Hitchcock Nature Center — Attraction in Fort Calhoun

Well, this place truly blew me away, so I must talk about it. Make sure to put the Hitchcock Nature Center in the Loess Hills on your list of places to visit this weekend if you haven't already. Iowa isn't exactly known for its "mountain views," so I wasn't expecting much, but this place totally made me reconsider.

You can sense the tranquility as soon as you pull in. All of the trails here have breathtaking views that will make you forget you're in the Midwest. Some of them are easy, while others will raise your heart rate. It's one of the few places that simply resets you; the sounds are quieter and the air feels cleaner. The maps of the trails are well done and have easy, medium, and hard trails marked on the maps. The trails themselves are very well marked as well, so you won't get lost.

The observation tower? Unreal. When you are to the top, you can see miles of undulating hills and valleys, and on a clear day, you can even make out Omaha in the distance. Grab your camera (or your phone, let’s be real)—the photos from up there are next-level.

Additionally, they've done a fantastic job of keeping things accessible. There is a boardwalk trail which was closed for renovations but I'd think it is super easy to walk and perfect for families, strollers, or anyone who just wants a chill nature stroll.

The Loess Hills Lodge at the main entrance also has a small shop, plenty of information about the area, and clean restrooms. It's obvious that the volunteers and employees genuinely care about the location.

This is paradise if you enjoy wildlife, especially birds. The hawk-watching here is legendary during the migration season. It's amazing to see enormous raptors flying directly over your head, even if you're not a birdwatcher.

Camping spots are surprisingly well-maintained, quiet, and clean. Stayed a night and woke up to the sound of wind through the prairie grass and not much else. 10/10 peaceful vibes.

Only The $5 entry fee is paid with cash only through a drop box, so please bring exact change.

That's the "downside," if you can call it that.lly worth it for a full day of hiking and exploring.

Well, Hitchcock Nature Center is one of those locations that reminds you to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the joys of being outside.her you’re into hiking, photography, birdwatching, or just need to escape for a bit, this is your spot.

Would...

I cannot say enough good about this place! There seem to be a ton of hiking options here. I absolutely LOVED the boardwalk on Hawk Ridge. I thought this was such an amazing addition to the park to allow all walks of life to enjoy nature. This wooden boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and goes pretty far into the woods allowing for such an amazing experience. It's an equal access trail and I'm so here for it!!! I will say it's a little older, some missing side rails, and some uneven boards- so if you plan to visit via wheelchair or the like keep that in mind and maybe bring a friend to help over the bumps! :) This would be good for older people as well to get a (decently) even path through the beautiful trees.

Anywho! Park is $5 cash!! There is a kiosk at the front with the old envelope system so make sure you've got exact change. Apologies to whoever had to count my $2 in dimes and nickles- I wish I knew this in advance. The visitor center has a great view & clean bathrooms. The lookout tower provides a great opportunity to see the birds in the area. The property seemed to be well maintained and litter free. The trails had maps along the way and they even provide printed maps for those who'd like one. I say worth the $5 entry fee!!

There is an out and back spot that I think would be amazing for sunset. At the very least it's a crazy cool view of fields, trees, and the railroad tracks below. I put the map view up and this spots marked by my triangle location. There is also another out and back there that takes you to a pond of sorts. Super cute. Dispersed camping all around the area. I attached my full route along with distance and time. I was alone and really took my time enjoying things so I'd say this is at a very leisurely pace. Go for as long or short of a hike as you'd...

This area is burned completely off after the animals have gotten the winter habitat set. The whole park is burnt off. The animals then need to retreat to other farm ground, which results in several deaths of animals on the Old Lincoln Hwy. Previously, under prior management, half was burned one year and the next year the other half. There is no prairie grass and hasn’t been for years. I’ve previously expressed my concerns with Mr Gravey, before he left to go fight fires in California ( I believe that’s where he went) and to Mr Kunz( sp?). It is end of November…. Where are the deer, squirrels, fox, etc. oh yes, and the mountain lions that were placed here by the DNR to go? Go look at the pretty Loess Hills where we used to have morel mushrooms ( that the only other country is China where they grow), the wild flowers, strawberries and raspberries grew. The only thing you see now is burnt ground, trees lying there and barren land. But this is conservation at its best. I was told that it is burned off to kill the weeds and to bring back the prairie grass. Maybe want the pre historic animals back too??? It ain’t gonna happen. The burning goes to the west, across the dirt road that goes to farmers fields. Today farmers had to move the equipment because it would have caught farm equipment on fire. Last year the fire reached private land and burned trees that were over 200 years old, crossed the access road, and required our county having to clear it. This should be a concern to all of us and it’s time for all to know. Go look for yourself. I hope concerning citizens...