HomeIowaCedar Rapids › Indian Creek Nature Center

Indian Creek Nature Center

4.8 ★★★★★ 775 Google reviews · Running trail in Cedar Rapids, Iowa · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Indian Creek Nature Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicStroller / ADAQuiet

Nature preserve with scenic trails & educational events, plus a sustainable building with exhibits.

What runners say about Indian Creek Nature Center

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (775 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 6 mentions

“The trails are well maintained and easy to walk, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll, spending time outdoors, or visiting with family.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“The trails aren't overbearing in difficulty, and I don't think it has ever been crowded, even on beautiful weekend days.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 5 mentions

“Birds and other wildlife are visible with quiet and patience.”

This nature preserve and protected prairie meadow is a treasure in Linn County. There are beautiful walking trails through all kinds of terrain; wooded, river side and winding through the meadow. Birds and other wildlife are visible with quiet and patience. The changing seasons here are a delight to the senses.

★★★★★ — Ann , Dec 2024

Great place for a hike and enjoying nature in the trails anytime of the year. Programs offered are great for kids and adults. My kids did summer camps there and we have done the monarch program, maple syrup program and I have taken the bee class and basket weaving classes.

★★★★★ — Gs , Dec 2022

The all-terrain wheelchairs allowed our whole family to enjoy the trails together, for the first time in years! The guide was gracious and helpful in showing us how to use the chairs and pick the best trails-and even loaning us bug repellent to be more comfortable.

★★★★★ — Melissa , Jul 2025

We’ve (my family) have throughly enjoyed all of our ICNC experiences. Just last night we went to a film festival. We’ve taken many classes, including chicken keeping, how to raise bees, willow weaving, nighttime hikes. We’ve rented their snowshoes. I’ve even taught a full moon yoga class through ICNC.

★★★★★ — Tammy , Jan 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 775 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“The trails aren't overbearing in difficulty, and I don't think it has ever been crowded, even on beautiful weekend days.”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 5 mentions

“Birds and other wildlife are visible with quiet and patience.”

More trails like this →

Stroller / ADA accessible 4 mentions

“We saw the review which mentioned all-terrain wheelchairs so thought we would try it since my wife needs to use a walker or wheelchair and also really enjoys plants.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Indian Creek Nature Center

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websiteindiancreeknaturecenter.org
  • Phone(319) 362-0664

Hours

Monday 10 AM–4 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–4 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–4 PM
Thursday 10 AM–4 PM
Friday 10 AM–4 PM
Saturday 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday 10 AM–4 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Indian Creek Nature Center

5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

Get directions

Running trails near Cedar Rapids

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Indian Creek - Sac & Fox Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 52 reviews

Cedar Rapids, IA

Crushed gravelScenicDog-friendly

Popular trail for hiking, walking, and biking, traversing woods, creeks and rivers.

1.6 miles away

Sac and Fox Trail City Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 192 reviews

Cedar Rapids, IA

Park with trails for hiking, biking, and walking, plus abundant wildlife.

1.8 miles away

Sac & Fox Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 51 reviews

Cedar Rapids, IA

MixedShadedScenic

Hiking spot featuring forested paths with an option for walking or biking.

1.8 miles away

Prairie Park Fishery Trail/Sac and Fox Trail Fork

4.8 ★★★★★ 20 reviews

Cedar Rapids, IA

2.2 miles away

2.7 miles away

Mount Trashmore Hiking and Flow Trails

4.8 ★★★★★ 78 reviews

Cedar Rapids, IA

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Upland area featuring a dirt-covered heap of garbage with hiking trails for mountain bikers and walkers.

3.1 miles away

All running trails in Cedar Rapids, IA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.