Nestled in the heart of Iowa's globally significant Loess Hills, Hitchcock Nature Center offers nearly 1,500 acres of publicly available prairie, savanna, and woodlands for low-impact recreation and camping.
Attention
Prescribed fire will be applied near Lotus Loop and Westridge trails by our Natural Areas Management team in the afternoon and early evening on Wednesday, March 13th.
Impacts include: Possible smoke along short stretches of Lotus Loop and Westridge trails. Trails remain open for visitors. Please stay on trails, do not approach live fire, and follow instruction from fire crews. Click here for real-time air quality readings at the park. Prescribed fire helps protect and preserve our dwindling prairie ecosystem which depends on fire to thrive. Eighty-five percent of Iowa was once covered in tallgrass prairie, today less than 0.1% remains.
Other Alerts:
The drinking fountain at the front entrance shelter is closed for the season.
Click here to learn more about the Mt. Crescent Ski Area Master Plan and share your ideas for four-season recreation at Mt. Crescent Ski Area by December 31st.
Hitchcock Nature Center
27792 Ski Hill Loop
Honey Creek, Iowa 51542 (712) 545-3283
Directions: From Interstate I-29 take the Crescent exit and travel east to The Old Lincoln Highway. Hitchcock Nature Center is located 5 miles north of Crescent off of Old Lincoln Highway.
Park Hours: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Park Admission:
$5.00 per vehicle, payable with exact change or check at the park gate. Park Map
Become a Member
Join the Pottawattamie County Foundation for as little as $20.00 to gain a year of access to Pottawattamie County parks.
Join Today
Explore the topography of the Loess Hills which harbor some of the largest remaining prairie remnants in Iowa and provide refuge for plants and animals found nowhere else in the state. Hitchcock Nature Center is open every day of the year for hiking, camping, picnicking, bird watching, snowshoeing, star gazing, and simply enjoying the beauty of the natural world.
Consider having your next event with us! Lodge room rentals are available year-round. See below for more details about the Loess Hills Lodge Goldfinch and Bluestem rooms.
Park Features
Loess Hills Lodge & Gallery Hours
Current Hours (Winter | December 1st through March 31st):
Modern restrooms at the Loess Hills Lodge are available 365 days a year from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Monday to Thursday: Closed
Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Gallery Closures: (restrooms are still available)
The gallery will be CLOSED Friday 1/12, Saturday 1/13, and Sunday 1/14 due to below-zero temperatures and blowing snow.
The Loess Hills Lodge is seated at the highest point in the park (which means you’ll have to hike uphill to reach it!). It features park restrooms, a gallery and gift shop (hours vary based on season), an observation deck and tower, a back patio with picnic tables, meeting rooms, and park staff office space. Swing by sometime when the gallery is open to learn about the Loess Hills, purchase a permit or something from the gift shop, and chat with one of our amazing welcome desk volunteers!
Hiking Trails
Please note: Trails are NOT open to bikes, horses, or ATVs.
Hitchcock Nature Center offers a 10-mile unpaved trail system that provides one-of-a-kind opportunities for hiking, trail running, birdwatching, snowshoeing, and backcountry camping. Trails network together so visitors can be creative to enjoy any length of hike they desire. Due to the rugged terrain of the Loess Hills, the trails vary from easy ridgeline walks to difficult climbs.
Trail maps can be found at Fox Run Ridge, Badger Ridge, Iowa West Foundation Equal Access Nature Trail/Boardwalk and Hohneke Trailheads or at the Loess Hills Lodge.
What to bring: Water, tall socks, close-toed shoes or boots, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent during the summer months.
Parking
Helpful Information:
The Loess Hills Lodge is located at the highest point in the park, and there is no parking immediately outside the lodge. Visitors will need to walk uphill to reach the lodge and overlook tower and deck.
The park speed limit is 15 MPH.
Some roads are one lane. You may occasionally need to make room or wait for drivers who are entering or leaving the area.
ADA parking stalls are available at the westernmost end of the parking lot at the Loess Hills Lodge and at the Iowa West Foundation Equal Access Nature Trail/Boardwalk Trail.
Please do not drive past "Authorized Vehicles Only" signage. Vehicle entry beyond this point is reserved for county and authorized vehicles only and public parking is NOT available. Thank you!
Main Park Entrance:
Six parking areas are available as you follow the park's main road leading to the Loess Hills Lodge.
A cemented parking lot is available at the playground.
A gravel parking area is available at Moonseed Trailhead.
A partial gravel/paved parking area with ADA parking and a covered picnic shelter is available at the Iowa West Foundation Equal Access Nature Trail (named Boardwalk Trail on trail maps).
A large paved overflow parking lot is available north of the Natural Areas Management workshop.
A small cemented parking area is available at a scenic overlook and picnic area just west of the Natural Areas Management workshop.
The park's main paved parking lot with three ADA parking stalls is available just east of the Loess Hills Lodge.
Campground:
Two gravel parking areas are available in the upper campground loops, as well as parking for overnight camping visitors in the lower cabin and tent camping loops.
Please note: Backcountry campers may want to park at either the campground or a parking area through the park's main entrance depending on your campsite location. Hikers looking for easy access to Hohneke Trailhead should park in a campground parking area.
Dogs & Pet Waste
We love providing an area for you and your pup to enjoy the outdoors! With that, please make sure you and your pet respect park property and other visitors’ experience.
Rules:
Dogs must be leashed AT ALL TIMES.
Pick up all pet waste and dispose of it properly in a park trash can.
Make sure to bring pet waste bags with you.
Trash cans are NOT available along trails. Be prepared to carry pet waste with you until you reach a parking area or the Loess Hills Lodge. Better yet, clip or tie it to your pup’s harness and let them do the work!
Pet waste changes the ecology of the park’s precious loess soil, flora, fauna, and water and leaves behind harmful bacteria.
Owners who leave pet waste behind are subject to ticketing by park rangers of up to $810.
Certified service animals are welcome inside the Loess Hills Lodge and cabins with their owner. All other pets need to stay outdoors, thank you!
Pets are NOT permitted in cabins.
Tent, RV & Backcountry Camping
Please note that all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To get an idea of how many sites are currently available, please call the park office. Campers do not need to pay park entry fees, but any visitors do unless they are a current Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation member.
Campground Office: 712-328-5833
Get back to your roots and enjoy a rustic evening tucked away in the Loess Hills!
Amenities include: 50 amp electric service, water hookups and hydrants, shower house with flush toilets, picnic table, fire ring, satellite restrooms (non-flush), dump station, wifi
Amenities include: Satellite restrooms (non-flush), shower facilities nearby, water hydrant located near restrooms, picnic table, fire ring, wifi
Modern Group Tent Site
$50 per night
Fits six 4-person tents
Amenities include: Satellite restrooms (non-flush), shower facilities nearby, water hydrant located near restrooms, picnic table, fire ring, wifi
Backcountry Camping Sites
$10 per night
7 primitive sites in total (varying capacity and distance from parking lots and lodge)
Amenities may include: Fire ring, camping pad
Hammock camping options available at Shea Way and Heritage sites
Materials must be carried in and out (no wheeled vehicles, coolers, luggage, or wagons permitted)
The Loess Hills
The Loess Hills of Iowa are a globally significant landform that were formed by glaciers and winds carrying glacial till (rocks and other materials ground into fine silt) thousands of years ago. Eventually, periods of erosion sculpted the land into the surprisingly steep ridges and rolling hills we see today. While loess is found throughout the world, there are only two places where it reaches deposits of 200-feet deep or more - in southwestern Iowa and the hills at Hitchcock Nature Center and in Shaanxi, China.
This area of the Loess Hills harbors remnant prairie and woodland systems that not only are beautiful, but also protect water quality, support pollinators, and prevent erosion. With less than 0.1% of remnant prairie remaining in the state, it’s important to protect what little is left. Due to steep topography, areas in the Loess Hills are generally not farmable or able to be developed, making it a great area for recreation and even skiing in the middle of the Great Plains!
Cabin Rentals
All cabin reservations must be made three days in advance and booked online. Pets and smoking are prohibited in cabins.
Requirements: Fridays and Saturdays must be booked together as well as holiday weekends. Please click below or scroll to the bottom of this page for cabin details and to make your reservation today. Questions? Please call the park office. Cabin guests do not need to pay park entry fees, but any additional visitors do unless they are a current Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation member.
Camping Cabins
$75 per night | Sleeps up to 5 | Restrooms and shower facilities nearby | Water hydrant located outside
From September through December, birds-of-prey enthusiasts gather on top of Hitchcock Nature Center's observation tower to observe and count thousands of eagles, hawks, and other raptors as they migrate south. The broad expanse of the adjacent Missouri River Valley, combined with prevailing westerly winds that move through the Loess Hills, creates the perfect conditions for migrating raptors as they journey south. This “hawk highway” sees thousands of birds each year and our team of volunteers is there to record their numbers, contributing to a database of valuable raptor research.
Visitors to Hitchcock Nature Center are welcome to climb the tower and visit with volunteers to learn more, but we do ask that you remember that this is an active scientific research project. Please note that all equipment located on the tower is restricted to HawkWatch use only.
Please note: Hitchcock Nature Center does not close during its strictly managed deer hunting season. The public is encouraged to stay informed of Hitchcock’s deer hunting season dates and make their own decision about coming out to visit us during that time. Hikers who do join us during hunting season are encouraged to wear bright-colored clothing and stay on trails, and the limited number of hunters are aware that hikers may be present.
Pottawattamie Conservation’s Natural Areas Management program manages an annual deer hunt at Hitchcock Nature Center to maintain a healthy deer herd population in the area. This is a strictly managed hunt that varies from year to year and allows a limited number of hunters that must undergo training from park staff.
For information about an application, rules and regulations, or any other questions about hunting at Hitchcock, please contact Jeremy Yost, Natural Resource Technician, at 712-328-5749 or email him atjeremy.yost@pottcounty-ia.gov.
Other Activities
There is so much fun to be had at Hitchcock Nature Center! Please see below for details:
Adventure Packs
Archery
Geocaching & Earthcaching
Playground
Educational Programs (all ages)
Snowshoe Rental
Adventure Packs
Adventure Packs are great for helping kids (and adults!) interact with their environment while they are exploring the park. These backpacks include animal cards, track identification cards, a cloud shape chart, binoculars, kaleidoscope, bug box, compass, thermometer, and nature books. Packs are free to check out from the lodge during gallery hours, but visitors will be asked to fill out an information form and leave a form of collateral (either car keys or a credit card). Children ages 18 or under must be accompanied by an adult for use. Have fun out there!
Archery
Practice your aim amidst the breathtaking Loess Hills! The park’s walk-in archery range is open to the public during regular park hours. The area also features a shelter and picnic table available for public use that provide a wonderful place to have a picnic or spend an afternoon.
For our guests with disabilities or mobility challenges we are happy to facilitate a trip to the archery range. Please call 712-545-3283 for more information.
Visitors must bring their own equipment
You are welcome to bring your own targets
Field point arrows only; No broadheads
Geocaching & Earthcaching
Geocache: Bring your own GPS unit or borrow one from the Loess Hills Lodge during gallery hours to begin your technological quest to find two geocaches placed within the park! Follow your compass as it leads you along trails in search of a hidden cache; once you find the cache, sign the logbook and record your adventure and take one of the tokens left by prior visitors. Just remember to leave something for others to find in return! For more information, or to log your cache online, log onto www.geocaching.com.
Earthcache: Earthcaching is designed to introduce explorers to significant landforms and breathtaking vistas. While it offers no treasure box waiting to be discovered at the end of the trail, the journey itself becomes a treasure to behold as you discover someplace new! To find Earthcache coordinates in the park, click here or visit the Loess Hills Lodge Welcome Desk to check out a GPS unit and choose from six destinations.
Educational Programs
From Intro to Backpacking, to guided nature hikes, to monarch butterfly tagging and more, Hitchcock Nature Center hosts several events each month that cater to every level of outdoor enthusiast! Find the perfect program for you or your family today on our calendar page.
Are you a teacher interested in booking a field trip or someone looking for a special program for your group? Contact our Environmental Education team here.
Snowshoe Rental
Please note: There must be a minimum of 4 to 6 inches of snow on the ground for snowshoe rentals.
Explore the Loess Hills in a whole new way on your own snowshoe adventure! Snowshoes are available for guest rental at the Loess Hills Lodge at Hitchcock Nature Center during regular winter gallery hours and must be returned before the gallery closes. Click HERE for more information.
Rental fee: $6 per day
Availability: First-come, first-served. Snowshoes are not reservable.
Renters must read and complete a rental agreement, pay the rental fee & leave an item for collateral. Accepted items are keys, photo ID, or a credit card.
This homey, rustic cabin is the perfect place for your summer or ski season staycation at just a stone's throw from Mt. Crescent Ski Areawithin Hitchcock Nature Center. Tucked away in the heart of southwest Iowa's Loess Hills, it offers beautiful nature views and local hiking trails to be enjoyed year-round. Invite your friends to stay the weekend in this 3-bedroom home that sleeps up to 13 people. Includes 3 full bathrooms and a modern kitchen complete with major appliances.
Crescent Ridge Cabin also has a ski mudroom to store all of your gear (see the image gallery) and is located at the southern end of Hitchcock Nature Center near Mt. Crescent Ski Area, with 10 miles of hiking trails and a welcome center gallery.
For those seeking an adventure and a truly unique camping experience, Hitchcock also offers seven primitive backcountry campsites located deep within the park. We ask that backcountry campers camp with integrity & enjoy the outdoors responsibly by employing Leave No Trace ethics and principles.
About Backcountry Campsite #1 - Hohneke Pond:
Single tent camping pad and fire ring
Moderate terrain hike, approximately 1-mile from the main parking area near the Loess Hills Lodge
Classic oak savanna setting and located adjacent to Hohneke Pond
Slightly offset from main trail for privacy
About Backcountry Camping:
Backcountry campsites are primitive and do not include access to modern amenities including drinking water or restrooms.
Campers are responsible for physically carrying in and carrying out their own supplies including drinking water.
Campers are responsible for the disposal of all human waste. Please bury human waste away from the established campsite and no less than 200 yards from water.
ALL TRASH MUST BE CARRIED OUT WHEN YOU VACATE THE CAMPSITE. Thank you!
For those seeking an adventure and a truly unique camping experience, Hitchcock also offers seven primitive backcountry campsites located deep within the park. We ask that backcountry campers camp with integrity & enjoy the outdoors responsibly by employing Leave No Trace ethics and principles.
About Backcountry Campsite #2 - Fox Run Ridge:
Single tent camping pad and fire ring
Easy terrain hike, less than 1 mile from the main parking area near the Loess Hills Lodge
Classic oak savanna setting with nearby views of the Missouri River Valley
Directly off of the main trail with minimal privacy
About Backcountry Camping:
Backcountry campsites are primitive and do not include access to modern amenities including drinking water or restrooms.
Campers are responsible for physically carrying in and carrying out their own supplies including drinking water.
Campers are responsible for the disposal of all human waste. Please bury human waste away from the established campsite and no less than 200 yards from water.
ALL TRASH MUST BE CARRIED OUT WHEN YOU VACATE THE CAMPSITE. Thank you!
For those seeking an adventure and a truly unique camping experience, Hitchcock also offers seven primitive backcountry campsites located deep within the park. We ask that backcountry campers camp with integrity & enjoy the outdoors responsibly by employing Leave No Trace ethics and principles.
About Backcountry Campsite #3 - Cottonwood:
Single tent camping pad and fire ring
Challenging terrain hike, approximately 1.4 miles from the main parking area near the Loess Hills Lodge
Westernmost ridge of the park with expansive views of the Missouri River Valley
Offset from the main trail for privacy
About Backcountry Camping:
Backcountry campsites are primitive and do not include access to modern amenities including drinking water or restrooms.
Campers are responsible for physically carrying in and carrying out their own supplies including drinking water.
Campers are responsible for the disposal of all human waste. Please bury human waste away from the established campsite and no less than 200 yards from water.
ALL TRASH MUST BE CARRIED OUT WHEN YOU VACATE THE CAMPSITE. Thank you!
For those seeking an adventure and a truly unique camping experience, Hitchcock also offers seven primitive backcountry campsites located deep within the park. We ask that backcountry campers camp with integrity & enjoy the outdoors responsibly by employing Leave No Trace ethics and principles.
About Backcountry Campsite #4 - High Point:
Single tent campsite with camping pad and fire ring
Challenging terrain hike, located approximately 1.6 miles from the main parking lot at the Loess Hills Lodge
Westernmost ridge overlooking the Missouri River Valley with the most expansive views in the park
Adjacent to the main trail
About Backcountry Camping:
Backcountry campsites are primitive and do not include access to modern amenities including drinking water or restrooms.
Campers are responsible for physically carrying in and carrying out their own supplies including drinking water.
Campers are responsible for the disposal of all human waste. Please bury human waste away from the established campsite and no less than 200 yards from water.
ALL TRASH MUST BE CARRIED OUT WHEN YOU VACATE THE CAMPSITE. Thank you!
For those seeking an adventure and a truly unique camping experience, Hitchcock also offers seven primitive backcountry campsites located deep within the park. We ask that backcountry campers camp with integrity & enjoy the outdoors responsibly by employing Leave No Trace ethics and principles.
About Backcountry Campsite #5 - Badger Ridge:
Two-tent campsite with larger camping pads and fire ring
Moderate terrain hike, located approximately 0.75 miles from the main parking lot at the Loess Hills Lodge
On the border between expansive remnant prairie and Loess Hills woodlands
Adjacent to the main trail
About Backcountry Camping:
Backcountry campsites are primitive and do not include access to modern amenities including drinking water or restrooms.
Campers are responsible for physically carrying in and carrying out their own supplies including drinking water.
Campers are responsible for the disposal of all human waste. Please bury human waste away from the established campsite and no less than 200 yards from water.
ALL TRASH MUST BE CARRIED OUT WHEN YOU VACATE THE CAMPSITE. Thank you!
For those seeking an adventure and a truly unique camping experience, Hitchcock also offers seven primitive backcountry campsites located deep within the park. We ask that backcountry campers camp with integrity & enjoy the outdoors responsibly by employing Leave No Trace ethics and principles.
About Backcountry Campsite #6: Shea Way
Four-tent & three-hammock campsite with single camping pads, central anchor hammock post, fire ring, & adjacent covered shelter
Moderate terrain hike, located approximately 0.5-mile from the main parking lot at the Loess Hills Lodge
Loess Hills woodlands setting
Adjacent to the main trail
About Backcountry Camping:
Backcountry campsites are primitive and do not include access to modern amenities including drinking water or restrooms.
Campers are responsible for physically carrying in and carrying out their own supplies including drinking water.
Campers are responsible for the disposal of all human waste. Please bury human waste away from the established campsite and no less than 200 yards from water.
ALL TRASH MUST BE CARRIED OUT WHEN YOU VACATE THE CAMPSITE. Thank you!
For those seeking an adventure and a truly unique camping experience, Hitchcock also offers seven primitive backcountry campsites located deep within the park. We ask that backcountry campers camp with integrity & enjoy the outdoors responsibly by employing Leave No Trace ethics and principles.
About Backcountry Campsite #7 - Heritage:
Three-hammock campsite with central anchor hammock post and fire ring; a single tent is welcome but there is no camping pad available at this location
Moderate terrain hike, located approximately 0.65 miles from the main parking lot at the Loess Hills Lodge
Loess Hills woodlands setting
Adjacent to the main trail
About Backcountry Camping:
Backcountry campsites are primitive and do not include access to modern amenities including drinking water or restrooms.
Campers are responsible for physically carrying in and carrying out their own supplies including drinking water.
Campers are responsible for the disposal of all human waste. Please bury human waste away from the established campsite and no less than 200 yards from water.
ALL TRASH MUST BE CARRIED OUT WHEN YOU VACATE THE CAMPSITE. Thank you!
This 256 square feet and 16'x16' rustic cabin provides a perfect family getaway in a gorgeous Loess Hills setting. Camping cabins sleep up to five people and provide heating and air conditioning, electricity, a refrigerator, microwave oven, table, and chairs. Just outside each cabin, is a water hydrant, picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Firewood is available for $5 per bundle and can be purchased from campground staff or hosts as they are available. Be aware that prescribed burns may be conducted at Hitchcock Nature Center during your stay and smoke from these burns may affect air quality.
Beds include a bunk bed with a twin and full mattress as well as a queen-size pullout.
This 256 square feet and 16'x16' rustic cabin provides a perfect family getaway in a gorgeous Loess Hills setting. Camping cabins sleep up to five people and provide heating and air conditioning, electricity, a refrigerator, microwave oven, table, and chairs. Just outside each cabin, is a water hydrant, picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Firewood is available for $5 per bundle and can be purchased from campground staff or hosts as they are available. Be aware that prescribed burns may be conducted at Hitchcock Nature Center during your stay and smoke from these burns may affect air quality.
Beds include a bunk bed with a twin and full mattress as well as a queen-size pullout.
This 256 square feet and 16'x16' rustic cabin provides a perfect family getaway in a gorgeous Loess Hills setting. Camping cabins sleep up to five people and provide heating and air conditioning, electricity, a refrigerator, microwave oven, table, and chairs. Just outside each cabin, is a water hydrant, picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Firewood is available for $5 per bundle and can be purchased from campground staff or hosts as they are available. Be aware that prescribed burns may be conducted at Hitchcock Nature Center during your stay and smoke from these burns may affect air quality.
Beds include a bunk bed with a twin and full mattress as well as a queen-size pullout.
For those seeking an adventure and a truly unique camping experience, Hitchcock also offers seven primitive backcountry campsites located deep within the park. We ask that backcountry campers camp with integrity & enjoy the outdoors responsibly by employing Leave No Trace ethics and principles.
About Modern Group Tent Campsite:
Easy terrain access with nearby parking, located just below the RV campground.
Loess Hills woodland setting
Adjacent paved roadway
Easy trail access to Oak Avenue
About Backcountry Camping:
Backcountry campsites are primitive and do not include access to modern amenities including drinking water or restrooms.
Campers are responsible for physically carrying in and carrying out their own supplies including drinking water.
Campers are responsible for the disposal of all human waste. Please bury human waste away from the established campsite and no less than 200 yards from water.
ALL TRASH MUST BE CARRIED OUT WHEN YOU VACATE THE CAMPSITE. Thank you!
For those seeking a modern group camping experience friendly to campers of all ages and abilities, Hitchcock Nature Center also offers a multi-tent group campsite located near our RV campground and camping cabins. While camping in the group site, we ask that campers camp with integrity & enjoy the outdoors responsibly by employing Leave No Traceethics and principles where appropriate
Easy terrain access with nearby parking, located just below the RV campground.
Hitchcock Nature Center now has the perfect overnight facilities for modern-day nature lovers. The modern campground features 18 spacious RV sites with 50 amp electric service & water hookups. A shower house with flush toilets, satellite restrooms, water hydrants, and a dump station are also located in the campground area. Each RV site is outfitted with a picnic table and fire ring.
The Loess Hills Lodge at Hitchcock Nature Center has the perfect facilities for your next family gathering, civic group event, or work retreat. Located in the heart of the beautiful Loess Hills, this facility features scenic overlooks, equal access restrooms, and two unique rental spaces. Rental of either space at the Loess Hills Lodge includes the use of provided tables & chairs along with admission to the park for all of your guests.
Bluestem Room
The Bluestem Room is equipped with conference tables and chairs for seating up to 70 guests. Looking into area woodlands, it is located on our lower level with quick access to our patio and area trails. The Bluestem Room is located down a flight of stairs when you enter from our main doors on the south of the building. It is also accessible to persons with disabilities using the rear patio doors on the north side of the building. An elevator is available during Loess Hills Lodge Exhibit Gallery regular hours only.
The Loess Hills Lodge at Hitchcock Nature Center has the perfect facilities for your next family gathering, civic group event, or work retreat. Located in the heart of the beautiful Loess Hills, this facility features scenic overlooks, equal access restrooms and two unique rental spaces. Rental of either space at the Loess Hills Lodge includes the use of provided tables & chairs along with admission to the park for all of your guests.
Goldfinch Room
The Goldfinch Room is equipped with conference tables and chairs for seating up to 50 guests. Overlooking area woodlands, it is located on our main floor along with our exhibit gallery and overlook deck. The Goldfinch Room is on the upper level of the Loess Hills Lodge and is ADA accessible with no stairs to climb. Goldfinch Room events share the main restrooms with Loess Hills Lodge visitors.
Chad Kunze started with PCCB on February 4, 2002. In 1997, Chad graduated with a Parks and Natural Resources Associates of Applied Science degree from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids.
In 2009, Chad moved from managing Narrows River Park and Blackbird Marsh in Council Bluffs to the park ranger position at Hitchcock Nature Center. Chad’s primary responsibilities include park maintenance, law enforcement and staff supervision. Chad attended the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 2003 and is a certified peace officer. He also has his Category 6 Iowa Pesticide Applicators certificate, CPR certification, and CDL Class-A license. Chad has completed S130-190 wildland firefighting training and participates in the PCCB land management efforts.
Chad has been married since 2002 to his wife Ashlee and in Chad’s spare time he enjoys hunting and spending time with his two sons, Carter, age 6, and Blake, age 1.
Hitchcock Nature Center Map
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