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Hitchcock Nature Center

Alerts:

  • As of August 1st, 2024: Boardwalk is CLOSED until further notice. Crews are currently working to repair storm damage. We will share an update when it's back open. Please be aware that there may trees and large branches down along trails until staff can get things cleared. Thank you for your patience!
  • Full hookup camp sites are now available in the top loop for $30 per night.
  • Click here to learn more about the Mt. Crescent Ski Area Master Plan.
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.

View Park & Trail Map

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

Hiking Trails

Parking

Dogs & Pet Waste

Tent, RV & Backcountry Camping

The Loess Hills

Cabin Rentals

Hitchcock HawkWatch Research

Seasonal Hunting

Other Activities

Park Facilities

Crescent Ridge Cabin at Hitchcock Nature Center

Starting at $200.00

Reservations & Info

Heartwood Pavilion

Starting at $250.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Backcountry Campsite #1- Hohneke Pond

Starting at $10.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Backcountry Campsite #2 Fox Run Ridge

Starting at $10.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Backcountry Campsite #3 Cottonwood

Starting at $10.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Backcountry Campsite #4 High Point

Starting at $10.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Backcountry Campsite #5 Badger Ridge

Starting at $10.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Backcountry Campsite #6 Shea Way

Starting at $10.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Backcountry Campsite #7 Heritage

Starting at $10.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Blazing Star Cabin (Cabin 1)

Starting at $75.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Bur Oak Cabin (Cabin 2)

Starting at $75.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Goldenrod Cabin (Cabin 3)

Starting at $75.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Modern Group Tent Campsite

Starting at $50.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Nature Center Modern Tent Camping

Starting at $10.00

Reservations & Info

Hitchcock Nature Center RV Campground

Starting at $25.00

Reservations & Info

The Bluestem Room at the Loess Hills Lodge

Starting at $350.00

Reservations & Info

The Goldfinch Room at the Loess Hills Lodge

Starting at $350.00

Reservations & Info

Park Staff

Chad Kunze

Hitchcock Nature Center Park Ranger
chad.kunze@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-328-5833

Read Bio

Photo 1Photo 2Photo 3Photo 4Photo 5Photo 6Photo 7Photo 8Photo 9Photo 10Photo 11Photo 12Photo 13Photo 14Photo 15Photo 16Photo 17Photo 18Photo 19Photo 20Photo 21Photo 22Photo 23Photo 24Photo 25Photo 26Photo 27Photo 28Photo 29 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 Conservation Foundation today and gain access to Pottawattamie County parks year-round.

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Hitchcock Nature Center Map

Follow the Park
227 S 6th St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
(712) 328-5600
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