19th Annual Nature of Christmas

December 7th from 12-3pm

Ice date: December 14th from 12-3pm

Nature Center Hours

Open Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-4pm & the first Saturday of every month from 10am-2pm. (CLOSED: 11/27 & 11/29)

Grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk!

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.

Take a Walk with Tavia

Watch Director Tavia Cathcart Brown take you on a walk through our gorgeous Woodland Garden to better explain our gorgeous wildflowers.

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.

Open Wednesdays and Fridays from 1-4pm & the first Saturday of every month from 10am-2pm. (CLOSED: 11/27 & 11/29) Grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk!

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

19th Annual Nature of Christmas in Goshen

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

When: Saturday, December 7, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Where: Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve Cost: FREE, Donations encouraged The City of Goshen and Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve present this FREE community event to put you […]

17th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

Saturday, February 15, 10am – noon, FREE (please RSVP below) Hosted by The Louisville Audubon Society and Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve This free event is co-hosted by the Louisville Audubon […]

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 and Fridays from 1-4pm & the first Saturday of every month from 10am-2pm.  (CLOSED: 11/27 & 11/29) Grounds are open daily from dawn to dusks!

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.

2024 Butterfly Ball Appeal Video by Richard Van Kleeck

60,000

Visitors Served

24

Staff Members

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!