Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Naturescape

Polk County Conservation recently opened a brand new naturescape at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt outside of Maxwell, Iowa. My kids were immediately drawn to the mud kitchen! Equipped with sturdy pots and pans, this mud kitchen invites kids to get messy and let their imagination run wild. There’s also a nearby water pump that adds even more joy (and mud!) There are plenty of areas to dig for mud and find rocks to add to the delicacies being made.

This playscape also has a pebble harp that mesmerized my 11 year old. He loved pouring pebbles in. There are logs scattered about creating a fun and natural obstacle course. One of the unique elements of this naturescape is beautiful animal, plant and footprint carvings in the logs throughout the space.

Another favorite: the hay bales! My kdis had a blast testing their limits by climbing on them and jumping off. I enjoyed the open air shelter near the playscape and the sun shade on the other end. This area is full of fun and thoughtful details, and I am excited for you and your kids to discover!

A quick note: on the north side of the open air shelter, there is the canoe launch into the pond. If your kids are drawn to open water and may not be safe around it, make sure to supervise closely.

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

Besides the naturescape, Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt offers so much in its 10,000 acres. I first discovered this park in April 2020 and my first thought was: How does such a beautiful hiking spot exist in Central Iowa without more people talking about it? 

The trails on the north side of the electric camping sites are stunning–my kids love running through them. In late August, we counted more than 50 frogs hopping across the trail!

When the Skunk River was straightened many years ago, this area left behind beautiful oxbows. The park also includes prairie, woodland and wetlands. Throughout, you’ll find a bird blind, wildlife viewing area, picnic areas, plenty of camping spots and even a dog training area. 

Address

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Naturescape is located at 8600 NW 126 Ave in Maxwell, Iowa. The naturescape is just south of the electric campsites. 

Basic Park Details

Type: Places to play and hike

Bathrooms: Seasonal flushable restrooms, the nearest are located on the far side of the yellow building next to the Naturescape.

Shade: Open air shelter and one shade canopy

Playground: Naturescape

Trails: Throughout the park, most are mowed trails

Water: Water pump

Official website: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/chichaqua-bottoms-greenbelt/

Park Amenities

  • Open-air picnic shelter (available to rent)
  • Parking lot
  • Basketball hoop (next to naturescape)
  • Rocks, dirt, grass, wood chips ground covering
  • Benches and picnic tables throughout park
  • Seasonal flushable restroom
  • Bench swing