The University of Iowa

Macbride Nature Recreation Area

Macbride Nature Recreation Area

The Macbride Nature and Recreation Area is currently undergoing well work and currently does not have running water. Running water will be restored once the well work is complete. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

About

Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) is a 485-acre peninsula that has been leased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the University of Iowa since 1969.  The area provides ten kilometers of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. MNRA is home to the Environmental Education Programs: School of the Wild, Wildlife Camps, and the Iowa Raptor Project. MNRA is located 15 miles north of Iowa City at 3895 Raptor Ridge Road, near Solon, Iowa.

*Public camping is no longer allowed

The MNRA road is not maintained after closing hours.

Please visit our Facebook page for closure notices and most recent information.

UI Recreational Services managed the property for many years.  As of July 1, 2022, MNRA land is managed by UI Facilities Management Landscape Services. Educational programming and reservations have transferred to the College of Education.

 

Watch: Savanna restoration at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area

  

Location information:

Address:

3895 Raptor Ridge Road NE, near Solon, IA

Hours: 

From April 1 - October 31, the area is open from 6 am - 9 pm. 

From November 1 - March 31, the area is open from 9 am - 6 pm.

View MNRA Map

View MNRA Trails Map

View Rules & Regulations

 

Directions to MNRA

  • Take Dubuque Street across the interstate and into North Liberty.
  • In North Liberty turn right on to Front Street. 
  • Follow Front Street out of town. Front Street will turn into Mehaffey Bridge Road. 
  • After you cross the bridge over the Coralville Reservoir take the second left into the Macbride Nature Recreation Area.
  • Take I-80 to the Dubuque Street Exit (Exit 244)
  • Follow Dubuque Street into North Liberty.
  • In North Liberty turn right onto Front Street.
  • Follow Front Street out of town. Front Street will turn into Mehaffey Bridge Rd. 
  • After you cross the bridge over the Coralville Reservoir take your second left into the Macbride Nature Recreation Area.
  • Take I-380 to the Penn Street/County Road. F28 Exit (Exit 4)
  • Head east on Penn Street /County Road. F28 to Front Street.
  • Turn left onto Front Street.
  • Follow Front Street out of town. Front Street will turn into Mehaffey Bridge Road North East
  • After you cross the bridge over the Coralville Reservoir take your second left into the Macbride Nature Recreation Area.

Shelter and facility reservations

Shelters and/or the Social Center may be reserved by University of Iowa classes, departments, and official student organizations, as well as by other insured organizations.

To inquire about reserving these spaces, please contact the UI WILD office via phone (319.467.3287) or by email (COE-WILD@uiowa.edu). 

  • No alcohol.
  • All pets must be on a leash.
  • Leave all shelters ready for the next user - anything you carry in, you must carry out.  Do not leave trash behind.
  • Tables and other shelter-related items are restricted to the shelter area.
  • All non-registered visitors must be out of the park by closing time.
  • All cancelations must be done 48 hours in advance. 
  • For questions on shelter reservations, please contact coe-wild@uiowa.edu
SHELTERS AND FACILITIES PRICE
Falcon Shelter $30
Hawk Shelter $20
Archery Pavilion Shelter

$35

Social Center $75

 

Campus Safety

As a university-managed area, the Macbride Nature Recreation Area is serviced by the University of Iowa Campus Safety.  If you experience issues while visiting the MNRA (locked inside the park, car issues, etc.), please contact the UI Police department at the non-emergency line: 319-335-5022.

Note: If there is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

More Questions?

For MNRA land management information, contact:
Tamra Ellliot
319 - 467- 4345

For educational programming information, contact coe-wild@uiowa.edu or visit the UI WILD website for more information. 

Visit the UI Wild Website