Of all Nature's wild creatures, none is more appealing and entertaining to watch than the Prairie Dog. Prairie Dog Town was established in Mackenzie Park in the early 1930’s by Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy N. Clapp. It was started with four dogs and two burrows and was the first protected prairie dog colony of its kind. In 1935, the colony was moved to it’s current location when Mackenzie Park became a state park. For his contribution to Lubbock and prairie dogs, Mr. Clapp was named Mayor of Prairie Dog Town in perpetuity.
Enhancements to Prairie Dog Town included: a pavilion and viewing area, interpretive signage, sidewalks, a new parking area with a turnaround and bus parking, perimeter fencing, and ADA accessibility. In addition, irrigation was installed on the interior of the town in order to establish native grasses for the prairie dogs. With the renovations now completed, visitors will again be able to enjoy watching the prairie dogs and burrowing owls in their native habitat.