Hartman Reserve Nature Center, Waterloo Travel Guide

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Explore diverse habitats and miles of trails at this Cedar Falls nature preserve, a haven for wildlife and outdoor education.

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Hartman Reserve Nature Center

Hartman Reserve Nature Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, is a 308.9-acre nature preserve offering diverse habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies. With over 6 miles of trails, it's a haven for hiking, wildlife viewing, and environmental education. Originally a YMCA camp, it has evolved into a vital community resource for nature appreciation and conservation.

A brief summary to Hartman Reserve Nature Center

657 Reserve Dr, Cedar Falls, Iowa, 50613, US
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Monday 8 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 8 am-4:30 pm
Friday 8 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hartman Reserve Nature Center.

Visit the Hartman Interpretive Center for educational exhibits and information about the reserve's ecology.
Explore the trails for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing; bring binoculars for a better experience.
Check the Hartman Reserve website or Facebook page for upcoming events, programs, and guided tours.
Be prepared for occasional trail closures due to flooding, especially near the Cedar River.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

George Wyth State Park

Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens

Phelps Youth Pavilion

Bluedorn Science Imaginarium

Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area

Explore Hartman Reserve Nature Center on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Hartman Reserve Nature Center, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Highway 218, take the Greenhill Road exit and follow the brown park signs to Hartman Reserve Nature Center. Parking is available at the Interpretive Center, with limited spaces (50 spaces, 4 handicap, and 6 loading/unloading). Overflow parking is available at Riverhills School evenings and weekends. Parking is free.
Walking

Hartman Reserve is accessible via the South Riverside Trail, connecting it to George Wyth State Park. From the trail, follow the signs for Hartman Reserve. The trails within the reserve are well-marked.

Discover more about Hartman Reserve Nature Center

Hartman Reserve Nature Center is a 308.9-acre natural area in the heart of metropolitan Black Hawk County, Iowa. The reserve, originally named Camp Hartman Reserve, was established in 1938 when John C. Hartman of the Waterloo Daily Courier helped the local YMCA purchase 56 acres of forested land. Hartman, a nature enthusiast, believed in the importance of connecting youth with nature.In 1976, the Black Hawk County Conservation Board purchased the land and expanded it into a nature center dedicated to environmental education, recreation, and community involvement. Today, Hartman Reserve features diverse habitats, including upland bluffs, the Cedar River Valley, forests, gravel pits, prairies, and wetlands.The reserve boasts over 6 miles of trails for hiking, running, skiing and biking, including a connection to George Wyth State Park via the South Riverside Trail. The Hartman Interpretive Center houses exhibits and displays, offering educational programs and serving as a rental space for meetings and receptions. Hartman Reserve is recognized as an Iowa Watchable Wildlife Site and an Important Bird Area, home to diverse species like pileated woodpeckers, deer, river otters, and bald eagles. It also partners with the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area.