Experience Lime Creek Nature Center
The Nature Center provides endless opportunities – fun for the entire family!
Nestled atop the beautiful limestone bluffs of the Winnebago River, the Lime Creek Nature Center provides endless opportunities to get out and explore the great outdoors! Whether you’re looking to unwind and catch a breath of fresh air… reconnect with loved ones… or just get the kids out of the house and away from the TV, you’re sure to find just what your heart desires… and perhaps a few surprises too!
Nearly nine miles of trails lead visitors through a variety of habitats including wetlands, woodlands, open fields, restored prairie, and more! Go back in time as you explore the forests and river banks that were once inhabited by the Winnebago and Sioux Indians, and visit the historic ruins of the Old Brewery. Whether you explore the 450-acre area on foot, by ski, bicycle, or horseback, you’re sure to fall in love with the beautiful scenery.
Of course, your experience at the Nature Center will change depending on the season – in the Spring you can witness nature unthaw from the cold of winter; discover beautiful butterflies and wildflowers in bloom in the summer months; or soak up all the magnificent fall colors – from fiery red to brazen yellow – as you explore the trails under a canopy of stunning trees.
Even in the cold of winter, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding on the groomed snow-covered trails. The “black-and-white scenery” can be breathtaking!
Be sure to bring a camera as the many spectacular views provide photo opps that make even the most novice photographer look like a pro!
And don’t forget your binoculars – designated as one of the state’s prime wildlife watching locations in the Iowa’s Wildlife Viewing Guide, the Lime Creek Nature Center is home to a vast variety of native plants and wildlife including whitetail deer, raccoon, and fox… just to name a few.
Bird lovers will delight in birdwatching at any one of the wildlife viewing areas along the trails or in the comfort of the indoor Nature Center. Bird feeders just outside the Center’s many windows are kept full year round and provide viewers hours of entertainment as feathered friends come in to feed.
No matter rain or shine, ANYTIME is a great time to explore at Lime Creek Nature Center. The indoor Center features a variety of displays and interactive exhibits, as well as live and mounted animals. And the very buzz worthy live beehive allows visitors an up close look into the hive of a very busy colony of honeybees. Visitors of all ages are sure to be amazed.
The Lime Creek Nature Center is open year-round, Monday-Friday 7:30am-4pm; Saturday 9am-5pm; and Sunday 1pm-5pm. NOTE: During the winter months (last weekend in October-first weekend in April) the Center closes at 4pm. Admission is free.
For more things to do in Mason City, Iowa – visit www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com.