M.K. Nature Center

The Morrison Knudsen (M.K.) Nature Center offers a one-of-a-kind fish and wildlife experience on a 4.6-acre site along the Boise River Greenbelt near downtown Boise. The Nature Center's stream walk and education building provide a glimpse of Idaho's many landscapes and abundant wildlife. The underwater viewing windows along the stream walk give visitors a fish-eye view of the world.

The Nature Center opened in July of 1990 and represents the cooperative work of private, public, state and federal contributors. Dedicated in 1990 as a Centennial gift to the state of Idaho, the area was conceived and developed by local volunteers working with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Although the Morrison Knudsen Corporation was a major contributor to the construction of the center, completion of the center would not have been possible without the donations and dedication of many other contributors.


The Nature Center is now owned and operated by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game with funding from hunting and fishing license dollars, non-game money, grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and donations from private individuals and businesses. Thanks to the cooperative efforts of the department and the community, the MK Nature Center welcomes about 300,000 visitors and provides tours for about 15,000 school children, annually.

The Nature Center is now an integral feature of the City of Trees, particularly the Greenbelt "neighborhood" that includes Zoo Boise, the Discovery Center, Kathryn Albertson and Julia Davis Parks, the Idaho State Historical Museum, the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho Botanical Gardens and the Idaho Shakespeare Theater.

Wood ducks are year round inhabitants of the Nature Center. A favorite viewing spot is the large trout pond next to the Green Belt pathway. The male wood ducks are the most colorful, appearing to be painted.

It is very difficult to photograph the wood ducks because they are so skittish. They are rarely stationary for any period of time, avoiding people as best they can. A tripod and a long lens are a must to be able to get good wood duck photos.

 M.K. Nature Center is a wonderful haven in the downtown area. You can easily feel that you are far from the everyday hectic life and enjoy watching the various animals that pass through or inhabit the Center.

There is a visitor center that caters to children with a number of "hands on" exhibits.

 They are open seven days a week and charge no admission. Once you visit the Center, you will return again and again.