Indian Creek Nature Center

Preschool Trail Trekkers: Sounds of Spring
2026-05-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-09 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
As the weather warms up, so does the frog chorus! Listen for frogs at the wetlands. Learn about the frog life cycle and special frog features, sing frog songs, and go on a frog watching hike. For preschoolers with an adult. Dress for outdoor activities.
Fees: $5 preschooler (ages 3-5), free for ages 2 and under, $5 adults.
Registration Deadline: 2 days prior to program date
More information: https://indiancreeknaturecenter.org/trail-trekkers/

Cub Scouts Habitat Explorations
2026-05-09 12:30 - 14:30
Lions, Tigers & Wolves: Hit the trails to hike and explore the habitats at the Nature Center and search for some of the wild plants and animals that make their homes here. Learn about how to prepare for outdoor adventures. Meet live animals up close.
Fees: $10 per scout, Scout leaders free (limit 2 per group), $5 per adult
Registration deadline: 2 days prior to program date
More information: https://indiancreeknaturecenter.org/scouts/cub-scout-bsa-workshops/

Inservice Camp: Blooming Wonders
2026-05-11 09:00 - 15:00
Make the most out of your child’s day off school!**
Send them to the “Blooming Wonders” In-Service Day Camp at ICNC. Students will play and learn through activities relating to plants with emphasis on the special woodland ephemerals that can be found in spring.
Please send a sack lunch and snack, and dress kids for indoor and outdoor play. This program is available for all K-5th grade students.
**Please check your school’s calendar to see if this is an in-service day for your child.
9:00 AM-3:00 PM (drop off: 8:45-9 AM, pickup: 3-3:15 PM)
Member $55; Non-Member $75
Pre-registration is required for this program. We cannot accept walk-in participants. Thank you!

Monarch Fest
2026-07-11 10:00 - 14:00
At Monarch Fest there is fun for the entire family as you learn about Monarch butterflies and other pollinators, release butterflies, make milkweed seedballs, pick up some native plants, and take home a pre-adopted caterpillar of your own.

Visit the Monarch Fest event page to find details on pollinator-themed activities, information about caterpillar adoption, and more family fun.

Trailside Tastings
2026-08-20 17:00 - 20:00
Celebrate the beauty of nature in the prairie around the Nature Center with samples from local craft beverage producers, wood-fired pizza, and live music.
Immerse yourself in the summer prairie ambiance, taking a leisurely evening stroll while tasting samples of the best beers, wines, ciders, kombucha and more crafted in Eastern Iowa.
Tickets: $50*
*Members receive a $5 discount.
Visit the Trailside Tastings event page to learn more.

Barn to Farm Bike Ride
2026-09-26 08:00 - 12:00
Pump up your bicycle tires and meet us at the Barn for a recreational bike ride to visit ICNC’s organic farm.
The 2nd Annual Barn to Farm Bike Ride will feature a 36-mile round-trip bike ride from ICNC’s original Barn headquarters to Etzel Sugar Grove Farm.
At the farm, riders will be treated to live music, and a farm-fresh breakfast with locally-sourced ingredients, including organic eggs from the farm.
Visit the Barn to Farm Bike Ride event page for a route map and registration details.

Women in Nature
2026-10-17 08:00 - 15:00
Nurture your mind, body, and spirit at one of the Nature Center’s longest-running events — Women in Nature. This day-long gathering invites participants to slow down, connect, and be inspired by the natural world and one another.
Enjoy talks from women sharing nature-rooted stories and insights. Wander the trails on guided hikes, engage in hands-on creative sessions, and explore wellness practices like yoga and meditation led by local guides.
Your experience includes a complimentary light breakfast, boxed lunch, and delightful extras like door prizes, women-owned business vendors, and space for meaningful connection.
Visit the Women in Nature event page to learn more about our guest speakers, group activities, and what to bring.

Nature's Noel
2026-12-05 09:00 - 13:00
‘Tis the season for handcrafted holiday decor, unique gifts and homemade baked goods when Nature’s Noel arrives the first Saturday in December.
Across the Nature Center’s grounds visitors can find beautiful fresh-cut evergreens fashioned into wreaths, centerpieces, kissing balls, swags and yule logs, all available for purchase to make your home festive for the holidays! Local vendors, both indoors and outdoors, offer shoppers the chance to find rare gifts perfect for everyone on their list. Bring the kids along for holiday-themed crafts and a chance to meet Santa!
Nature’s Noel is presented by the Friends of the Nature Center and staff. All proceeds benefit educational programs and land conservation and restoration at Indian Creek Nature Center.
Visit the Nature’s Noel event page to find a full list of vendors and plan your joyful shopping experience.
