General Information
Mitchell County Conservation
18793 Highway 9
Osage, IA 50461
Phone: (641) 732-5204
Fax: (641) 732-1138
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Mitchell County Conservation
Enjoy Life Outdoors
Mitchell County Conservation is located in north central Iowa along the Minnesota border and is home to the Mitchell County Nature Center. Additionally, the Mitchell CCB manages 30 parks, natural areas, historic sites and wetlands encompassing some 2,011 acres across the county.
Events & Activities
~ Cross country skiing(we have equipment to use while at the nature center and on the Wapsi Trail)
~ Ice skating and sledding (bring your own skates and sleds).
~ February 14th- Shotgun Shooting Sports organizational meeting at 2pm. Come and find out how kids ages 12-17 yrs. old that have taken hunters education class can take part in trap shooting from April thru August at the Mitchell County Trap Range.
~ February 21st- Families come and take part in the Winter
Family Fun Day being held at the nature center. This is being sponsored by the 4-H and Mitchell County Environmental Education Foundation. There is no charge and runs from 1-3pm.
~ February 28th-Fishing program with our district fisheries biologist, Bill Kalishek. It will be held at the Wapsi
Welcome Center on the east end of Riceville from 1-3pm. No charge.
~ March 7- Learn about mammals from Emeritus ISU Professor, Dr. William Franklin. Dr. Bill is an awesome presenter and has a tremendous amount of knowledge that you won't want to miss it. He has a fun and interesting way of presenting, not your typical professor type, you will have a great time learning about mammals. The event will be held at the Mitchell County Conservation Nature Center. No charge.
~ March 22, 29 and April 3- Hunters Education Class. Must attend all 3 classes. Class size is limited. There is no charge.
~ May 1- Take advantage of one of the greatest professors to teach at ISU. Dr. Steven Jungst will be here at the nature center for an all day workshop on orienteering and geocaching. Just like Dr. Bill, Dr. Steve is a very laid back professor and he now is the department head of Forestry and Animal Ecology. It will be held from 9 till 3 with lunch provided. The charge for this program is $5.00. Bring your own GPS or use one of ours. Kids need to bring an adult to work with.
Visit Our Website
Wapsi Great Western Line Trail
The trail offers segments that run both along the Wapsipinicon River and on the Great Western Line Railroad. It is a 10.5 mile trail that starts in the town of Riceville, Iowa and extends north. Visitors can not only bike and hike the trail, but along the way they can enjoy a butterfly garden built along the hillside, or stop at Lake Hendricks for a picnic or dip in the swimming area. Historical highlights along the way include the Little Cedar River Bridge. Built in 1887, this bridge is one of the few remaining wrought iron truss bridges still in existence. No motorized vehicles or horses allowed on this trail.
Camping Grounds
~ Halvorson Park ~
10.6 acre park, located 1.5 miles south of St. Ansgar, Iowa or Foothill Ave. Boat ramps and docks, handicapped fishing access, swim beach, playground equipment, picnic shelters, modern toilet/shower facility, electric and water hookups, dump station, along Cedar River.
~ Interstate Park ~
Scenic park along the Cedar River, located west edge of Mitchell, Iowa on Hickory Ave. Historic old powerhouse and dam facility, boating, fishing, water skiing and swim beach. Very popular camping site, electric and water hookups,dump station, shelter house, modern toilet/shower facility, playground equipment.
~ Riverside Park ~
Located 0.5 miles east of Stacyville, Iowa on 465th St, on Little Cedar River. Modern toilet/shower facility, electrical and water hookups, dump station, volleyball sand court, regulation softball diamond, shelter house, access for small water crafts.
~ Otranto Park ~
5.0 acres park, located 0.25 miles east of Otranto, Iowa on 480th St. Electrical and water hookups, modern toilet/shower facility, playground equipment, small picnic shelter, small water craft access, dump station. Popular site to put in on the Cedar River to canoe float.
~ Cedar Bridge Park ~
Located on Highway 9 on west side of Osage, Iowa 18 Designated campsites with electrical and water hookups, modern toilet/shower facility, playground equipment and a dump station. It is located on the Cedar River which has canoeing and fishing. This is also an equistrian campground with hitching posts at each campsite. The fee for equistrian camping at this campground is $18.00 a night or 6nights with the 7th night free for $108.00. There is a equistrian dump station that all horse campers are asked to use.
~ Pioneer Park ~
Located on 3 1/2 miles north on Shadow Ave. which is located 4 miles east of Osage, Iowa. Primitive camping with no electric or water, pit toilets, designated gravel camp sites. Shelter house. Electric and water as well as modern toilet/shower facilities are planned in the near future.
Cabin at Cedar Bridge Park
CEDAR CABIN FEATURES
* 625 sq. feet of living space (24' x 26' Cabin)
* Modern bathroom with tub and shower
* One bedroom - Sleeps maximum of 6
* Kitchenette - microwave, medium sized refrigerator, small range, sink, table & 6 chairs, hot & cold water, countertops
* Heat & Air Conditioning
* Large covered porch
* Picnic table and fire ring with grill outside
* Vehicle parking nearby
* Futon couch (double bed) in living area
* This is an ADA accessible facility
SUPPLIES PROVIDED:
* Toilet tissue
* Broom, dustpan & mop
* Refuse must be removed to nearby dumpster