Calkins Nature Area is a truly unique asset to Hardin County. Located between Iowa Falls and Alden, Calkins Nature Area boasts a first rate nature center of over 6,000 square feet which greets you as you enter 76 acres of rolling hills, nestled up to the banks of the Iowa River.
Calkins Nature Center contains a Native American and Natural History Museum that tells the story of the county’s ecological and cultural history. The museum is home to one of central Iowa’s largest collections of Native American artifacts dating back to the earliest inhabitants of North America. There is also a classroom, resource library and great room that is available for meetings and public programs.
Calkins also features an outdoor amphitheater with a stage that seats over 120 people, is constructed primarily from plastic recycled lumber, and is surrounded by native prairie plants.
In order to avoid conflicts with Calkins programs, please contact Calkins at 641-648-9878 BEFORE reserving the facility. Rentals in evenings and off-hour times need prior arrangements and approval.
Occupancy
The maximum occupancy for the Calkins Nature Center is 64 for the actual meeting space (if needing seating around tables). The amphitheater can hold 150 people.
Rental Rates
Calkins Nature Area 18335 135th St Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126
Google Maps Location
In addition to the nature center and amphitheater, these attractions are also found at Calkins Nature Area:
*2 half day rentals will not be scheduled on the same day.
This facility requires an additional deposit check of $100 (refundable). The deposit check must be mailed and received at Calkins Nature Area within 30 days of the reservation arrival date.
Calkins Nature Area 18335 135th St Iowa Falls, IA 50126
Deposits for reservations made shorter than 30 days in advance of the cabin stay will be arranged with Calkins Staff.
The renter is responsible for cleaning the facility prior to check-out, to ensure a complete refund, the facility must be cleaned and ready for the next visitor. The check will be shredded if the facility is in satisfactory condition.
Regular facility hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Saturday. In order to avoid conflicts with Calkins programs, please contact Calkins at 641-648-9878 to reserve the facility. Rentals in evenings and off-hour times need prior arrangements and approval.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you need to cancel a reservation, you will forfeit 100% of all reservation fees paid. All cancellations must be made by calling the Hardin County Calkins Nature Area at 641-648-9878.
REFUND POLICY
All reservations with Hardin County Conservation Board facilities are final. Reservations are non-refundable, unless the following situations occur:
Rental Requirements:
Rental requirements are determined by the Hardin County Conservation Board, HCCB Executive Director and/or HCCB Interpreters. Hardin County Conservation Board reserves the right to deny rentals for any reason.
If you need to cancel a reservation, you will forfeit 100% of all reservation fees paid. All cancellations must be made by calling the Calkins Nature Area at 641-648-9878.
All reservations with Harrison County Conservation Board facilities are final. Reservations are non-refundable, unless the following situations occur:
All requests for refunds must be made by calling Calkins Nature Area at 641-648-9878.
