Lime Creek Nature Center — Attraction in Mason City

Long ago I helped to dig out the old brewery, removed a medical dump (yep scary), pulled out tons and tons of cardboard dumping site that was in a small pound there, and cut open many of the trails as part of a conservation group. I went on to do many other things in Lime Creek alone in 83 and was my last year there. Walking it used to bring back memories of days long gone... It is a good place that teenagers did allot there to bring you what you see today, even handing blocks to construction workers who built the nature center. I worked many other parks in my time for Cerro Gordo County Conservation, but Lime Creek, I did a major chunk. Please enjoy it because a bunch of kids really worked hard to bring a lot to that park. As an adult, I used to go there to walk the trials I helped to open and cross country ski remembering when I once groomed those runs.. A time I hope to never...

This is a great place for trails, exploring, taking family and seeing wildlife. There are several miles of trails of all different types (grasslands, prairie, woods, rocky, flat and hilly). There is even a trail by the visitors center that is partially paved for handicap accessibility. My favorite trail is probably the Quarry Lake Loop as you get to see the lake and have both rocky and woodsy parts of the trail. There is a small play area and lookout to the north at the entry to the prairie trails, great for kids and picnics. The visitors center is very cool for kids with a lot of educational activities and animal info, as well as space to sit and relax. There are bathrooms as well. There are picnic tables outside and a gathering area behind the center with a lot of bird feeders to watch. Dogs are allowed on leashes so I usually take my dog along. Great place to visit to...

This is a special place. You need to come out and experience it for yourself. This nature center offers a variety of landscapes and various trails. There are dirt trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking - as well as there are paved trails for easier accessibility. Behind the nature center building itself, you will find a great place to quietly watch the birds, and if you are still enough you can be blessed with seeing other wildlife come and visit their water feature to snag a drink. I have seen raccoons, deer, fox, many kinds of squirrel, groundhogs and possum. Definitely bring your camera! If you are able, stop in to the building and take a look at the neat murals and educational displays. SO worthy your...