Cedar River Natural Resource Area
The Cedar River Natural Resource area has a lot to offer the outdoor enthusiast. In addition to easy access to the Cedar Valley Nature trail, there is a rifle range, trap shooting station, river access and 593 acres of public land. The park contains flood plain forest along with diverse prairie plots and open fields. The combination of flood plain woodlands, wetlands, as well as lowland prairie provides for a variety of habitats for wildlife species such as waterfowl, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and a variety of songbirds.
The area has four separate shooting ranges (15, 25, 50 & 100 yards) with multiple shooting benches. Miller Creek meanders through the area south of the entrance road. The site provides trap shooting also with sporting clay stations.
One of the unique features of the park is the Prairie Biofuel Project in partnership with the University of Northern Iowa. The prairie vegetation will be harvested and tested as a source of biofuel. The project is currently underway and will provide additional excellent wildlife habitat for the future once the project is complete. This partnership emphasizes the commitment the conservation board has in engaging in energy conservation projects.
Park boundaries may not be clearly marked in all locations within the park so please be aware of park boundaries and respect private property.
Location
The CRNRA is located several miles south of Washburn off of Highway 218. Follow the brown arrowhead signs leading you to the park.
Operating Hours & Seasons
Contact Us:
Black Hawk County Conservation
1346 West Airline Hwy
Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: (319) 433-PARK (7275) Fax: (319) 433-7276
conservation@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov
Park hours: 6:00 a.m to 10:30 p.m.
The gun range hours are: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM or Sunset, whichever comes first.
Closures
The gate at the Cedar River Natural Resource are is closed for the season. The gate will reopen in the spring when weather allows. The shooting range is still open and is accessible by walk-in only.
