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Looking for a new way to get the young learners in your life some hands-on learning in the great outdoors? Head to Hitchcock Nature Center May 1st through May 18th, 2020 for our very first Little Tike Hike! This short, .6 mile round-trip, hike features some great activities posted along your route that will help young learners interact with & experience the nature around them.
Check out this short video for a sneak peak at the great activities that wait for you on this fun, self-guided hike.
Little Tike Hike starts out at Hohneke Trailhead in the Hitchcock Nature Center RV campground, located in the north section of the park. When you arrive at Hitchcock Nature Center do not enter the main gates! Instead, turn right at the stop sign & head to the campground, stop off at the campground paybox to purchase your vehicle permit for the day if needed, then follow the signs through the upper loop of the campground & to the trailhead in the lower loop. Lots of signs are posted to help you find your way to your starting point. Make sure & pick up a trail map at the paybox or at the trailhead before heading out.
Once you are on the trail you will spot activities all along your way. This is designed to be a short out & back hike, when you reach the banding station you turn around & head back to where you started. This keeps the route short & simple for little hikers, it is just a tiny bit over a half mile round-trip. You can do half the activities on your way out & half on the way back if you want to spread out the fun! Or, if you are having a terrific time, continue on past the banding station & explore more trails at Hitchcock Nature Center.
You should always be prepared for nature even on a short hike. We recommend families wear sturdy, closed toe shoes, sandals are not safe on trails. We also remind hikers to dress for the weather & bring a hat. Tick season is already starting for us here in western Iowa so don’t forget the bug spray. Sunblock, water, & snacks are also great for a hiking adventure. Restrooms are closed due to COVID-19 so plan ahead & be prepared to make a stop along the trail if needed. Please carry out all of your trash & dispose of it properly, trash cans & a dumpster are available in the campground.
Little Tike Hike is available to all park visitors May 1st through 18th, 2020 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily & is free with park admission or a valid Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation Membership. Park admission is $3.00 per vehicle, payable at the gate & in the campground. We don’t have the ability to process a credit card or issue change to exact change or a check are needed. You can also pick up a membership for a full year of access & not have to stop at the paybox again. Memberships are available in three different levels, $20.00, $50.00, & $100.00 & you can purchase one at the paybox with exact change as well or you can purchase yours online at www.pottawattamieconservationfoundation.com.
If you enjoy your Little Tike Hike experience make sure & share a photo to our Hitchcock Nature Center Facebook page or email us at environmentaleducation@pottcounty-ia.gov. We’d love to see you learning. Happy Hiking!
