Conservation

Since 1960, the Pottawattamie County Conservation Board (PCCB) has acquired six parks and six habitat areas encompassing over 2,000 acres across the county, including the award-winning Hitchcock Nature Center. With more than 200,000 visitors per year, the Pottawattamie County parks and nature areas showcase the county's diverse landform and variety of outdoor activities.

Major recreation areas within the system include Arrowhead Park, Botna Bend Park, Hitchcock Nature Center, Mt. Crescent Ski Area, Narrows River Park, and Old Town Park. These parks offer more than 100 campsites; six camping cabins; four modern cabins, three enclosed lodges perfect for work retreats, family reunions and get-togethers; open and enclosed shelters for warm-season gatherings; and miles of trails for hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, backpacking and walking. Visitors have the opportunity to camp, fish, hike, boat, and interact with wildlife while at Pottawattamie County parks.

Admission to all Pottawattamie County Conservation parks and habitat areas (with the exception of Mt. Crescent Ski Area) varies from $3.00 to $5.00 per vehicle per day depending upon which park you visit. Daily entrance passes may be purchased with exact change or check at the park entrance when you arrive.

Become a member of the Pottawattamie County Conservation Foundation and enjoy a full year of access to all Pottawattamie Conservation parks and habitat areas. Memberships can be purchased for as little as $20.00 per year. They may be purchased in person at any park or online from the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation.