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Celebrate the arrival of spring and join us for Free Day at the Parks on Saturday, April 26th. This popular tradition, held during Earth Day week, is a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty of our county parks with your friends and family!
On April 26th, visitors can enjoy free entry at all Pottawattamie Conservation parks. Additionally, if you purchase an annual park membership at a park pay station (cash or check only) or at Hitchcock Nature Center's Loess Hill Lodge (card payment accepted), you will receive a certificate for one free night of camping. This certificate, valid for tent or RV/full hook-up camping at Arrowhead Park, Botna Bend Park, or Hitchcock Nature Center, will be mailed to you along with your membership permit.
Please note: while park entry is free on April 26th, other park fees, including camping fees, will remain in effect.
Arrowhead Park
Arrowhead Park has something for everyone, featuring a 17-acre fishing lake, canoe and paddleboard rentals, a playground, sand volleyball courts, scenic hiking trails, and a variety of camping options—including tent sites, RV hookups, modern facilities, and cozy cabins.
Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Botna Bend Park
Botna Bend Park is a nature lover’s paradise, home to resident bison and elk herds and offering access to the scenic West Nishnabotna River Water Trail. Visitors can enjoy miles of hiking trails, tent and RV camping, an archery range, disc golf, sand volleyball, and a playground—making it the perfect spot for both adventure and relaxation.
Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Hitchcock Nature Center
Hitchcock Nature Center showcases the stunning beauty of the Loess Hills with breathtaking overlooks and the Loess Hills Lodge, featuring an engaging gallery and exhibits. Explore miles of hiking trails, try your hand at archery, or enjoy camping options that range from tent and RV sites to cozy cabins. The park also offers a playground, geocaching and earthcaching adventures, an observation deck, and the iconic HawkWatch tower—perfect for spotting raptors and taking in panoramic views.
Hours: 6 AM - 10 PM
Narrows River Park
Narrows River Park offers beautiful views of the Missouri River and convenient boat access for those looking to get out on the water. The park also features a playground, an archery range, a native garden, and direct access to the scenic Iowa Riverfront Trail—making it a great destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Olde Town Park
Olde Town Park provides peaceful access to the West Nishnabotna River Water Trail, where visitors can enjoy scenic river views and outdoor fun. The park also includes a playground and offers primitive camping for those seeking a simple, back-to-nature experience.
For more information, visit Pottawattamie Conservation's website. Happy Earth Day!
The Fun Doesn't Stop There! Join the Litter Busters Park Cleanup Party!
Grab your gloves and your sense of adventure—it's time to tidy up the trails at Hitchcock Nature Center and Crescent Hill! From 9 AM to 1 PM on April 26th, Pottawattamie Conservation is throwing a cleanup bash in honor of the legendary Dump Busters, the fearless crew of local heroes who, way back in the wild '80s, stopped Hitchcock from turning into a landfill. (Cue the heroic theme music.)
Swing by Loess Hills Lodge at Hitchcock or the ski lodge at Crescent Hill anytime during the event to gear up with cleanup supplies. Once you're all set, head out into the great outdoors, make the world a little cleaner, then circle back to the lodge to weigh and report your trash treasure haul.
Last year, amazing volunteers collected over 60 pounds of litter—that’s the weight of a golden retriever! Let's see if we can beat that this time. Come for the cause, stay for the good vibes, and leave with the satisfaction of saving the planet—one soda can at a time.
