Clayton County sits in the heart of the paleozoic plateau, part of the larger “driftless area” landform that includes portions of southeast Minnesota, southwest Wisconsin, northwest Illinois, and northeast Iowa. The landscape features rugged terrain and exposed bedrock, pockmarked by caves, sinkholes, springs, and coldwater streams. Dense forests dominate the hillsides while prairies and savannas grace the uplands.
The Osborne Nature Center, located in Osborne Park, is the headquarters of the Clayton County Conservation Board. The name of the center comes from the gentleman that first occupied the site in 1865, Thomas Osborne, who named the homestead after himself. In the fall of 1960, the Clayton County Conservation Board purchased 60 acres of the original Osborne homestead and established it as a county park.
The Conservation Board’s vision was to create a forest where students could learn in the great outdoors. In the spring of 1961, a variety of evergreen trees were planted, so that visitors could identify them. Today the area has grown to a 300- acre Welcome and Nature Center, attracting more than 20,000 visitors annually.
The park features a Native Wildlife Exhibit, Nature Center, Welcome Center, Iowa Gift shop, Pioneer Village, picnic shelters, a disk golf course, fishing pond, playground, & various walking & hiking trails.
Since the early 1970’s a live native animal exhibit has been housed at Osborne Park. The Nature Center offers viewing live outdoor and indoor animals that are native to northeast Iowa.The exhibit continues to be the park’s largest draw of visitors locally, nationally, and internationally. There are several reasons they keep animals here, but no matter what the reason, these animals would not survive in the wild. If the animals weren’t kept in a wildlife exhibit, they would be euthanized (killed). Here they provide an opportunity for the public to view and learn about wild creatures, in a safe setting for human and animal alike.
Osborne Park features a 18-hole disc golf course winding through the forest & prairie near the Osborne Pond. Sit down and enjoy a picnic next to the pond! This also offers a great opportunity for any children in your group to burn off some steam on the playground. Kids are also welcome to play on the train cars at the Welcome Center.
The park boasts just over six miles of hiking trails. Explore the trails at the Welcome Center, Archery Range, or Osborne Pond. The trails range from the minimum-maintenance Hunter’s Ed Trail to the wide and well groomed trails through the prairies, the pines, and along the Volga River. Trail users can find exceptional solitude on the trails at Osborne, with winter activities including cross-country ski trails or snowshoeing. Snowshoe rentals are available at the nature center.
Enjoy fishing in the Volga River and Osborne Pond. Access the Volga River from the lower Osborne Park area (old campground). Follow the road back past the gate, park in the grass lot and follow the pathway to the river. Osborne pond has been recently dredged, fish habits installed, and stocked with blue gill, bass, and small mouth. A kayak launch is available off the dock for those wanting to float the pond, but be mindful no swimming is allowed.
Visit the Osborne Pioneer Village that currently consists of six buildings which replicate a typical small Iowa town in the late 1800’s. It’s a walk into the past! The village is the site of the popular Heritage Days, an event that takes you back to the true pioneer days with its crafts, foods, and other activities. Heritage Days began in 1975 as a way to bring life back to the tiny community of Osborne, Iowa. This event is held annually on the 2nd weekend in October.
Clayton County Conservation offers a variety of educational opportunities for everyone of all ages. With 140+ Miles of Trails, 1,401 Public acres to explore, and 792 Conservation Programs, there are endless Adventures to be had! Whether you’re looking for camping, fishing, trails, or water access, we have an outdoor adventure waiting for you.
