Springtime is finally here, and Pottawattamie County is starting to bloom! Take advantage of the spring season and try a new outdoor experience. We have a diverse array of activities and opportunities that are perfect for a spring getaway weekend such as kayaking on Iowa’s first water trail, birdwatching from a 45-foot tower, enjoying goat yoga in the Loess Hills, or coasting along the Wabash Trace Nature Trail on the Taco Ride.

West Nishnabotna River Water Trail

Pottawattamie County is home to a vast system of trails, but the West Nishnabotna River Water Trail is our most unique and exciting trail! Enjoy 26.8 meandering miles of water fun. The trail is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. There are sandbars along the way that make for a perfect picnic spot. For information about entry points, outfitters, and river safety information, click here.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center is a nature lover’s wonderland found in Honey Creek, Iowa. The park is nestled in the Loess Hills and is best known for its hiking and striking views. In the spring, visitors enjoy birdwatching from the 45-foot tall HawkWatch tower, exploring the trails, picnicking, and camping.

Namaste Goat Yoga

Photo courtesy of Honey Creek Creamery 

One of our favorite local spring activities is Namaste Goat Yoga at Honey Creek Creamery! Highly-qualified, certified yoga instructors provide 45-minute yoga classes and a group of adorable baby goats join in on the fun. These outdoor classes are sure to bring you joy, laughter, and a peaceful escape from the busyness of everyday life. Visit our calendar of events and book your session today!

Taco Ride on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail 

One of our favorite reoccurring events is the Thursday night Taco Rides along the Wabash Trace Nature Trail! On Thursday evenings from the spring (around April or May) through the late fall, cyclists meet at the Iowa West Foundation Trailhead Park in Council Bluffs and head off on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail on a 20-mile round-trip trek for tacos at Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steak House. The Wabash provides some shade cover and is relatively flat, making this a great trail for all skill levels!

Wait! There's More

For more ideas of things to do in Pottawattamie County, browse our list of attractions, restaurants, hotels, and our calendar of events! We’re sure you’ll find something that tickles your fancy.

This post was originally published on April 6, 2023 on the Watta Way blog.