Osborne
Campground:
The Osborne
Campground sits along the Volga River in an abundance of shade. The
campground has 12 private camping sites available. Each site has a picnic
table and fire ring. There are two shelters available for rent in the
campground along with a playground for the younger kids. The campground
connects to the nature trail and is an easy walk to the Pioneer Village,
Welcome/Nature Center and the Native Wildlife Exhibit. Camping fees are
$7.00 a night per unit. Hope you enjoy your stay.
Osborne
Park Campground, bordering the Volga River, provides opportunities for
camping, fishing or hiking. Campsites are available for a nominal fee,
or use the area for a day trip. The Conservation Board campgrounds are
all primitive with no “hook-ups” provided. Water,
restrooms, fire rings, and, when available, wood are provided with the
camping fee. Listen for the wolf, cougar and many other wild animals
within hearing distance of your tent!
Osborne
Arboretum:
Located
adjacent to the Osborne Center is an arboretum which is home to over fifty
species of trees. Both native trees such as maples and oaks are planted
as well as nonnative species such as Whitespire Japanese Birch. All trees
found in the arboretum are labeled with both common and scientific names.
Learn to identify trees today in this beautifully maintained outdoor
classroom.
Osborne
Pond:
North of
the Osborne Center and across the Volga River is the newly dredged and
stocked Osborne Pond. Approximately 1 acre in size, the pond reaches up to
12 feet in depth and is stocked with bluegill, large mouth bass, and
catfish. The pond is open year round for fishing and is the perfect spot
to bring young anglers. Also located next to the pond are two shelters
that are available for a nominal rental fee. For more information on
shelter rentals contact the Osborne Center at 563-245-1516.
Animals
and Animal Adoption:
Since the
early 1970’s the Clayton County Conservation Board has had a live animal
exhibit housed at Osborne Park. The new animal exhibit area, started in
1997, was completed in 2005. The new area provides the animals with much
more room and a more natural environment. Included in our animal exhibit
are white-tailed deer, gray wolf, bobcat, cougar, red fox, black
bear, and raccoon. We also house various birds of prey: an arctic
owl, great horned owl, barred owl, red-tailed hawk, golden eagle and bald
eagle. In the Nature Center are the painted turtle, box turtle, black
rat snake and milk snake.
Most of
these animals are here because they have been permanently injured, kept as
pets or born in other zoos. No matter what the reason, these animals would
not be able to survive in the wild. If it were not for educational
facilities like Osborne, these animals would likely have to be euthanized.
The
majority of funding for the Wildlife Exhibit comes from donations and
grants. A donation box is located in the new exhibit area for small
donations; larger donations may be made at the office located on the main
level of the Welcome Center. Other funding comes from our Animal Adoption
Program. For a yearly fee, the animals can be adopted and a sign with the
adopter’s name will be placed on the pen. If you are interested in
adopting an animal, please contact us.
Iowa Welcome Center and Gift Shop:
Stop
by the Welcome Center to learn more about travel opportunities in Iowa,
visit with a certified Iowa Travel Counselor and pick up brochures and
maps. While there, check out the Iowa Room Gift Shop. We feature many
products made in Iowa by Iowans. We also carry many field guides, both
advanced and beginner. Some are pocket guides – take them along
on your hike for a handy reference – they’re laminated so
they will be protected from the elements. Many other unique gifts are
available in our gift shop. Come visit with us and see what great and
unusual products are available right here at Osborne!
