Night Hikes

Unplugged Outdoors Don’t miss the wonder waiting for you after dark.

Enjoy the beauty of an Iowa night and find new places to hike on the first Thursday of every month. Locations and start times vary depending on astronomical and ground conditions.

Our first hike of 2026 will take place on New Year’s Day.

  • Date: January 1, 2026
  • Time: 4:45 PM
  • Who: Everyone welcome.  Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Registration: None. Check here for cancellations related to weather.
  • Parking Location: Along the Three Rivers Trail, north of Sumner Ave and east of the elevator.
  • Miles: Possible 3.5 miles round trip depending on the weather and the time availability.  We plan to  turn around at the 30 minute mark.  This will make the length closer to 2+ miles.
  • Estimated Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Astronomical Facts:
    • Sunrise: 7:47 am, in the East-Southeast (121° from North)
    • Sunset: 4:53 pm, in the West-Southwest (239° from North)
    • Daylight: 9:06:40 H:M:S
    • Difference from yesterday: +0:46 more seconds
    • Civil Twilight Starts: 7:15 am
    • Civil Twilight Ends: 5:25 pm
    • Solar Noon: 12:20 pm (24.4° above the horizon)
  • Historical Points of Interest:
    • Entire hike is along the old M&StL Railway
    • Oakland Cemetery

First Thursdays for 2026:

  • January: 1st (New Year’s Day)
  • February: 5th
  • March: 5th
  • April: 2nd 
  • May: 7th 
  • June: 4th
  • July: 2nd
  • August: 6th
  • September: 3rd
  • October: 1st
  • November: 5th
  • December: 3rd 
Night Hike Social Media Graphic Jan 01 2025
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