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
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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
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, an observation deck and tower, a back patio with picnic tables, meeting rooms, and park staff office space.
Restrooms: Available 365 days a year from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Gallery: Hours change seasonally. Please see below for current hours.
Winter Hours begin on December 1st:
Take advantage of our end-of-year Holiday Gift Sale! Buy three items, get 10% off (15% off for members). Perfect for nature lovers of any age.
Please note our Special Holiday Hours below:
- Christmas Eve: Closed
- Christmas Day: Closed
- New Year's Eve: Closed
- New Year's Day: Closed
Regular Winter Hours:
- Monday - Thursday: Closed
- 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.
Trails
Please note: Trails are not open to bikes, horses, or ATVs—though you may encounter staff on an ATV or tractor from time to time!
Hitchcock Nature Center has a 10-mile 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, Boand Hohneke trailheads or at the Loess Hills Lodge during gallery hours.
What to bring: Water, tall socks, close-toed shoes or boots, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent during the summer months.
Parking
There are eight parking areas at Hitchcock Nature Center—two at the campgrounds and six leading up to the Loess Hills Lodge. The overflow lot is about halfway between the park entrance and the Loess Hills Lodge and features a new pedestrian trail that you may follow to the lodge and Fox Run Ridge trail.
Please note:
- The park speed limit is 15 MPH.
- Some roads throughout the park 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 near the Loess Hills Lodge.
- Please do not drive past the ADA parking line unless you are parking there. Vehicle entry beyond this point is reserved for authorized vehicles only.
Dogs Allowed (please see rules below)
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.
- Please pick up 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, so be prepared to carry it with you until you reach a parking area or the 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.
- Certified service animals are welcome inside the lodge and cabins with their owner. All other pets need to stay outdoors, thank you!
- Pets are not permitted in cabins.
Camping
Hitchcock Nature Center offers RV campsites, tent campsites, a group campsite, and three camping cabins in the park campground, and seven backcountry camping sites spread throughout the park along hiking trails. Get back to your roots and enjoy a rustic evening tucked away in the Loess Hills!
To get in touch with the campground office, please call: 712-545-5833
RV Sites (First-come, first-served; Non-reservable)
- $25 per night
- 17 sites in total
- 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
Tent Sites (First-come, first-served; Non-reservable)
- $10 per night
- 9 sites in total
- 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
Camping Cabins
Please note: Pets and smoking are prohibited in cabins.
- $50 per night
- 3 cabins in total
- Sleep up to 5 people
- Amenities include: Electricity, water hydrant, satellite restrooms (non-flush), shower facilities nearby, mini fridge and microwave, heating and A/C, picnic table, fire ring, patio, grill, 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!
HawkWatch
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 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.
Seasonal Hunting
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 at jeremy.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.
Park Facilities
Starting at $10.00
More Info

Starting at $10.00
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.
- 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.
More Info & Reservations
Starting at $10.00
More Info

Starting at $10.00
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.
- 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.
More Info & Reservations
Starting at $10.00
More Info
Starting at $10.00
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.
- 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
- Slightly offset from main trail
More Info & Reservations
Starting at $10.00
More Info
Starting at $10.00
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.
- 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
- Adjacent to main trail
More Info & Reservations
Starting at $10.00
More Info
Starting at $10.00
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.
- 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
- Adjacent to main trail
More Info & Reservations
Starting at $10.00
More Info
Starting at $10.00
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.
- 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 main trail
More Info & Reservations
Starting at $10.00
More Info
Starting at $10.00
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.
- 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
- Loess Hills woodlands setting
- Adjacent to main trail
More Info & Reservations
Starting at $50.00
More Info
Starting at $50.00
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.
More Info & Reservations
Starting at $50.00
More Info
Starting at $50.00
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.
More Info & Reservations
Starting at $50.00
More Info
Starting at $50.00
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.
More Info & Reservations
Starting at $50.00
More Info
Starting at $50.00
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 Trace ethics and principles where appropriate
- Easy terrain access with nearby parking, located just below the RV campground.
- Loess Hills woodland setting
- Adjacent paved roadway
More Info & Reservations
Starting at $10.00
More Info
Starting at $10.00
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 Trace ethics and principles where appropriate
- Easy terrain access with nearby parking, located just below the RV campground.
- Loess Hills woodland setting
- Adjacent paved roadway
More Info
Starting at $25.00
More Info
Starting at $25.00
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.
More Info
Starting at $350.00
More Info

Starting at $350.00
Loess Hills Room Rentals
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.
More Info & Reservations
Starting at $350.00
More Info
Starting at $350.00
Loess Hills Lodge Room Rentals
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.
More Info & Reservations
Park Staff
Chad Kunze
Hitchcock Nature Center Park Ranger
chad.kunze@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-328-5833
Read Bio
Chad Kunze
Hitchcock Nature Center Park Ranger
chad.kunze@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-328-5833
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.