Indian Creek Nature Center

5300 Otis Rd, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, USA

Address:	5300 Otis Rd, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, USA
Phone:	+1 319-362-0664
Site:	indiancreeknaturecenter.org
Rating:	4.4
Working:	9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 12–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 17

Karen Rawson

What a wonderful spot! If youd like to sit in air conditioned comfort and learn about the uninterrupted prairie that used to be RIGHT WHERE THE NATURE CENTER BUILDING AND PARKING LOT ARE, come to the new nature center. Youll park in what used to be twelve acres of the last remaining prairie in Iowa! Youll get to watch confused monarchs search for the field which countless generations had flocked! OH, and no trip to nature without your kids getting a chance to play the xylophone! Plus, the new center allowed the board members to line the pockets of their developer friends. Basically a win-win for everyone. Oh, except nature. The motto of of the project was “leave your footprint” and I guess they succeeded that. But whatever happened to “leave no trace”? 150 years ago there were 30,386,208 acres of prairie. Today there are 35,748. The prairie portion of ICNC (both sides of Bena Brook) was approximately 35 acres. What that means is that the ICNC, steward of one of the rare parcels of a vanishing habitat, put in a giant parking lot and "nature center" on 12 acres in the dead center. Thats .1% of the prairie destroyed, if youre keeping count. But hell, who wouldnt want THIS on their prairie? Well, I guess monarchs wouldnt. Or bluebirds. Or coyotes. Or the the hundreds of other plants and birds and bugs and creatures that used to call it home. But its State of the Art. Its NET ZERO baby. Cmon darling, lets go get a pumpkin spice latte. The Hummer is warming at the curb.

Joshua Carroll

Less than 5% of Iowas original prairie lands remain, and the Indian Creek Nature Center had about 10% of that. You could walk into a sea of grass, stand at its center and be transported back to the land as it was. A magical experience I enjoyed for years, and the careful stewardship of such a precious resource did the community credit. But no more. A giant, ugly building now squats in the center of it. The buildings design has no historical or architectural significance to the region and sticks out like a neon sign. Construction devastated the delicate plain and made it resemble a WWI battlefield for almost a year. Now that it has somewhat recovered, it resembles a shopping mall. Car traffic, machine noise, people. Its an obscenity. The point of a nature center is not to defile it with an expensive project (that incidentally was contracted to affiliates of the board members, throwing the shade of backroom dealing on the whole thing). The point of a nature center is to enjoy what nature remains. This is like going to a bird sanctuary, killing all the birds and turning them into taxidermy, then hanging them from wires against a painted sky. The new "stewards" should be deeply ashamed of themselves. I certainly am.

Sarah Duhon

This is my favorite place to hike in the area. The forest is dense and varied, from elm copses to the gorgeous pine stands that house the growing woodpecker population here, and prairie as well. The walk never gets old. Theres also plenty for the casual forager to find, without having to worry about pollution from runoff, as most of the terrain is above the level of the river and surrounding countryside. Theres tons of wildlife here as well. Every time I go out, I always run into deer, rabbits, and more. Many of the deer trails out here are so well defined you can take them in lieu of the marked path and still find your way back easily. Every time I come out here I see something new!

karen banninger

This is a very nice place and very well done. I love the natural wood planks that were used to to design the beautiful furniture and and other effects throughout the building. However I did find a few things that ranged between inappropriate and disturbing. Im wondering why you would put a kids book about "peeing on the floor" in the gift shop? I also noticed that you can attend yoga classes and learn about Buddha here, but there is no mention of the One who created the nature we are all enjoying. Hmm. Just saying.

noninsecthexapod

Excellent group of staff and volunteers working together to create an excellent nature center. And dont believe every review you read, the staff does not leave monofilament line lying around to trap animals, that would most likely be people who come and fish. There are collection containers for mnofilament line, but unfortunately not every one uses those.

TaLisha Z

Beautiful new nature center, great programs, very nice volunteers! Fun natural play area outside for kids. Some nice paths to hike. Ive taken only a couple of the trails - one prairie trail was made of several smaller loops - easy walking, and another hill/forest trail - slightly more difficult, but not very strenuous and beautiful and peaceful.

Jacob Dvorak

Great adventure spot for the whole family, building had rooms for parties and teaching sessions. Trails outside are well maintained and can be easy for toddlers to walk themselves which was a plus. Volunteers and personal were very helpful and provided great knowledge of where to walk with kids as well as describe what to look for

Ja Gordon

DONT BOTHER - GO TO YOUR CITY PARK - SAME THING...THEY CONTINUOUSLY CUT DOWN TREES, ADD BUILDINGS...NOTHING NATURAL ABOUT IT!!! YESTERDAY I PICKED UP A GALLON CONTAINER SIZE OF FILAMENT THAT INDIAN CREEK NATURE CENTER LEAVES IN THEIR MULCH FOR ANIMALS TO GET TANGLED UP IN! THEY ARE THE WORST NATURE CENTER IVE EVER BEEN TO!

Sam Brooker

I grew up next to this place. I spent a good chunk of my life going from one end of the Sac and Fox trail to the other. The trails around the Nature Center itself can be fun and the silo with the circular staircase is must see. If you like quiet and the outdoors I highly recommend taking a day to check this place out.

stephanie J

The new building is beautiful! We attended a boy scout workshop about rocks and minerals. The staff was well informed and really took their time explaining things to the boys. They even had some hands on experiments for them to try. Cant wait to get back out there and see what else they have to offer.

A Private User

I attended the Maple Syrup Fest last weekend with family & friends and even though the day was rainy and gray, the pancakes, sausage, and locally-produced real maple syrup makes my list of recommendations. If you are in the area in spring or fall, I would add it to your list.

Susan Pfeiler-Todd

The Maple Syrup Festival is a lot of fun and not to be missed! Also, great programming. The new facility will be AMAZING; cant wait for the fall of 2016 opening!! They have been such great stewards of the land out there, it is wonderful to hike the spaces and use the trails.

Amanda Bittorf

This recently constructed nature center is a beauty! Its beyond perfect for kids and adults. There are several events and classes. Make sure to check out the outdoor playscape, trails, bees and more.

Peggy Brophy

This is a nice place to view, study, and learn about nature. Theres walking, hiking trails and a creek to explore. A great place for a family or just a place for one.

Emily Bashus

We love going here, being from Maine I am always looking for outdoors stuff to do. I am never disappointed. Thank you all who keep this beatific place beautiful.

Laura Filbert Zacher

A great place for an hour long walk, lots of variety and contour. I especially enjoyed the path through the ephemeral pools.

Garrie Burr

Excellent trails of various types, incredible variety of local plant and wild life. Will definitely go again!