Clayton County

The Osborne Conservation Center offers a wide variety of programs to students from preschool to high school, the general public, and specialty groups. Some of the programs offered at the Osborne Center include; archery, native wildlife exhibit tours, canoeing, nature walks, geocaching, scavenger hunts, and animal identification.

The Osborne Nature Center Winter hours are November-March, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Spring/Summer/Fall hours are April-October,  Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM & Sundays 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. 

The Osborne Nature/Welcome Center will be closed on the following days

o President’s Day - Monday, February 16, 2026
Good Friday - Friday, April 3, 2026
Memorial Day - Monday, May 25, 2026
Independence Day - Friday, July 3, 2026
Labor Day - Monday, September 7, 2026
Veteran’s Day - Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 26, 2026
Friday after Thanksgiving - Friday, November 27, 2026
Christmas Eve Day - Thursday, December 24, 2026
Christmas Day - Friday, December 25, 2026
New Year’s Day - Friday, January 1, 2027

For a more detailed list of programs offered, or information about all the Clayton County parks and areas, please utilize the following contact information:

CLAYTON COUNTY CONSERVATION
29862 Osborne Road
Elkader, IA 52043
PHONE: (563) 245-1516
EMAIL: cccb@claytoncountyia.gov
WEBSITE: http://www.claytoncountyconservation.org

Clayton County Conservation Facebook 

Clayton County Conservation Instagram

Clayton County Conservation News/Blog

Motor Mill 5k/10k 2025 Volunteering 

Donate to the Osborne Partners for Education Endowment Fund to financially contribute to the educational programs we provide to local students! The Osborne Partners for Education Endowment Fund was started by Susi Nehls and Roy Blair in memory of Susi's father, Dr. Joe Hickey. Dr. Hickey's research led to the legislation that protected birds of prey like the bald eagle. Dr. Hickeys passion for teaching others about the natural world was sparked early by adults who introduced him to the wonders of nature. 

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• Rules and Regulations