From the moment you step out of your car at the Indian Creek Nature Center, you’re instantly immersed in nature.
Native prairie grasses, such as goldenrod and mountain mint, welcome you at your parking spot. Before you even get to the Nature Center’s main building, you notice a bench within a small prairie with accessible trails that weave through native flowers.
Entering the main building, you are pleasantly surprised to see an exhibit built into the floor showcasing the seasonal lifespan and wildlife of the nearby Indian Creek. What you may not see is how the entire building sustains itself with rain water, geothermal heat and solar energy. The building is not only net zero but actually contributes to the environment where it lives.
You watch cardinals, finches and bees from our bird-viewing room, meet the turtles in the lobby and grab a stick (or two) of organic honey from the gift shop. You find the energy boost welcome as you head outside and find wetlands, prairies and woodlands all within sight.
You hear frogs in the pond calling you to visit. Your eyes follow a pair of deer dashing through the prairie. A cool breeze draws your gaze to the towering trees waving at you from beyond the outdoor playground. You wander. Letting the trail lead you.
What you discover on these trails will not be measured or counted, but felt. It will be a connection with nature that brings a subtle joy that is easy to find but impossible to bottle.
The joys of the outdoors are waiting for you at the Indian Creek Nature Center.
Indian Creek Nature Center
5300 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
319-362-0664
indiancreeknaturecenter.org
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