The Amazing Space facility is one of the few buildings in the world to achieve LEED Platinum certification twice for different project phases.
The nature center property includes a working farm, known as Creekside Farm, which demonstrates sustainable agricultural practices.
The trails provide access to a variety of habitats, including oak savanna remnants that are increasingly rare in the Midwest.
It operates as a non-profit organization that does not receive operational funding from municipal or county tax levies.
The center utilizes geothermal heating and cooling systems to reduce its overall carbon footprint.
The Indian Creek Nature Center is a private, non-profit environmental education facility situated on 500 acres of protected land in Cedar Rapids. It features an extensive network of trails traversing diverse ecosystems, including restored prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. The facility serves as an outdoor laboratory for regional ecological studies and community nature programs. The Amazing Space building, the center's primary structure, is a LEED Platinum-certified facility designed to model sustainable architecture. The site borders the Indian Creek waterway, which acts as a corridor for local wildlife and bird migration. Seasonal events and educational workshops are hosted throughout the year for all ages. It is an important site for regional conservation and habitat restoration efforts in Eastern Iowa.
The elevated boardwalk overlooking the wetland areas near the Amazing Space building.
Check the online events calendar before arrival, as many educational workshops require prior registration.
Wear insect repellent during summer months due to the proximity of wetlands and wooded trails.
Bring binoculars for bird watching, especially during spring and fall migration periods.
Attempting to hike off-trail in the prairie restoration zones, which are fragile and prone to tick exposure.
The outdoor trails remain accessible daily from dawn to dusk, though the interior building has restricted access on certain holidays.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive habitat restoration areas; pets must remain leashed at all times.
