25th Anniversary Event #11
Vincent Bluff Prairie Hike

---

Hike through the beautiful Vincent Bluff Prairie, and discover what Lewis and Clark might have seen 200 years ago.

Event details
Leave urban stress behind without leaving the city. Vincent Bluff Prairie, located within the borders of Council Bluffs, takes you from a 21st century landscape back to pre-settlement days.

During the two-hour hike, participants will be encouraged to explore and gain a better understanding of this beautiful region of the Loess Hills. During most of the hike, participants will be completely immersed in the prairie. Once you reach the ridge of the Vincent Bluff Prairie, you can look down over Council Bluffs and contemplate which parts of the landscape have changed or stayed the same since Lewis and Clark explored this area 200 years ago. Experts will be on hand to answer any questions participants might have about conservation practices in the urban area.

People attending this event should wear long pants and either hiking boots or good walking shoes. While all ages are encouraged to attend, this event has its fair share of up-hill hiking. Restroom facilities will not be available on the prairie, and participants are encouraged to bring their own bug spray and water.

The story behind this place
Mildred Vincent's family owned and pastured this 31-acre native prairie for many years, as the City of Council Bluffs surrounded their farm. The prairie sits high atop a Loess Hills bluff, and visitors to its prairie ridges and valleys find an island of nature. When faced with selling her land, Mrs. Vincent chose to sell it for conservation purposes so that the prairie remnant could be protected and enjoyed by the people of her community.

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, the non-profit Loess Hills Preservation Society (LHPS), and the City of Council Bluffs worked together to purchase, protect and manage the site. Hundreds of people contributed to its purchase, and volunteers continue to provide the labor needed to keep the prairie healthy. LHPS organizes several workdays each year for prairie management and is leading the effort to improve access to the site, particularly for school groups.

Today, the Vincent Bluff Prairie Preserve is an excellent spot for bird-watching and nature study as it overlooks the Missouri River Valley. And, of course, it's a great place to identify prairie plant species.

Partner information
The Loess Hills Preservation Society works to protect the unique natural resources and landforms of the Loess Hills through education, land protection projects, sound land use planning and land acquisition. It is the mission of the Society to promote and utilize voluntary land protection methods and land acquisition to ensure that the Loess Hill's resource integrity continues for generations. The Society is dedicated to educating the public about the need to protect the Loess Hills. It provides a resource for those interested in conservation and works cooperatively with local governments to encourage appropriate land use of the Loess Hills.

Site Map
Vincent Bluff is located at the intersection of Woodbury Ave. and Harry Langdon Blvd. on the southern edge of Council Bluffs. Because parking is so limited, hikers will meet at a nearby spot (TBA) and carpool to the site.

Driving Directions
Located at the ends of Lockwood and Thallas streets off of Woodbury Avenue

Visitor Info
Council Bluffs Area Chamber of
Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau
(800) 228-6878

Return to the list of 25 Events