Columbus
Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center
We are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Please call before you come unless you are planning a self-guided visit of the area. Give us a call at 501-214-1997 for more information.
Nature Center Offerings
Acquisition Information
Rick Evans Grandview Prairie is comprised of 4,885 acres of Blackland Prairie. It was purchased in May of 1997 and was the first major land acquisition using money provided by Amendment 75. It fulfills several commitments made in the Plan for Conservation. These commitments include land acquisition and improvement, protection and restoration of habitat, and conservation education.
Admission to the nature center is free thanks to your support of the Amendment 75 Conservation Fund.
Book Our Lodge
Helpful Links
Bring the Outdoors Into Your Community
Click here to request AGFC support for community events, education outreach in your school and more.
Programs
Grandview educators are available to come to your location to teach about wildlife and the outdoors! Coordinate a visit from one of our educators or email us at grandviewprairie@agfc.ar.
To request a field trip to our nature center, please fill out this form. Find exciting classes, events and programs through our Volunteer and Events Management System.
Facility Documents
Explore The Grounds
Rick Evans Grandview Prairie represents the most significant example of blackland prairie existing for management and restoration in Arkansas. It consists of open prairie, woodlands, savanna, and non-native grasslands. The diversity of habitat types accounts for the subsequent variety of animals such as songbirds, deer, butterflies, small mammals and reptiles year-round.
An area office, two lodges, an educational building with classroom space, public restrooms, several miles of hiking trails, a three field shotgun range, and a 25-target 3-D archery range are located on the center’s grounds. The shotgun range is equipped for trap and skeet. The archery range and hiking trails are always open. Bring your own gear. The shotgun range is open by appointment only. Please schedule appointments well in advance; next day appointments will not be considered.
Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center’s Conservation Pond located in front of the Nature Center Office, was enlarged to accommodate fishing derbies, and also allows for angler education and provides family-friendly fishing opportunities. The daily limit on this pond is 5 largemouth bass, 5 catfish and 10 crappie. Be sure to bring your rods and reels.
Nature Center Event Calendar
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Volunteer and Event Management System (VEMS) is your one-stop resource for volunteer opportunities and free events in hunting, fishing, trapping, safety, wildlife, marksmanship and more!