Fountain Creek Nature Center

Only 15 minutes south of downtown Colorado Springs, Fountain Creek Regional Park is an “oasis on the plains” with ponds, marshes, meadows, cottonwood forests, and Fountain Creek itself. Fountain Creek Nature Center offers a unique look into the Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area and serves as an introduction to a variety of discovery experiences. Indoor exhibits offer information on aquatic macroinvertebrates, birds, local history, and sustainability. Fountain Creek Nature Center hosts interpretive programs, special events, group tours, and environmental education programs for schools year-round.

Fountain Creek Nature Center is an accessible facility with an ADA compliant ramp leading from accessible parking to the front doors. Visit our Accessibility Options tab to see other free resources that might enhance your visit!

719-520-6745
Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain, CO 80817
From I-25 Exit 132A, go east on CO 16 to US Highway 85, then south one-half mile. Turn west on Cattail Marsh Road to parking area.

Fountain Creek Nature Trail and Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area

This 0.7 mile loop trail winds through woodlands, meadows, and marshes as it wraps around the Nature Center pond. This area of Fountain Creek Regional Park, known as the Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area, is a haven for wildlife like great blue herons, bobcats, turtles, white-tailed deer, and bull snakes. This area of the park is ideal for photographers, bird watchers, and families to peacefully observe a variety of plant and animal species across multiple habitats.

To keep the area safe for wildlife and more enjoyable for park visitors, the following rules are enforced on the nature trail:

No Fishing

No Dogs

No Bicycles

No Horses

These activities are welcome in other areas of Fountain Creek Regional Park. Always stay on the trail and plan to pack out your trash.

To report violations, please create a service request at https://citizenconnect.elpasoco.com/ or call El Paso County Non-emergency Dispatch at 719-390-5555

Please call Fountain Creek Nature Center if you have questions at 719-520-6745.

Rotating Art Exhibit

In addition to interactive exhibits, Fountain Creek Nature Center also hosts a rotating art display. Each month the nature-related works of a local artist or photographer are on display and available for sale. Take home a piece to support El Paso County Nature Centers and a local creative!

Interested in participating? Submissions are open for July – December of 2025! Click here to apply.

Enjoy the Audio Tour as you explore the trails!

If you discover a QR code along your walk near the Nature Center, scan it to hear something special about each area.

Here are those Audio Tour stops so you can listen anywhere.

Thank You Olson Plumbing & Heating Co.
Partner in the Park for Fountain Creek Nature Center

Fountain Creek Regional Park Map

Fountain Creek Regional Park Map

Contact the Nature Centers

Directions to Bear Creek Nature Center

Directions to Fountain Creek Nature Center