Macbride Nature Recreation Area

Macbride Nature Recreation Area Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) is a 485-acre peninsula managed by the University of Iowa MNRA is a 485-acre peninsula leased by the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers to the University of Iowa since 1969. University of Iowa Recreational Services has managed the property since 1984. As of July 1st, 2022, MNRA is managed by University of Iowa Facilities Management and Landscape Services

The land is bordered by Coralville Lake (Iowa River) to the south and west, and Lake Macbride State Park to the north. It was originally an oak savanna an

d we are now managing it to restore that ecosystem. There are several hiking and cross-country skiing trails totaling ten kilometers. MNRA is also the home of the Environmental Education Programs: School of the Wild, Wildlife Camps, and Iowa Raptor Project. Although we partner with Lake Macbride State Park on projects, we are not affiliated. A point of clarification: the Macbride Nature Recreation Area is different than Lake Macbride State Park. The MNRA includes a majority of the trails south of the spillway, the Iowa Raptor Project, and the Social Center. We do NOT manage Lake Macbride Boat Rentals, Lake Macbride, or any trails north of the spillway. We know it's confusing but hopefully this will help clear up some of the misunderstanding! Learn more about the MNRA on our website: https://recserv.uiowa.edu/facilities/macbride-nature-recreation-area

View a map of the park here:https://recserv.uiowa.edu/sites/recserv.uiowa.edu/files/2022-01/2022%20MNRA%20MAP%20wlegend.pdf

๐Œ๐๐‘๐€ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐š๐ญ๐ž! ๐Ÿ“ฃStarting Wednesday, October 1, Macbride Nature Recreation Area will shift to winter hours: 9 ...
09/29/2025

๐Œ๐๐‘๐€ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐š๐ญ๐ž! ๐Ÿ“ฃ

Starting Wednesday, October 1, Macbride Nature Recreation Area will shift to winter hours: 9 a.m. โ€“ 4 p.m. daily. Weโ€™re making this change a bit earlier than usual to accommodate some important gate repairs โ€“ thank you for your understanding!

Good news: Repairs are already underway, and we expect the gate to be fully operational again by late October or early November.

Weโ€™ll return to our regular hours on April 1, 2026, and we canโ€™t wait to see you then for all your outdoor adventures!

Thanks for your patience and continued support. Please stay connected with us here or visit our website for the latest updates.

08/28/2025

Mnra will be closed temporarily this morning for tree work. We will update when open.

08/16/2025

We are back open and just basking in the sun! (Photo: Aldo, in all his glory. Taken by Claire Widmer, summer intern.)

08/16/2025

We will be having a delayed opening tomorrow, Saturday Aug 16 to allow our staff time to clear storm damage from tonight's storm.

08/09/2025

We will be closed this weekend Aug 9 &10 for urgent road repairs.
We apologize for any inconvenience.

07/30/2025

We will have a delayed opening today as we check for storm damage with this current storm.
Estimated opening is at 7:00 am.

The University of Iowa has announced that it will not renew its lease for the Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) aft...
07/10/2025

The University of Iowa has announced that it will not renew its lease for the Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) after it expires on July 1, 2029.

We are deeply grateful for the many years of learning, exploration, and connection weโ€™ve shared with you here. Thank you for being part of this special place and for your support and patience as we navigate next steps.

All media inquiries can be directed to the UI Office of Strategic Communication: https://osc.uiowa.edu/contact-us

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/4hha9pht

The University of Iowa will not renew its lease for the Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) when it expires on July 1, 2029. The decision follows an in-depth review of the financial and operational sustainability of the 485-acre property, which is leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

04/29/2025

Address

2095 Mehaffey Bridge Road
Solon, IA
52333

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 9pm
Tuesday 6am - 9pm
Wednesday 6am - 9pm
Thursday 6am - 9pm
Friday 6am - 9pm
Saturday 6am - 9pm
Sunday 6am - 9pm

Telephone

(319) 624-3205

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Macbride Nature Recreation Area posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Macbride Nature Recreation Area:

Shortcuts

Share

Category