By Andria Cossolotto, Education Manager
Not long ago, I attended an extended family trip to the Branson, Missouri area. As we visited Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a couple of people I was with were unable to walk the miles of beautiful trails. Luckily, this park offered a tram ride for those that needed, or wanted, to utilize that option. As we slowly made our way past the many beautiful waterfalls, I started thinking about what a great option this tram ride was for people that have an ailment, knee issues, etc.
Although I didn’t personally need it, I was thankful that I could still share the adventure with those in my family who did. Thus, the idea of Golf Cart Tours at Indian Creek Nature Center was born. As of July, Golf Cart Tours are an alternative way to view the prairies, forest, wetlands, wildlife and structures on our grounds.
Participants can have a seat in our quiet, electric golf cart as they tour the prairies east of the Nature Center in style. Routes and stops include the blue bridge, the lower level of Penningroth Barn, and drives along the Sycamore and Bluebird trails. Those who choose the two-hour tour will see places listed above as well as the wetlands, the confluence of the Cedar River and Indian Creek and will have an opportunity to enjoy an optional picnic lunch (not provided).
About a couple of the stops:
PENNINGROTH BARN
Indian Creek is known as the first nature center in Iowa and its first program was on Groundhog Day in 1974. The Penningroth Barn served as the first home of Indian Creek Nature Center, from 1973 to 2016, when the Amazing Space building was opened to the public.
BLUE BRIDGE
Originally built in 1876 for pedestrians and horse-drawn wagons, the bridge transitioned to providing a safe way across Indian Creek for automobiles, and continued to serve vehicle traffic until 2022, when it needed to be replaced. ICNC volunteered to host the bridge, using it to complement the existing trail system, as well as keeping the materials out of the landfill. On September 26, 2023, the bridge was successfully moved to its new home.
Indian Creek Nature Center is happy to offer Golf Cart Tours for community members and visitors to explore this land. The tours allow for up to five people to enjoy this experience at one time. The Nature Center is grateful to Daybreak Rotary for their generous support of this new program.