Hickory Hill Park

Hickory Hill Park is a large protected area in Iowa City that contains forests, meadows, wetlands, and open grassland. The landscape is shaped by Ralston Creek and its tributary streams, which flow through different sections of the park and support its varied natural features.

The protected area began in 1927 with an initial parcel that was originally intended for cemetery expansion. Over the following decades, additional land was acquired, allowing the area to grow significantly until the 1980s.

The park is a gathering place where neighbors come throughout the year to walk their dogs, ride bicycles on shaded paths, or simply spend time outdoors with their families. You will find people here during all seasons, enjoying the natural surroundings and the open spaces that the park offers to the community.

Two main entry points with parking areas and picnic facilities are available at different locations within the park. The site is open year-round and works well for various activities depending on the season.

In the northern section, an old railroad right-of-way runs through the land where tracks were never actually laid despite ground preparation that happened over 100 years ago. Visitors can still see traces of this abandoned project today, a reminder of plans that never came to fruition.

Location: Iowa

GPS coordinates: 41.67240,-91.51000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:40