A family favorite!
This is a fun and affordable (free or donation boxes available) activity for local families or families traveling north of Cedar Rapids on I-380. The outdoor play area and trails allow everyone to stretch their legs in nature and the indoor learning center provides an interactive escape from the chill of the winter. If you are a bird enthusiast, enjoy one of the outdoor bird blinds or a comfortable indoor sofa for watching featured friends.
While the activities can span many ages, the play areas are geared toward children in pre and elementary schools. The hiking trails and nature areas are wonderful for all ages. Programs are also offered on variety of topics throughout the year.
What a treat to have this great resource provided in...
Read moreI love Wickiup Hill Learning Center. It's a pity so few people know about it. They have free educational programs and fun events, and the entire indoor learning and play area is amazing. If it were in any city, it would have a hefty admission fee instead of TOTALLY FREE, as there are displays, interactive learning toys and areas, including a water play zone to learn about the water cycle and the how water behaves on the land. They have classrooms, natural object 'building blocks,' Native American history, natural history, a giant eagle's nest with giant 'egg' pillows for kids to hang out in, and a giant magnetic wall where you can stick large soft magnetic fish and water creatures.
GO CHECK IT OUT! It's not too bad a drive from Cedar Rapids or Iowa...
Read moreMy best friend and I went for a morel mushroom hunt here this past weekend with the Mushroom Club and had an absolute BLAST. Chuck was such an amazing guide, we learned so so much from all of the wonderful people that we hiked with. My friend and I were more interested in the bugs and wildlife, but we did find quite a few mushrooms! I've always loved coming to Wickiup, since I was a youngster. Whether it's for bird watching, a nice hike, or just a tour of the inside and activities there, it's always been so wonderful. They have a lovely and knowledgeable staff who are always happy to share their wisdom. This is where my love of the outdoors was born and I can never thank them...
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