North County Park and showcases the rich cultural history and diverse natural resources of southeast Missouri. It features a 160-seat auditorium, three classrooms, hands-on exhibits, a scientific research laboratory, freshwater aquariums, and an indoor wildlife viewing area. The White Oak Trace features two miles of nature trails allowing visitors to traverse rolling river hills with sinkholes, deep hollows, and ravines covered with prominent stands of poplar and oak. Native plants featured in the nature center’s landscape provide habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other wildlife species. Visitors can start their experience in the Exhibit Gallery by viewing Paul Corbin’s collection of Native American artifacts, including primitive tools that were used to harvest plants and animals hundreds of years ago. Interactive exhibits encourage exploration of the forest, marsh, swamp, and big river habitats of southeast Missouri. Visitors can learn where to go in the region to experience these unique natural features and gain insight into local opportunities for camping, hunting, and fishing. There is no admission fee. Call (573) 290-5730 for more information.
Challenger Learning Center | St. Louis, MO or Paducah, KY
The award-winning Challenger Learning Centers provide space education programs for schools, corporations, community groups and the general public. The centers feature state-of-the-art space simulators, which include an orbiting space station and a Mission Control center modeled after NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Both locations offer special Girl Scout days. Costs vary; contact location for prices and availability. Contact the St. Louis center at 314-521-6205 or visit their website at www.clcstlouis.org. Contact the Paducah Center at 270-534-3101 or visit their website at www.clcpaducah.org.
Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA) | Columbia, MO
CCUA is a non-profit dedicated to the elimination of food insecurity and the education of communities about urban agriculture. Girl Scout groups can meet some requirements for cooking badges (such as the locavore badge) by touring and attending workshops at the urban farm. The amazing staff are available to work with troops individually or as groups. There are a variety of volunteer project opportunities as well. Costs vary. Call (573) 514-4174 or visit www.columbiaurbanag.org for prices and availability.
Creative Ewe Pottery | Cape Girardeau, MO
Girls and adults can get their creative juices flowing as they pick out a bisque project to decorate. The staff at Creative Ewe Pottery will then glaze and fire your one-of-a-kind creation for you. Your finished masterpiece will be ready to pick up in a few days. Girl Scouts receive a 15% discount and need to call ahead for availability: 573-335-0018.
Discovery Center | Springfield, MO
Bring your troop for a day of scientific exploration at the Discovery Center! With more than 200 exhibits and 50,000 square feet to explore, you’re guaranteed to have a day filled with learning AND fun! Troops can request the Environmental Pathway Scavenger Hunt when they register and will receive copies at check-in for this self-guided investigation of the LEED Gold Certified green building (best suited for girls ages 8 and above.) For hours, special events and more visit www.discoverycenter.org. Groups of 12 or more paying participants who schedule in advance receive a group rate of $5 per person. Groups must have a ratio of 1 adult per 5 girls. To schedule a visit, contact Megan West, Program Facilitator, at least 7 days prior to trip date: mwest@discoverycenter.org or 417-862-9910 x726.
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