Hartman Reserve Nature Center

Hartman Reserve is a nature preserve in Cedar Falls containing three distinct habitats of forest, wetland, and prairie spread across its grounds. The area represents the largest undisturbed wooded section found in Black Hawk County.

The reserve was established in 1938 when a newspaper editor donated funds to the YMCA to purchase the initial land. Over the decades, the property expanded and developed into the large protected area that exists today.

The center functions as a place where visitors learn about local ecosystems through hands-on exhibits and guided programs offered at the interpretive building. These activities help people understand the plants and animals that depend on the different habitats found here.

The reserve features over six miles of trails threading through the different habitats and is accessible for walking throughout the year. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing, while warmer months are ideal for hiking and observing local wildlife.

Each year the reserve produces maple syrup from its sugar maple trees during the cold months, an activity that culminates in an annual festival. This seasonal practice draws visitors and demonstrates how the land continues to provide for the local community.

Location: Iowa

Inception: 1938

GPS coordinates: 42.52030,-92.41170

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:20