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Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center: Gateway to the Loess Hills

Explore the Loess Hills at this Sioux City nature center with interactive exhibits, hiking trails, and live wildlife displays. Free admission!

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The Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City, Iowa, offers an immersive experience in the unique Loess Hills. Explore interactive exhibits, hike scenic trails, and encounter native wildlife in this 14,000-square-foot facility.

A brief summary to Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best chances to spot wildlife along the trails.
  • Check the Nature Center's schedule for guided tours and special events to enhance your experience.
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes to fully enjoy the trails.
  • Bring your camera to capture the scenic views and potential wildlife sightings.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center is located off Interstate 29 on State Road 12. From I-29, take exit 149 for Singing Hills Boulevard. Head west on Singing Hills Boulevard, then turn north onto Sioux River Road. Follow Sioux River Road to the nature center. Parking is available on-site. Limited parking may be available during peak times.

  • Walking

    For those starting from the Sioux City Public Library downtown, head south on Douglas Street towards 5th Street, continue onto 6th Street, and then turn left onto Nebraska Street. Follow Nebraska Street until you reach the pedestrian path leading to the Sioux River. Walk along the river path, which will take you directly to Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. The walk is approximately 3.5 miles and takes about an hour.

Unlock the Best of Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

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Discover more about Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Nestled in the heart of the Loess Hills, the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center serves as a gateway to understanding and appreciating western Iowa's unique natural landscape. This 14,000-square-foot facility, operated by Woodbury County Parks, features a variety of attractions, including natural history exhibits, interactive displays about prairie, wetland, and woodland ecosystems, and live native reptile and fish exhibits. Visitors can explore the Loess Hills through hands-on exhibits and learn about the geological formation and the native plants and animals that call this region home. The center also features a bird viewing area and an outdoor amphitheater. A highlight for many is the outdoor Raptor House, home to a red-tailed hawk and a barred owl. Kids will especially enjoy the Discovery Forest Nature Playscape, with its tree fort and opportunities for natural play. Beyond the center itself, more than two miles of hiking trails connect to an additional 10 miles of trails in Stone State Park, offering opportunities to explore wooded forests and prairie ridges. The trails are for pedestrian use only, allowing for a peaceful nature experience. The center is located along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, near where the Corps of Discovery met with the Otos in 1804.

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