Pottawattamie Conservation to Reveal Crescent Hill at Hitchcock Draft Master Plan at Community Event
Following the February announcement of major changes to the former Mt. Crescent Ski Area — including a new name, Crescent Hill at Hitchcock, and plans to transform it into a four-season regional destination — Pottawattamie Conservation will unveil the draft master plan during a public event on Saturday, May 31. The event will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Crescent Hill’s base area and lodge, located at 17026 Snowhill Lane, Honey Creek, IA 51542.
Community members of all ages are invited to view plan components and provide input on the new vision for the property, which has been a designated enterprise fund that primarily operates off of generated revenue, not tax dollars, since the 2023-2024 ski season. The event will also incorporate family-friendly activities, including bonfires and s'mores, scenic lift rides, and guided hikes that will offer insight into recommended activities and infrastructure, and the area’s fragile Loess Hills ecosystem and wildlife.
“Our ultimate goal for the plan is to better serve residents and visitors by increasing access to Pottawattamie County’s incredible outdoor recreation opportunities while protecting Iowa’s globally significant Loess Hills landform, and to ensure the enterprise operation is financially viable,” Pottawattamie Conservation executive director Jeff Franco said. “It has taken a huge lift from community members, stakeholders, and regional partners since this work began in October 2023 and we are incredibly thankful for the integral role they have played in forming the four-season vision for Crescent Hill at Hitchcock.”
The plan includes new recreation opportunities, infrastructure, and winter-season upgrades that prioritize protecting the area’s ecological significance and is a tool to help decision-makers and community members visualize what the area can accommodate from an ecological, financial and community needs point of view. There is currently no timeline for the implementation of the plan, however Pottawattamie Conservation is actively seeking funding sources to begin design and engineering work on early phases of the project.
“Since Pottawattamie Conservation took over operations in 2022, we’ve seen a tremendous response from the public that frequently puts our indoor and parking accommodations at capacity with projections showing this trend continuing to grow,” Franco said. “We know these improvements won’t happen overnight, but in order to continue to serve our citizens and customers properly, we’re striving to make upgrades as soon as we can.”
Master plan development for the area was led by the SE Group, a renowned ski resort planning agency. The planning process involved multiple open houses, an online public survey that collected nearly 1,000 responses, and stakeholder interviews with several groups representing local and regional tourism, economic development, recreation, conservation, and education industries.
Pottawattamie County purchased the 106-acre property in December 2021 with generous support from the Iowa West Foundation as part of a long-term vision set in 1997 to expand Hitchcock Nature Center and create one of the largest nature preserves in Iowa’s Loess Hills. Pottawattamie Conservation, the county’s conservation department, has managed operations since July 2022 with a focus on habitat restoration, environmental education, and improved customer experience.
Leading into the 2023-2024 season, the ski area was designated as an enterprise fund by the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors. Enterprise funds primarily rely on revenue, not taxpayer dollars, to cover operating costs and are commonly used by governments to ease taxpayer burden and ensure financial sustainability for services that rely on user fees such as electricity, water, or recreational facilities and parks.
The ski area, originally called Crescent Ski Hills and started by local ski enthusiasts from Omaha, opened to the public in January 1961. In an effort to preserve the area's history, position it as a four-season attraction, and communicate that it is a part of the 1,500-acre Hitchcock Nature Center, Pottawattamie Conservation rebranded the area as Crescent Hill at Hitchcock at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 ski season. New branding will be implemented over the coming months ahead of the 2025-2026 ski season. The public is encouraged to visit ExploreCrescentHill.com, which will be the new home for winter and four-season recreation details and ticketing later this year.
Don't miss this exciting opportunity to be part of shaping the future of Crescent Hill at Hitchcock. Join us on Saturday, May 31, to explore the draft master plan, enjoy outdoor activities, and share your feedback—your voice matters in bringing this four-season destination to life!
