Hitchcock Nature Center: A Loess Hills Haven
Explore Iowa's unique Loess Hills at Hitchcock Nature Center: hiking, birdwatching, camping, and breathtaking views await!
Nestled in Iowa's Loess Hills near Honey Creek, Hitchcock Nature Center offers nearly 1,500 acres of prairie, savanna, and woodlands for outdoor enthusiasts. With hiking trails, bird watching, and stunning views, it's a natural escape.
A brief summary to Hitchcock Nature Center
- 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, Iowa, 51542, US
- +1712-545-3283
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
- Thursday 6 am-10 pm
- Friday 6 am-10 pm
- Saturday 6 am-10 pm
- Sunday 6 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, especially during the fall migration.
- Wear sturdy shoes for hiking the sometimes steep and uneven trails.
- Check the Pottawattamie Conservation website for upcoming events and programs.
- A daily entrance pass is required per vehicle, or consider an annual membership for frequent visits.
- Visit the Loess Hills Lodge to learn about the unique geology and ecology of the area.
Getting There
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Driving
Hitchcock Nature Center is located at 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 51542. From I-29, take the Crescent exit and travel east to the Old Lincoln Highway. The nature center is 5 miles north of Crescent on the Old Lincoln Highway. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle, payable with exact change or check at the park gate.
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Walking
From the Loess Hills Lodge parking area, various trails are accessible. Consult the trail map at the trailhead or in the lodge to choose a route based on your desired difficulty and distance. The lodge is located at the highest point in the park, requiring an uphill walk from the parking lot.
Discover more about Hitchcock Nature Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
John Pierre Cabanne's Pioneer Fur-Trading Post
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Winter Quarters Historical Marker
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Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters
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Winter Quarters Cemetery
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Kountze Park
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Historic Train Bridge
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Kinsman Monument
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Sternhill Park
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Lincolns Visit to Council Bluffs Historical Marker
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Malcolm X Historical Marker
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Historic Council Bluffs State Historical Marker
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Kanesville Memorial
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Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail Exhibit
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First Building In Council Bluffs Memorial Rock
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Jewell Building
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Unmissable attractions to see
Loess Hills Lodge at Hitchcock Nature Center
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Neale Woods Nature Reserve
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Scenic Overlook Tower (Loveland Overlook)
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The Florence Depot Museum
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Winter Quarters Mill Museum
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Old Town Conservation Area
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Lewis and Clark Park
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Lewis and Clark Park & Monument
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Fort Atkinson State Historical Park
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Big Lake Park
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General Crook House Museum
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Fort Omaha
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Narrows River Park
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Wilson Island State Recreation Area
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Nobles Lake
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Essential places to dine
Christy Creme
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Bertha's Bar & Grill
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Sugars Diner
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Mo Fish
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Subway
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3rd Base Bar and Grill
16.2 km
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Great Wall Express
16.6 km
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Barley's
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Caddy's Kitchen & Cocktails
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Maloney's Live - Council Bluffs
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Kristen's Kitchen LLC
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Buck Snort
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Runza Restaurant
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Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q
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Railway Inn
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Walmart Supercenter
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The Coffee Cabin
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M.J.'S Flowers & Balloons
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D & R Treasures
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Fishers Petals and Posies
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Zaiser Embroidery & Gifts
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Tennessee Hollow
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Rise & Grind Coffee Co.
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Phillips 66
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Missouri Travel Plaza
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Bamboo Village Restaurant
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Sila Beauty Bar
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Pizza Ranch
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Taco John's
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The Bucksnort
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JC's Dairy Den (Formerly Dairy Den)
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