♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] Nestled on the eastern edge of Cedar Rapids, the Indian Creek Nature Center offers road trippers a chance to step off the beaten path and explore Iowa's natural landscape.

[Ana McClain] The nature center is a very special place for us here in Cedar Rapids.

It's like a private nature reserve that is open to the community.

It looks to preserve the natural landscape of the area and also provide education opportunities for different types of groups.

♪♪ [Ana McClain] It's a great place to be connected with nature.

[John Myers] Indian Creek Nature Center sits on 500 acres of land and we have over 7 miles of trails on the property that connect to the entire trail system of the Cedar Rapids metro area.

When you come to the nature center you can do everything from hiking to play in our outdoor classroom.

It's a great place for kids and families but also adults who want to come out and bird watch or enjoy time interacting in nature.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] Indian Creek became the state's first nature center in 1973, founded with the goal to get people outside.

Today, its mission has grown, serving as a hub for outdoor education and a model for land restoration and conservation.

[John Myers] I really enjoy getting outside on the peaceful, quiet trails.

The opportunity to connect with nature while hiking through the woods, seeing the lovely tree cover is just a magical experience.

I love looking over here.

There's a pond and there's frogs sometimes there and it's just very relaxing to just come and listen.

My kids love the bird watching room.

They love trying to identify the birds that come to the bird feeder.

[John Myers] Ultimately, people enjoy coming to the nature center not only for the trails and the property, but for finding different things to do, to learn and engage with the outdoors and to become better stewards of the environment.

♪♪ [Ana McClain] Being here is kind of like taking a deep breath.

It's very calm.

You can see the deer.

It's just so beautiful.

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