Hitchcock Nature Center
Starting
the week of July 12th, construction projects will begin at Hitchcock Nature
Center's main entrance to better accommodate increasing visitation.
At various times during construction, guests will experience limited
or no access to parking, the Loess Hills Lodge, and the Fox Run Ridge and
Badger Ridge trailheads. Access to the trail system at Hitchcock will be
maintained without interruption at the Hohneke trailhead in the campground
located in the north end of the park. However, realize that parking is
limited in this area. We apologize for the inconvenience during this time
and we very much appreciate your patience and understanding
This 1,268-acre nature center is located in the heart of the globally significant Loess Hills and harbors some of the largest remaining prairie remnants in the state of Iowa. At Hitchcock, visitors can enjoy many unique low-impact recreation opportunities such as hiking, camping, picnicking, bird watching, sledding, star gazing or simply enjoying nature.
Park Contact Information
Hitchcock Nature Center
27792 Ski Hill Loop
Honey Creek, IA 51542
Loess Hills Lodge Welcome Desk (712) 545-3283
Hitchcock Nature Center Campground Office (712) 328-5833
Location
Hitchcock Nature Center is located in Honey Creek, IA just 20 minutes from Council Bluffs, IA and downtown Omaha, NE. Follow Interstate 29 to exit 61A. Turn north on the Old Lincoln Hwy and follow it 5 miles to Page Lane. Follow signs to park entrance.
Features
Features of Hitchcock Nature Center
- Unique Loess Hills landform and rare flora and fauna
- Loess Hills Lodge Exhibit Gallery and adjoining 45' observation tower
- Hitchcock Nature Center campground (18 RV sites and tent camping area)
- Camping cabins for overnight rental
- Nationally recognized Hitchcock HawkWatch
- Extensive 10+ mile trail system including a 1/4 mile accessible boardwalk
- Modern restroom & shower facility
- Playground
- Archery range
- Breathtaking picnic spots
- Environmental Education and seasonal recreation programs
Operating Hours & Seasons
Hitchcock Nature Center Park Hours:
Open all year 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Park Admission:
$5.00 per vehicle per day or purchase a 12 month membership starting at $20.00 for Pottawattamie County residents and $25.00 for out of county residents
Hitchcock Nature Center Campground:
Campground & cabins are open year round. Water, modern restrooms & dumpstation are closed late October through early April. Please call the campground office for more information, 712-328-5833.
Loess Hills Lodge Exhibit Gallery Hours:
Tuesday through Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays
Loess Hills Lodge Admission:
Free with paid park entrance fee or annual park permit
Closures
The Loess Hills Lodge Exhibit Gallery is closed Mondays, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Other closures may occasionally occur due to weather, staffing or hunting seasons. Please check our
website &
Facebook page for additional closure announcements.
