Hartman Reserve Nature Center

Pileated Woodpecker can be heard echoeing through the Hartman forest Collecting sap to make maple syrup

Discover Hartman Reserve Nature Center in Cedar Falls

Hartman Reserve Nature Center is a 340 acre wooded isle located in the heart of metropolitan Black Hawk County. Hartman lies in the center of the Waterloo, Cedar Falls area. It offers many activities and experiences to all its visitors. 

Since our creation in 1976, Hartman Reserve Nature Center has been designated as an Iowa Watchable Wildlife Site and an Important Bird Area. Deer, otter, turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, red shouldered hawks, foxes, vultures, and bald eagles are some of the wildlife you might see. We are a partner site of Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area. Hartman Bluff State Preserve is certified by the Iowa DNR Preserves Board to recognize the significance of a 46 acre tract of upland and lowland forest within the Nature Center.

Hartman Reserve Interpretive Center Virtual Tour - Tour produced by Flight Spool

Phone: (319) 277-2187
Hartman Reserve Nature Center

Promote Your Page Too


Features Available at Various Facilities

  • A/C
  • Cooking / eating utensils
  • Electricity
  • Fireplace
  • Firewood available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Heating
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Picnic Table
  • Pressurized water
  • Refuse cans
  • Restroom
  • Table with chairs
  • Wi-Fi

The Interpretive Center houses displays and exhibits which help explain the local environment and is easily accessed from the parking lot using the paved entrance trail. Connection to the American Discovery Trail is also nearby. The Cedar Valley Paddlers Trail includes the lakes of Hartman and provides water connection through the Cedar River, George Wyth State Park and Hartman Reserve Nature Center.

Enjoy the beauty of a diverse environment by stepping outside the Interpretive Center onto one of the many connecting paths and trails. Paved and unpaved, these trails offer you a way to interact with the local environment and wildlife. Come with your sense of adventure and enjoy what this eco-friendly area has to offer.

The Gene and Betty Buckles Program Center is an environmentally conscious "Green Building"  intended to be a model because of its use of recycled materials and energy efficiency. If you are looking for a small and affordable facility with a beautiful view, this is the place! Tucked away in the middle of Hartman Reserve's scenic upland forest, this building offers a cozy atmosphere for meetings, retreats, weddings, and receptions.

Hartman Reserve Nature Center has many unique facilities, which can be used for event and program rentals.


Featured Events

Nearby Attractions