Indian Creek Nature Center

We were trying to find something to do between drop-offs at the airport. It was a nice day so we were looking for something to do outside. We saw the review which mentioned all-terrain wheelchairs so thought we would try it since my wife needs to use a walker or wheelchair and also really enjoys plants. The staff person was helpful, the wheelchair was easy to use and maneuver and allowed all of us to see parts of the grounds.

This nature preserve and protected prairie meadow is a treasure in Linn County. There are beautiful walking trails through all kinds of terrain; wooded, river side and winding through the meadow. Birds and other wildlife are visible with quiet and patience. The changing seasons here are a delight to the senses. Take the time to enjoy the interactive nature center and event space where you will learn about native habitat, plant identification, and bird and animal characteristics. A very nice gift shop is at the center. Update: The beauty of a nature center and its trails are that it has changing vistas, ever blooming wildflowers, birds, and insects. My favorite season is August, when the many varied prairie meadow grasses are nodding in the wind. Dragonflies are abundant. Update: Once again, a visit to the Indian Creek nature center revives the spirit and calms the soul. The golden meadow of December is just as beautiful to me as the fresh green of spring.

A great place e for the kids to learn about how we relate to nature and can not be so intrusive to other mammals, birds and other wildlife. They also have lots of interesting camps for time kids

We’ve (my family) have throughly enjoyed all of our ICNC experiences. Just last night we went to a film festival. We’ve taken many classes, including chicken keeping, how to raise bees, willow weaving, nighttime hikes. We’ve rented their snowshoes. I’ve even taught a full moon yoga class through ICNC. We look forward to the Maple Syrup Festival and the annual plant sale. ICNC has something for everyone, fulfilling their mission to provide nature education. They have indoor displays and a small but well appointed gift shop, with delightful products, local eggs and honey, and fun stuff for the kids.

Great nature walks although a few more signs on trails would have been helpful. Rocks with painted arrows or wooded posts with arrows to help with directions. However we did enjoy the tranquil walks.

Educational, specially for the kids. Trails were nice, parking was good. Recommended for a nice quiet afternoon.

Went for Monarch festival and had a great day. Volunteers and staff were freindly and knowledgeable. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained as a nature preserve can be. Big fields of prairie grass and flowers, they have excellent signage for learning and interesting art and equipment that kids can play with and on.

This is an excellent place to bring kids and learn about nature and the environment. My kids had a blast exploring and seeing the exhibits. Their new building is gorgeous and a good example of a net zero energy construction.

This is a lovely place to take your kids. My girks enjoyed the various activity stations inside the center. And the two turtles kept them entertained for nearly an hour. The display in the floor was also fun.

Beautiful center - a hidden gem in my opinion! I attended a Yelp event here and absolutely fell in love! Great trails, relaxing areas, and I love that they offer events through out the season! Definitely a great place to visit for some rest and relaxation among nature!

If you haven't been out for a while, time to check out the new Nature Center about 1/2 mile from the old building. Environmentally friendly with many displays. Check their website for more info. They have a new room in the rear in which you can hear the birds in the backyard through microphones installed outside. Many activities for families, nature hikes, naturalist talks. Much to see.

Such a beautiful and well kept space! We visited here on vacation and would return again. We highly recommend it!

We were here for a pancake breakfast last weekend. Beautiful building and wonderful event. The pancakes were delicious, perfect for a snowy Saturday morning. We hope to visit again when the weather is warmer and investigate the building further as well as the surrounding trails.

Throw out the weird boomerang and this comes back to satiate. Stuffed birds, vermin, critters etcet etc...they even keep the dead bugs in the fluorescents :-)....attended an eco film festival and met lots of fellow bee lovers... the roundy round of the bricks on the 'milk barn'(?) - beg for fingers to be run about as you walk up it... will be back next Sunday for a hike on the trails and view the changing of the leaves.... Ask about the Silence of the Bees....

I'm probably a little biased since I've been working as an intern here for what will be two semesters, but what a gorgeous space! I've been to several events put on by ICNC and they're worth it. The new facility is net zero on electricity and water, while being beautiful, educational and functional for events such as business meetings, birthday parties or receptions. Whether or not you buy anything from the gift shop, swing in and see what cool news says there are to make your home and life more sustainable for the environment.

My wife and I stopped by today unaware it would be closed. They have extended their weekend hours, so they have decided to close on the slower day "Monday". However: the door was ajar, so I went in. A very helpful young lady offered to show us around. We spent the best of 15 or 20 minutes touring the Creekside Gift Shop and discussed upcoming events. We will be back later in the summer to see Indian Creek at it's best. Our thanks to all the loyal members that have given of their time, talent, and resources to build and maintain such a wonderful building and grounds. I understand there is a building project in the works with fundraising in process right now. Good luck as they proceed with this tremendous undertaking.

The Indian Creek Nature Center has a wealth of opportunities for kids, families, and nature lovers. Check out the annual bee keeping class, maple syrup festival, and honey fest, boy and girl scout programs, classes such as wild edible berry identification, volunteer activities like tapping maple trees, and other outdoor learning activities.. Note: Al S. referred to the Sac and Fox Nature trail which was closed due to flooding. However, it has since been re-opened. The Sac & Fox trail that runs next to the Nature Center is not associated with the center. The observation hive inside the center is truly amazing. It is on the larger side for an observation hive and is part of a larger bee exhibit. It is available year-round. Sadly, when out-of-towners swoop in, make assumptions, and trash a locally run area after a natural disaster, it discourages others from supporting and trying something that they might find to be fun and educational.

Not well signed. Hard to find. Misled again by a local visitors guide. Some trails closed "because of flooding" but nearby creek bed was almost completely dry. Other trails just poorly maintained or overgrown. The center had the appearance of struggling to get going (I'm sure funding is an issue), but I saw that it was developed as a nonprofit in 1973. They've had time to figure it out. The bee exhibit they brag about is the size of an average sized wall poster. Overall, my family of 4 was completely underwhelmed.