Golden Hills is working with local partners to find volunteers for our seed harvesting project. Volunteers will visit local prairie remnants and learn how to identify which plants are available for seed collection. The hand-collected seed will then be used for local prairie restoration and reconstruction projects. Meet at the Loess Hills Lodge at Hitchcock. No experience required, but be prepared for a short hike on steep terrain.
Pottawattamie County Conservation is in need of trail stewards who aren't afraid to get dirty while blazing and maintaining four-season recreational trails. Will you answer our call? Join the Loess Hills Nordic Ski Patrol and learn more about becoming a specialized Trail Steward volunteer on Tuesday, October 3rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hitchcock Nature Center's Loess Hills Lodge (in the Goldfinch Room). For those unable to join us in person to learn more, an online version of the meeting will also be made available. Please check the event website or visit the Hitchcock Nature Center Facebook page for information on how to join virtually.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Pottawattamie County Conservation is developing plans for expanding four-season recreation opportunities at Mt. Crescent Ski Area, and we want to hear from you! Swing by Arrowhead Park on Friday, October 6th, anytime between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to learn more about development options at Mt. Crescent and share your ideas for what you'd like to see. Complimentary drinks and snacks will be provided. Unable to make it out on the 6th? Swing by our annual Chili Fest on October 14th to learn more and share your ideas then.
Pottawattamie County Conservation is developing plans for expanding four-season recreation opportunities at Mt. Crescent Ski Area, and we want to hear from you! Swing by Mt. Crescent Ski Area on Saturday, October 7th anytime between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to learn more about development options at Mt. Crescent and share your ideas for what you'd like to see. Bring the entire family and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks, s'mores, bonfires, and more.
Join us for the Treynor City-Wide Garage Sale! There will be tons of items to shop for all. Maps will be placed at Casey's, Dollar General & Post Office, marking the garage sale locations.
Join us for the 15th annual Walnut fall antique show on October 7&8 in Walnut, Iowas Antique City. We're located halfway between Omaha and Des Moines on I-80 exit 46. Dealers from across the Midwest are displaying their wares both inside and outdoors! Antiques, stoneware, furniture, advertising, and primitives. Sponsored by the Walnut Merchants Association and Crockery & More 712-784-2626. All roads lead to Walnut where parking is everywhere.
Welcome to Hitchcock Hike for Health Club, led by level three fitness instructor and avid mountain climber, snowshoer, hiker, and master gardener Colleen Leinen! Hitchcock Hike for Health Club is designed for visitors ages 50+. This event is free but pre-registration is required. Grab your partner or a group of friends and join us first for some light stretching and education on equipment and preparation in the Loess Hills Lodge Goldfinch Room, then hit the hilly Loess Hills trails for a guided fitness hike. If you are looking to get in tune with your body, work up a sweat, and engage with the outdoors, then this is the club for you (especially if you have a big hike or camping trip coming up!). Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate hiking shoes or boots. Make sure to bring a reusable water container and walking poles if you prefer them.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
Wine yoga is a unique and playful combination of yoga and wine tasting. It typically involves practicing yoga poses while sipping wine in a relaxed and social setting. Appropriate for all fitness levels & yoga experience. $10 per participant
Welcome to the 18th Annual HawkWatch 5K Walk/Run! Grab your running or walking shoes and join us at Hitchcock Nature Center on Saturday, October 14th. Proceeds support Pottawattamie Conservation's efforts to preserve habitat in the county and offer low-impact recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy. The run/walk will utilize Hitchcock Nature Center's trail system. Race time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration: Now through September 30th: $30. October 1st to 14th: $35 *Online registration closes at 6 PM on 10/13/23
This year's annual All Hallows Eve Festival at Botna Bend promises fun for the entire family, including hayrack rides, crafts, hot dogs, chili, storytime, and trick or treating! The public is invited to participate in fun fall activities hosted by Botna Bend Park staff and campers. Registered campers will be entered to receive prices for the best-decorated campsite and may also enter into the park's annual chili cookoff to win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place prizes.
Public Events Details: A $3 per vehicle entry fee or Pottawattamie Conservation membership is required to enter the park if you are not camping. Free will donations will be gratefully accepted and used to fund additional free and low-cost public programming at your county parks. All events will take place at Olsen Lodge.
Bring the whole family out and enjoy a warm bowl of chili in the crisp fall air at the Arrowhead Park Chili Fest. This annual fall tradition will be on Saturday, October 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and promises fun for the whole family! Join us for pumpkin painting, hayrack rides, trick or treating, and of course, chili. Pre-registration is not required for this event. Dinner is free but free-will donations will be gratefully accepted & used to fund additional free and low-cost public programming at your county parks. For questions not answered online please call Arrowhead Park at 712-485-2295. This event is weather permitting. Please meet at Breezy Lodge. Participants must purchase a $3.00 per vehicle daily pass with exact change or check at the front gate paybox, or have a valid Pottawattamie Conservation Membership to enter the park.
Join us at Mt. Crescent Ski Area on Tuesday, October 17th for the final hike of our 2023 Hitch Hike series! This hike will begin at 6:00 p.m. and explore a new trail system at the 106-acre Mt. Crescent Ski Area that will be accessible to the public in June 2023. Pre-registration is not required for this event, although free-will donations will be gratefully accepted and used to fund additional free and low-cost public programming at your county parks. Participants must bring $5 cash (exact change) or a check payable to Pottawattamie Conservation and give it to staff when they arrive or have a valid Pottawattamie Conservation Membership. Click here to purchase a Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation park membership. Weather permitting. Please meet us in the Mt. Crescent Ski Area parking lot near the lodge. Pets: Well-behaved dogs are permitted to accompany their owners but must be leashed at all times.
This presentation delves into the profound and enduring role that birds have played in shaping conservation efforts throughout American history. From the pioneering work of famous naturalists like Audubon and Leopold to the forefront of legislative initiatives aimed at protecting wildlife, birds have been a driving force behind the preservation of our natural heritage. Through the lens of these iconic figures and pivotal moments in history, we'll explore how birds have not only captured our fascination but have also been instrumental in catalyzing the environmental awareness and legislation necessary to safeguard our nation's diverse ecosystems and wildlife. $10 per person. Presented by Nic Salick.
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John features the greatest hits of the piano-rock pop icons of the modern era. Songs include Piano Man, Rocket Man, Bennie and the Jets, Movin’ Out, I’m Still Standing, My Life, and many more. PollStar ranked this show in the Top 50 touring Acts/Shows in the last two years. Michael Cavanaugh stars in this production. Billy Joel handpicked him to star in the hit Broadway musical Movin’ Out. Michael received both Tony and Grammy nominations in the lead role. Billboard calls him the “New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook”. Broadway World referred to Cavanaugh as “The New Piano Man”. Reuters named Cavanaugh Entertainer of the Year.
The Underwood Music Boosters will be holding their Annual Craft and Vendor Fair on Saturday, October 21st, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Underwood High School. The Famous Cooking Walk will be starting at 9 a.m. There will be over 50 crafters and vendors with great items to choose from, including crocheted hats, custom-designed clothing, wood items, jewelry, ornaments, blankets, quilts, and honey, to name a few! Free admission and parking are available. This event helps support all music programs at the Underwood Schools. If you are interested in being a vendor, please email, underwoodmusicboosters@gmail.com
The Taco Ride takes place every Thursday evening on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Mineola, Iowa, and back. The scenic ride is about 20 miles through the Loess Hills and ends with dinner at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse. The weekly rides take place from when the trail is dry enough in the spring (usually in April or May) until late in the fall (usually until Halloween).
Most riders start at Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park where parking is available. Slightly more than halfway between the trailhead and Tobey Jack's, many riders will stop at a picnic area, nicknamed Margaritaville, for a quick break and to join in a conversation with fellow bikers or to partake in refreshments they brought with them.
Note: The Taco Ride is a weekly event. It runs every Thursday evening during most of the year, weather permitting. Visit the Taco Ride website, linked below, for event news. For more information about the ride, visit our blog.
You'll see the changing forest in a whole new light after this Halloween hike! Take part and examine how folklore can deepen your relationship with the forest and prairie. Learn about the plant, animal, and mineral communities of the Loess Hills and their significance in the seasonal folklore associated with Halloween. If time allows, we'll return to the lodge for a demonstration of some of the items and techniques discussed on the hike.
Online pre-registration is required.
Have a "howling" good time at Hitchcock Nature Center during our annual Hitchcock Haunted Hollow treasure hunt! This all-ages program is the perfect way to get outdoors, learn something new about the natural world, and explore autumn in Iowa's Loess Hills. $5 per person. Free for kids ages 3 and under. Swing by the Loess Hills Lodge between 11:00 and 2:00 p.m. to grab your spooky trail map with clues, then hit the trails to see if you can find the answers and return victorious. Don't forget to swing back by the lodge before it closes to grab your prize when you're done! Costumes are welcome! Event details: - Online pre-registration is required as supplies are limited. - Cost is $5.00 per person for those ages 4+ and includes park admission. Children ages 3 and under are free and do not need a reservation. - Strollers are not permitted unless you are on Boardwalk trail or in a parking area. - Please meet at the Loess Hills Lodge to pick up your spooky treasure map.
Community members and organizations will provide Halloween treats for children on Main St. in Oakland. Come by for some family-fun!
