Mission: The Hitchcock Nature Center exists to develop and foster appreciation and understanding of the Loess Hills as a globally significant landform through land management, environmental education and low-impact recreation.
Attention
PLEASE NOTE: Prescribed fire season is approaching and may be occuring in the park if you visit us this fall. To see real-time air quality at Hitchcock, please click here.
Hitchcock maintains active hunting throughout the fall and winter months. To see which hunting season is active and learn more about hunting at Hitchcock, please click here.
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 gate
Park Map
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Nestled on the rugged western edge of Iowa's Loess Hills, Hitchcock Nature Center (HNC) currently consists of 1,268 acres located near the center of the globally significant Loess Hills landform. The Loess Hills harbor some of the largest remaining prairie remnants in Iowa and provide refuge for plants and animals found nowhere else in the state. Hitchcock is open every day of the year for hiking, camping, picnicking, bird watching, snow sledding, star gazing, or simply enjoying nature.
Hitchcock Nature Center is also the headquarters of two county-wide conservation programs:
Located at Hitchcock Nature Center, the Loess Hills Lodge includes an exhibit gallery, welcome desk, gift shop, restroom facilities, observation deck & tower, and more.
Please see below for Loess Hills Lodge gift shop & welcome desk hours of operation:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday - Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bring your bow and arrows to Hitchcock Nature Center to practice your archery skills amidst the beautiful Loess Hills. The archery range at Hitchcock Nature Center is open to the public during regular park hours. A shelter area and picnic table are available for public use and provide a wonderful place to have a picnic or spend an afternoon.
This walk-in site provides practice targets at different ranges for all levels of archers and abilities, and require the use the field point arrows. Try your hand at each target, or bring your own and set them up as you desire. Targets are provided at a variety of distances, visitors must bring their own archery equipment.
The archery range is walk-in only without staff assistance. 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.
Geocaching & Earthcaching
Adventure out and explore the Loess hills as you navigate on this modern day treasure hunt toward one of two geocaches placed within the park. Bring your own GPS unit or borrow one from the Loess Hills Lodge reception desk to begin your technological quest. Follow your GPS 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.
Hitchcock Nature Center also offers the opportunity to explore the Loess Hills and experience some of Hitchcock’s most pristine and treasured places by venturing to four Earthcaches located throughout the park. Earthcaching is designed to introduce explorers to significant landforms and breathtaking vistas, and utilizes GPS technology to lead you to worthwhile destinations. Earthcaching offers no treasure box waiting to be discovered at the end of the trail; instead, the journey itself becomes the treasure to behold as you discover some place new.
To find Hitchcock Earthcache coordinates, click here or visit the Loess Hills Lodge Welcome Desk to check out GPS units and choose from our six destinations.
HawkWatch
Every year, from September through December, birds-of-prey enthusiasts gather at Hitchcock Nature Center 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.
HawkWatch volunteers & staff position themselves on top of Hitchcock Nature Center's 45' observation tower from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily to scan the skies for migrating raptors. Once a specimen is spotted it is identified & recorded by these trained volunteers. Visitors to Hitchcock Nature Center are welcome to climb the tower & visit our team but we do ask that you remember that this is an active scientific research project. All equipment located on the tower is restricted to HawkWatcher use only & volunteers may be unavailable to answer questions.
Due to COVID-19 access to the top deck of the observation tower may be restricted to HawkWatch personnel only. Thank you for understanding.
The Natural Areas Management program manages an annual deer hunt at Hitchcock Nature Center each fall to maintain the carrying capacity of the deer herd of the site. The HNC deer hunt is a controlled hunt with a limited number of hunters allowed each year. For information about an application, rules and regulations, or any other questions about the hunt, please contact Kody Wohlers, Conservation Technician, at 712-328-5749 (desk), 402-680-4922 (cell), or kody.wohlers@pottcounty-ia.gov.
Hitchcock Nature Center is NOT a public hunting area. This is a strictly managed hunt that varies from year to year to accommodate the best interests of the deer herd. Please contact Kody with any questions or to get on the application list for next season
Loess Hills
The Loess Hills of Iowa are a globally significant landform located along the eastern edge of the Missouri River Valley. Westerly winds carrying silt and glacial material from the floodplain were deposited into massive drifts. Following this deposition, periods of erosion sculpted the land into the steep ridges and rolling hills we see today. The Loess Hills are characterized by this rugged terrain and deep deposits of loess (60-200 feet deep). The unique nature of the Loess Hills landform enables it to support rare plants, animals, and biological communities.
Playground
Explore the Loess Hills playground near the park entrance during you next visit to Hitchcock Nature Center. Kids will love the giant spider web, hidden cave, zip line, and swing set. Surrounding grass offers open space for kids to play, and with picnic areas nearby it’s a great place to spend an afternoon with the family.
Seasonal Activities
Visit Hitchcock Nature Center throughout the seasons to experience new activities and enjoy the changing faces of nature. See the lists below for ideas on what below for ideas on what you can do in the park during each of the four seasons.
Fall
-Explore woodland trails and experience the changing faces of fall.
-Bring insect nets and try to catch butterflies feeding on wildflowers, grasshoppers leaping from one leaf to another, and dragonflies buzzing overhead.
-Visit the Loess Hills Lodge interpretive facility to learn about migrating raptors and the fall migration season. Head out to the 45' observation tower to view these birds as they journey south.
-Walk the Boardwalk trail and enjoy a picnic at the nearby shelter or along the trail.
Winter
-Bring your sleds and intertubes to the Chute Trail- Hitchcock's notorious sledding hill.
-Rent a cabin and spend a quiet winter evening in the park.
-Rent snowshoes from the Loess Hills Lodge Welcome Desk and take to the hills for a winter hike.
-Enjoy a winter hike & explore the architecture & beauty of the Loess Hills without our prairie camouflage
Spring
-Explore the trails and look for songbirds building their nests and listen for them singing in the trees.
-Break out the camping gear and head out to the campground for a weekend of cooking over a fire and sleeping under the stars.
-Spend an afternoon at the playground & enjoy a picnic in the nearby shelter.
Summer
-Check out adventure packs from the Loess Hills Lodge Welcome Desk. Kids will love the open-ended activities and the chance to explore Hitchcock with new tools, including binoculars, bug jars, and magnifying glasses.
-Pick a campsite and pitch your tent for a weekend at the campground. For the adventuresome, hike to one of Hitchcock's primitive camping spots for a quiet evening in the Loess Hills.
-Hone your archery skills at the archery range.
-Head out to Hitchcock's remnant prairies to view the blooming wildflowers and breathtaking tallgrass.
Snowshoe Rental
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 business hours.
December through February *hours adjusted due to COVID-19
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Snowshoes are available for daily rental during the hours listed above. Snowshoe rentals MUST BE RETURNED BY END OF BUSINESS.
Rental fee for all snowshoes is $6.00 per day. To rent snowshoes guests please visit the welcome desk at the Loess Hills Lodge. Renters must read & complete a rental agreement/waiver, pay the rental fee & leave an item for collateral. Accepted items are keys, photo ID, or a credit card.
Rental Information:
There must be a minimum of 4 to 6 inches of snow on the ground for snowshoes to be rented. Staff & volunteers at the lodge at the time of your visit make the determination & may decide conditions are not safe for snowshoe rentals.
Snowshoes are available on a first come, first served basis & may not be reserved in advance. Snowshoes may not be available during snowshoe programs, please call 712-545-3283 to confirm snowshoe availability.
Renters must be age 18 & over, guests under 18 must have snowshoe waiver signed by a parent or guardian and be under adult supervision at all times.
Renters are responsible for all damages beyond normal wear & tear up to a replacement charge of $150.00 per pair. Damages are assessed by staff.
Snowshoes that are lost will be subject to a replacement cost of $150.00 per pair.
Snowshoes not returned by end of business will be charged for another days rental.
Hitchcock Nature Center offers ample opportunity for hiking, birdwatching, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and other endeavors on its 10 mile trail system. The trails are not open to bikes, horses, or ATVs (though you may encounter staff on an ATV or tractor from time to time). The 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. Spend a little time studying the trail map to choose your route, and consider bringing drinking water. We suggest insect repellent during the summer months.
To help you enjoy your time at Hitchcock Nature Center, Adventure Packs are available for check-out at the Loess Hills Lodge reception desk during regular lodge hours. Each Adventure Pack includes animal ID cards, track cards, cloud ID chart, binoculars, kaleidoscope, bug box, compass, thermometer, and nature books.
Adventure Packs may be checked out to anyone; however, children ages 18 or under must be accompanied by an adult for use. There is no fee to use an Adventure Pack; however, visitors must fill out an information form as well as leave collateral in one of the following forms: vehicle keys or credit card information.
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 Traceethics and principles.
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
PLEASE NOTE - Backcountry campsites are PRIMITIVE & do not include access to modern amenities including drinking water or restrooms. Campers are responsible for carrying in and carrying out their own supplies including drinking water & the disposal of all human waste. Please bury human waste away from the established campsite and no less than 200-yds from water. ALL TRASH MUST BE CARRIED OUT WHEN YOU VACATE THE CAMPSITE.
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 Traceethics and principles.
Single tent campsite with camping pad and fire ring
Easy terrain hike, approximately 0.75-mile from the main parking area at the Loess Hills Lodge
Classic oak savanna ridgetop and nearby views of the Missouri River Valley
Adjacent to the main trail
PLEASE NOTE - Backcountry campsites are PRIMITIVE & do not include access to modern amenities including drinking water or restrooms. Campers are responsible for carrying in and carrying out their own supplies including drinking water & the disposal of all human waste. Please bury human waste away from the established campsite and no less than 200-yds from water. ALL TRASH MUST BE CARRIED OUT WHEN YOU VACATE THE CAMPSITE.
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 Traceethics and principles.
Single tent campsite with camping pad and fire ring
Challenging terrain hike, located approximately 1.2-miles from the Fox Run Ridge Trailhead in the main parking lot near the Loess Hills Lodge
Westernmost ridge with expansive views of the Missouri River Valley
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 Traceethics and principles.
Single tent campsite with camping pad and fire ring
Challenging terrain hike, located approximately 1.4-miles from the main parking lot at the Loess Hills Lodge
Westernmost ridge overlooking the Missouri River Valley with the best views in the park
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 Traceethics and principles.
Two-tent campsite with larger camping pads and fire ring
Moderate terrain hike, located approximately 0.75-mile from the main parking lot at the Loess Hills Lodge
On the border between expansive remnant prairie and Loess Hills woodlands
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 Traceethics and principles.
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
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 Traceethics and principles.
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-mile from the main parking lot at the Loess Hills Lodge
This 256 square feet and 16'x16' rustic cabin provides a perfect family get away in a gorgeous Loess Hills setting. Camping cabins sleep up to five people and provide heating and air conditioning, electricity, 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.
This 256 square feet and 16'x16' rustic cabin provides a perfect family get away in a gorgeous Loess Hills setting. Camping cabins sleep up to five people and provide heating and air conditioning, electricity, refrigerator, microwave oven, table and chairs. Just outside each cabin, is a water hydrant, picnic table, fire ring and grill.
This 256 square feet and 16'x16' rustic cabin provides a perfect family get away in a gorgeous Loess Hills setting. Camping cabins sleep up to five people and provide heating and air conditioning, electricity, 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.
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.
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.
