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 Monday, February 19, 2024
Friday, March 29, 2024
Monday, May 27, 2024
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Monday, September 2, 2024
Monday, November 11, 2024
Thursday, November 28, 2024 and Friday, November 29, 2024
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 and Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
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
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 Susis father, Dr. Joe Hickey. Dr. Hickeys 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.
Activities in Clayton County
Clayton County hosts thousands of campers every year. Campgrounds with full amenities are available at many private campgrounds located in the scenic hills of Northeast Iowa. The County Conservation Board campgrounds offer basic campsites with no “hook ups” provided. A public water hydrant (Bloody Run & Motor Mill campgrounds), restrooms and fire rings are available with a nominal camping fee. Two of the Clayton County Conservation Campgrounds prohibit the use of generators, these are Frieden Park and Joy Springs. The other Clayton County Conservation campgrounds allow quiet generator use in the campgrounds.
In addition to camping, the Clayton CCB offers many recreational activities such as disc golf, hiking, education programs, hunting, picnicking, fishing, boating and much, much more!
Clayton County has many multi-use trails. Check out the new trail guide for more information. Planning a trip to Clayton County? Check out our Clayton County Recreation Itinerary to get some inspiration for your next visit!
Facilities in Clayton County
Facilities available for public use include open shelters, trails, education center and many more!
Camping season ends the 1st of November each year. This is when water hydrants get turned off & the park gates get closed.
Parks in Clayton County
Becker East Wildlife Area
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Clayton
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37160 Great River Road
563-245-1516
| Guttenberg | IA | 52052 |
37160 Great River Road 563-245-1516 Guttenberg, IA 52052 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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Becker West Wildlife Area
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Clayton
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36061 Millville Rd
563-245-1516
| Guttenberg | IA | 52052 |
36061 Millville Rd 563-245-1516 Guttenberg, IA 52052 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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Big Spring Campground
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Clayton
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16212 Big Spring Rd
563-245-1516
| Elkader | IA | 52043 |
16212 Big Spring Rd 563-245-1516 Elkader, IA 52043 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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Bloody Run
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Clayton
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29857 128th St.
563-245-1516
| Marquette | IA | 52157 |
29857 128th St. 563-245-1516 Marquette, IA 52157 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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Buck Creek
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Clayton
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30286 232nd St.
563-245-1516
| Garnavillo | IA | 52049 |
30286 232nd St. 563-245-1516 Garnavillo, IA 52049 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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Frenchtown Park
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Clayton
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26254 Mississippi Rd.
563-245-1516
| Guttenberg | IA | 52052 |
26254 Mississippi Rd. 563-245-1516 Guttenberg, IA 52052 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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Frieden Park
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Clayton
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16723 Chariot Rd.
563-245-1516
| Elkader | IA | 52043 |
16723 Chariot Rd. 563-245-1516 Elkader, IA 52043 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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Joy Springs
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Clayton
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37771 Alpha Ave.
563-245-1516
| Strawberry Point | IA | 52076 |
37771 Alpha Ave. 563-245-1516 Strawberry Point, IA 52076 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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Motor Mill Historic Site
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Clayton
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23002 Grain Road
563-245-1516
| Elkader | IA | 52043 |
23002 Grain Road 563-245-1516 Elkader, IA 52043 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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Osborne Park
|
Clayton
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29862 Osborne Road
563-245-1516
| Elkader | IA | 52043 |
29862 Osborne Road 563-245-1516 Elkader, IA 52043 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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Pleasant Ridge
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Clayton
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40062 C9Y
563-245-1516
| Holy Cross | IA | 52053 |
40062 C9Y 563-245-1516 Holy Cross, IA 52053 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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Pony Hollow Trail
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Clayton
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26184 Hwy. 13
563-245-1516
| Elkader | IA | 52043 |
26184 Hwy. 13 563-245-1516 Elkader, IA 52043 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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Turkey River Park
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Clayton
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20195 Strawberry Point Rd.
563-245-1516
| Elkader | IA | 52043 |
20195 Strawberry Point Rd. 563-245-1516 Elkader, IA 52043 Clayton »Map Location
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Map Location
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