MASON CITY – If you feel like getting away from your computer (perhaps logging out of Facebook), turning off the TV, or abandoning other distractions, try a stroll or bike ride through the Lime Creek area. The Lime Creek Nature Center area contains over eight miles of trails surrounded by serene, peaceful wildlife. You might even see a deer or two.
If you feel like getting away from your computer (perhaps logging out of Facebook), turning off the TV, or abandoning other distractions, try a stroll or bike ride through the Lime Creek area.
The Lime Creek Nature Center area contains over eight miles of trails surrounded by serene, peaceful wildlife. “Hikers, cross-country skiers, bicyclists, joggers, horseback riders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts all use these trails,” according to literature from the center. There are plenty of benches along the way facing the forests and rivers to rest and relax at. Some of the trails are actually paved, but these are primarily just outside the Nature Center building and not long. Most of the terrain is fairly smooth with a few rocky areas and hills to mix things up. You are likely to spot deer and other animals as you make your way along the trail system.
The Nature Center, located at 3501 Lime Creek Road, has parking for cars and is a good place to start a walk or bike ride. There is an entrance to the trail system at that location, or the trails can be entered just off of 12th Street North in Mason City, just east of Elm Drive. The Nature Center also offers picnic tables, a few grills and even some firewood.
The Winnebago River winds through the Lime Creek Nature Center area and offers great fishing opportunities, such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, catfish, carp, bullhead, crappie and rock bass.
In the summer heat, venturing out at the coolest times of day and packing a beverage or water is recommended.
Oh, and leave the laptop in the car.
Calmus Creek video:
