Thrive Nature Camp

Weeklong camps for ages 3-11

Nature is our classroom! Every day is a surprise!

Child-led adventures to spark creativity and build confidence.

Nature Center Hours

Open Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-4pm

Take a Walk with Tavia

Available upon request, Director Tavia Cathcart Brown will take you on a walk through our gorgeous Woodland Garden.

Thrive Forest School

We are the region’s first nature-based preschool! We’ve removed the walls and brought child-led, exploratory learning to where it makes the most impact: outside.

Rentals & Weddings

We offer a large assortment of rental and wedding options. Our scenic land makes the perfect destination for families, couples or anyone who loves the outdoors.

Make A Donation

Your support will keep our future bright!

Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve is an adventurous wonderland for children of all ages. All year long, we encourage and guide children to explore our 170-acres of rolling woodlands, creeks, waterfalls, 9.5 miles of trails, and open grasslands.

Volunteer

Be part of the magic!

The Nature Preserve would like you to join our wonderful group of volunteers! Whether you have only a little time here and there, or would like to schedule a regular weekly session helping, your help is greatly appreciated!

Our Attractions at Creasey Mahan

Visitor quote, “Every time I visit, it’s nicer than the time before.”

Mahan Manor

Mahan Manor was originally built from 1806-1808 as a two-story log cabin (the original structure is shown above between the chimneys). The home was given as a wedding gift to Virginia and Howard in 1921, by Virginia’s family.

Nature center

The Nature Center is a natural history museum and the primary educational building. It offers a Bird Blind for easy viewing of birds as they visit feeders in the wildlife habitat garden. During summer months, there is an indoor beehive available for viewing the intricate workings of honeybees in a safe setting. Through a see-through pipe that leads outdoors, visitors can see hundreds of bees arrive and depart.

Nature Center hours are on Wednesdays & Fridays from 1-4pm. 

WOODLAND GARDEN

The two-acre demonstration garden highlights over 400 species of wildflowers, ferns, and select shrubs and trees, with a focus on native plants that grow well in our region. The shaded garden section’s peak bloom occurs between March-May. The sunnier garden section is a Certified Monarch Waystation, featuring native milkweed species and nectar plants, with the peak bloom time between July-September.

trails

TRAILS

With miles of winding trails, there is a walk for everyone! Hike through lush forests, white pine stands, native grass meadows, wetlands, springs, and meandering streams. From quiet forest paths to broad grassy avenues, Creasey Mahan is ideal for local hiking, trail running, and nature exploration.

Conner Hicks, Troop 984, built the much needed kiosk at the trailhead entering the forest area of the Preserve.

MAPS

We have so much to offer, where do you even start!? With miles of trails, and so many sights to see it can be daunting to navigate the Nature Preserve, luckily we’ve got you covered! You can find extensive maps and information about where to go, and what to see.

SPECIES

Mature woodland along streams and waterways, hills crowned with white pines, sunny wildflower meadows and shady stony ravines–varied topography and stages of woodland growth makes CMNP a magical place to learn and explore.

playground log web

FOREST FRIENDS PLAYGROUND

This is a 15,000 square foot ADA-accessible playground that is a child’s dream! There is a 12’ tower with three slides, a giant turtle and newt, canoe, wheelchair accessible play pieces, swings, and a toddler play area. Nearby are covered pavilions and picnic tables.

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ROCKASAURUS PLAYSCAPE

A few dozen steps away from the Forest Friends Playground is the natural play area, called Rockasaurus, for the dinosaur-type play structure created out of giant boulders. In this natural play area are criss-crossed logs for climbing, berms, a dry creek bed, and other play elements, such as a giant sandbox. Visit often, as new features are being added!

Upcoming Events

Click on an event title below or picture for more information and to register for an event.

Today

Thrive Open House

Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve 12501 Harmony Landing Road, Goshen, KY, United States

When: Saturday, March 23rd Time: 10:00 a.m. Where: Meet at the Nature Center You are invited to Thrive Forest School’s Spring Open House & Outdoor Classroom Tour! RSVP HERE (Required) […]

Bluebird Walk

Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve 12501 Harmony Landing Road, Goshen, KY, United States

When: Saturday, March 30th Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Donation: RSVP below, donations encouraged 🙂 Where: Meet at the Nature Center Join us at Creasey Mahan for a stroll […]

RSVP Now Free 30 spots left

Wildflower Walk

Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve 12501 Harmony Landing Road, Goshen, KY, United States

When: Saturday, April 2nd Time: 10:00am to 12:00 p.m. Where: Meet at the firepit in front of the Woodland Garden Join our Executive Director, Tavia Cathcart Brown, on a two-hour […]

Grounds Hours

Grounds are open from dawn to dusk 365-days of the year. The public restrooms are open from dawn to dusk 365-days a year; located in the “barn.”

Nature Center Hours

The Nature Center is open Wednesdays & Fridays from 1-4pm.

 

Office Hours

Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call 502-228-4362 or email info@kynaturepreserve.org.

2023 Butterfly Ball Appeal Video by Richard Van Kleeck

50,000

Visitors Served

5

Full-Time Staff

4,975

Volunteer Hours Served

3,200

Students Served

Bringing nature and community together.

We are a visitor-supported public charity. Thank you for your support!