Before there were apps telling you where to go, there was Prairie Dog Town. In 1935, Lubbock cotton buyer K. N. Clapp worried that poisoning campaigns would wipe out the black-tailed prairie dog, so he set aside a small colony in Mackenzie Park. It is believed to be the first protected prairie dog town of its kind, and it’s still going strong.
Quick answer
Prairie Dog Town is a free, protected black-tailed prairie dog colony in Lubbock’s Mackenzie Park, off Interstate 27. It has been there since 1935 and is open daily.
Know before you go
- Where: Mackenzie Park, off Interstate 27 near Skyline Drive
- Hours: Open daily
- Good for: kids, out-of-town visitors and anyone who needs a quick dose of cute
- Cost: Free
What it’s like
It looks simple, just a fenced field of dirt mounds, until you stop and wait. Prairie dogs pop up, chirp warnings to each other and dash between burrows. They’re skittish, so move slowly and keep your voice down for the best view. A pavilion and signs explain the colony’s history.
While you’re there, the rest of Mackenzie Park has trails, picnic areas and plenty of room for kids to run.
Keep exploring
- 6 free things to do in Lubbock
- Lubbock Lake Landmark guide
- Pumpkin patches and corn mazes near Lubbock
Frequently asked questions
Is Prairie Dog Town free?
Yes, it’s free and open daily.
Where is Prairie Dog Town in Lubbock?
In Mackenzie Park, off Interstate 27 near Skyline Drive.
How old is Prairie Dog Town?
It dates to 1935, when cotton buyer K. N. Clapp set aside land to protect black-tailed prairie dogs. It’s believed to be the first protected prairie dog town of its kind.
Last checked: October 22, 2026. Details change, so confirm before you go.
