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News

Hiking the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway: Clay County

5/31/2023

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Photo of Bertram Reservation by Lynn Graesing
Our last post in the Hiking the Byways series takes us to Clay County on the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway. There are multiple areas open to hiking in the county, some with maintained trails like Bertram Reservation. If you are looking for off-trail exploration, there are 15 wildlife management areas and numerous county properties to explore native prairie, bottomland timber, and the Little Sioux River.
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Bertram Reservation

​​Manager: Clay County Conservation
Location: 
Peterson, IA 51047
Acres: 240
Trails: Yes, for hiking and horseback riding
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes

240-acre wildlife area with oak savannah prairie that has hiking trails as well as equestrian trails. Horseback riding is closed from October 1st to May 31st.
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Click to see a larger version

Scharnberg Park
​​
Manager: Clay County Conservation
Location: 
3430 145th Ave, Everly 51338
Acres: 55
Trails: Yes
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Beach, shelters, restrooms, water, playground
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No

Enjoy the one-mile trail around the pond and park!
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No map available

Oneota Park

Manager: Clay County Conservation
Location: 
420 10th Ave SE, Spencer 51301
Acres: 223
Trails: Yes, two miles of mowed trails
Camping: No
Amenities: Pit toilets, shelter
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No

Oneota Park is home to the Clay County Conservation Board Headquarters and Oneota Lodge.  The park is 223 acres of rolling prairie bordered by the Little Sioux River and bottom ground timber.  The park has mowed trails in a natural prairie grass area.    The combined trail length is over two miles.
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No map available

Other Areas in Clay County

Wanata Park - ​Wanata Park is a 144-acre park situated along the Little Sioux River next to the town of Peterson.  Come enjoy the trails as you hike along the flood plains or hills of the Little Sioux River.

Bob Howe Thunder Bridge Wildlife Refuge - 29.5 Acre wildlife refuge with the Little Sioux River flowing through it. Bike and hiking trail. Home to historic Thunder Bridge, a through truss bridge built in 1905.

Donahoo Wildlife Area - 171 acre wildlife area located in both Clay and Buena Vista counties.  It is located in the Little Sioux flood plain with prairie uplands and Oak Savannah prairie remnants.

Kindlespire Complex - 310-acre wildlife area located along the Little Sioux River with hiking trails.

Mori Prairie - 40 acres of open prairie. Ideal for pheasant hunting using non-toxic shot and bird watching. Outstanding for those who are interested in native plant ecology. One of the very few pristine native prairies in Clay County.

Riverton Wildlife Area - 160-acre wildlife area along the Ocheyedan River open to hiking.

Schmerse Wildlife Area - Hiking trail around the pond.

Stouffer Memorial Wildlife Preserve - 20 acre wildlife reserve located along the Little Sioux River off of Highway 18.

Summit Wildlife Area - Summit Wildlife Area is approximately 132 acres of re-constructed prairie area located on the Little Sioux River.  

Wildlife Management Areas

There are 15 wildlife management areas in Clay County. These areas are managed by the Iowa DNR and are open to hunting. There are no maintained trails, however, some may have maintenance tracks that can be used for hiking. Off-trail hiking is permitted, but take caution during hunting season to not disturb wildlife or hunters. Go to the Iowa DNR's website to search for WMAs in Clay County.

Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each Friday a blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).

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Hiking the Western Skies Scenic Byway: Guthrie County

5/24/2023

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Whiterock Conservancy (photo by Lance Brisbois)
Guthrie County is the easternmost county on the Western Skies Scenic Byway, and the final county in our Hiking the Byways series for Western Skies.

Two excellent areas for hiking,  Whiterock Conservanc y and Springbrook State Park, are short drives north from the byway. Whiterock is famous for dark, starry skies at night. Fall colors are Springbook are a top attraction for hikers.  Sheeder Prairie State Preserve, Sutcliffe Woodland, and other natural areas make Guthrie County a hidden gem for hiking between Des Moines and Council Bluffs.
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Whiterock Conservancy​

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Manager: Whiterock Conservancy
Location: 
1436 IA-141, Coon Rapids 50058
Acres: 5,500
Trails: Over 40 miles of multi-use trails
Camping: Yes, modern and tent
Amenities: Restrooms and water
Dogs: Yes. Dogs may be off-leash they are well behaved and stay in close proximity to you while you are hiking. During burn and hunting season all pets must be kept on a leash for their safety. 
Hunting: No

​Whiterock Conservancy is a 5,500 acre, nonprofit land trust dedicated to providing educational and recreational opportunities for the public, improving and protecting the land through conservation, and demonstrating sustainable farming methods.
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Click to download the PDF map
Explore over 40+ miles of hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, and UTV trails; set up camp in our RV or tent camping areas; or enjoy the comforts of home in one of our vacation rentals.

A Whiterock Conservancy trail pass is required for all visitors mountain biking and horseback riding on the trails. A trail pass is not required for walking or hiking, however a suggested donation of $2 is appreciated. The annual pass is good for the calendar year and the daily pass is good for the day of purchase.​
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Trail fees help cover the cost of maintenance, as well as preserve the landscape. Self-serve kiosks are located with payment envelopes throughout Whiterock Conservancy and can be found at the campgrounds, trailheads, Bur Oak Visitor's Center, and the Historic Garst Farmstead.

(text source: Whiterock Conservancy)
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Source: Whiterock Conservancy

​Springbrook State Park

​Manager: Iowa DNR
Location: 2437 160th Road Guthrie Center 50115
Acres: 930
Trails: 12 miles of hiking and biking trails
Camping: Yes, electric & non-electric
Amenities: Playground, Swimming beach, Shelters, Modern restrooms (ADA accessible), Showers (ADA accessible)
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No
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Click to download the PDF map
​Springbrook State Park is a quiet retreat in Guthrie County, encompassing 930 acres of rolling hills and mature timber. Many of the park’s structures were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, creating a nostalgic setting for park visitors. A multifamily cabin called the Sherburne House is perfect for large families or groups, and the lake is a popular destination for swimming and kayaking.

​Hike or bike
 12 miles of trails at Springbrook, offering leisurely routes through timber and prairie areas or more challenging paths for the seasoned hiker or biker. Trails also lead to small ponds, the Middle Raccoon River, and the park’s 17-acre lake. Snowmobiling is allowed on four miles of designated trails in the winter.

(text source: Iowa DNR)

​Sheeder Prairie State Preserve

​Manager: Iowa DNR
Location: 
Guthrie Center, IA 50115
Acres: 25
Trails: No but hiking is allowed
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs:
Yes, however, no dogs are allowed during nesting season March 15 to July 15.​​
Hunting: Yes

Sheeder Prairie is a 25-acre tallgrass prairie. It is located five miles west of Guthrie Center in Guthrie County. The property was purchased in 1961 by the Iowa Conservation Commission from Oscar and Clara Sheeder, the son and daughter-in-law of the original homesteader. It was dedicated as a biological state preserve in 1968. ​
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Click to download the state preserves guide
This preserve lies within the Southern Iowa Drift Plain, a landform region of gently rolling terrain. Over 200 plant species are found in this preserve, including thirty grasses. The prairie hilltops and slopes contain big bluestem, little bluestem, por­cupine grass, and prairie dropseed along with leadplant, rosinweed, prairie willow, and redroot. Prairie phlox, golden alexanders, flowering spurge, rattlesnake master, purple coneflower, and gray-headed coneflower are also common. The wooded ravines are dominated by box elder, wild plum, and black willow.

In the spring, prairie false dandelion, bird’s-foot violet, prairie violet, lousewort, and hoary puccoon are among the first plants to begin blooming. By May, ground plum, indigo bush, blue-eyed grass, prairie ragwort, tall green milkweed, prairie lark­spur, and yellow stargrass join the display. Prairie loosestrife, butterfly weed, purple prairie clover, compass plant, ironweed, wild bergamot, rough blazing star, and prairie blazing star can be found in June and July. Nodding ladies’-tresses, white sage, silky aster, sky-blue aster, showy goldenrod, Canada goldenrod, smooth goldenrod, and downy gentian bloom during the fall months.

​A total of sixty-nine species of birds can be found here, with twenty-five nesting on a regular basis. Nearly three-fourths of the nesting species are woodland species. Two grassland species, the bobolink and grasshopper sparrow, nest sporadically. Several preferring the woodland edge habitat found here include gray catbird, eastern kingbird, brown thrasher, rosebreasted grosbeak, red-headed woodpecker, downy woodpecker, blackcapped chickadee, Baltimore oriole, northern cardinal, house wren, and American goldfinch.

The Conservation Education Center, located at Springbrook State Park north of Guthrie Center, sponsors workshops and interpretive events that often include field trips to Sheeder Prairie.

(text source: Iowa DNR state preserves guide)

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​Nations Bridge Park

​Manager: Guthrie County Conservation
Location: 2997 Wagon Rd, Stuart 50250
Acres: 81
Trails: Nature trails, including one self-guided
Camping: Yes, primitive and modern
Amenities: Water, restrooms, shelters, picnic area, playground
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Hunting in designated areas only.
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​Nations Bridge Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities to the public and is a favorite spot for many.  The park has a total of 81 acres that can be used for camping, picnicking, kayaking, hiking, bird watching fishing, disc golf, and horse shoes. Wildlife is abundant at Nations Bridge Park. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, quail, raccoons, coyotes, and a variety of songbirds can be seen at the park. Nature trails can be found throughout the park and a self-guided nature trail is located on the east side of the park, County Highway P28.

(text source: Guthrie County Conservation)

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​Sutcliffe Woodland

v​Manager: Guthrie County Conservation
Location: 2416 Frost Ln, Guthrie Center
Acres: 55
Trails: Yes, including a self-guided interpretive nature trail
Camping: None
Amenities: tbdms
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Hunting in designated areas only.
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Download the booklet on the park's website
Sutcliffe Woodland is a beautiful, 55-acre oak-hickory area designated as a wildlife refuge. It offers a 31-post, self-guided interpretive nature trail, as well as picnicking, hiking, and pond fishing. 

​
(text source: Guthrie County Conservation)​
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​Raccoon River Valley Trail

The Raccoon River Valley Trail is an 89-mile, paved, multi-use recreational trail that extends from Clive, in the Des Moines-metropolitan area, to Jefferson. The 33-mile "North Loop" was completed in 2013 making this trail one of the longest in the United States. The trail is built on the former Milwaukee RR track now owned by the Dallas, Greene, and Guthrie County Conservation Boards.​
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Click the map for the trail's main webpage
The trail winds its way through the Middle and North Raccoon River corridors with areas of prairie and canopies of timber that remind us of what Iowa was like in the 1870's. Common uses for the multi-recreational trail are hiking, biking, walking, in-line skating, jogging, bird watching , or cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in the winter.

Trailheads in Guthrie County:
  • Panora - 600 E Main Street  (Google Map)
  • Yale - Corner of Railroad and South Street (Google Map)
  • Herndon - Herndon Road (Google Map)
  • Jamaica - South Main Street (Google Map)

(text source: Guthrie County Conservation)

The following Guthrie County Conservation properties are open to hiking but have no maintained trails:
  • Bennie Hall Wildlife Area
  • Bundt Prairie
  • Monteith Wildlife Area
  • S.E. Robinson Wildlife Area

Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each Friday a blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).
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Hiking the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway: Fremont County

5/19/2023

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© 2016 Kenneth West
This week's Hiking the Byways installment takes us to the southern terminus of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. Fremont County is home to Waubonsie State Park, a great place to view fall's vibrant colors from its overlooks and wandering trails. Less than one hour from Omaha, Waubonsie is a popular destination, and as a result, it is only one of two state parks in Iowa that charges an entrance fee to out-of-state visitors, If you'd like a solitary experience, the Blackburn State Unit of Waubonsie offers two miles of trails. Fremont County is also one of the best places to go birding in Iowa. While there are no official trails, hiking is allowed throughout Riverton Wildlife Area, a major stopover for migratory waterfowl during spring and fall migrations. 
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​Waubonsie State Park​

Manager: Iowa DNR
GPS:
40.675612, -95.686675
Acres: 2,000
Trails: 8 miles of hiking trails, 8 more miles of multi-use trails north of Highway 2
Camping: Cabins, modern campground, and non-electric campsites
Amenities: Playground, day-use lodg, shelters, modern restrooms
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No

Waubonsie State Park in southwest Iowa is known for its exceptional vistas of Iowa’s unique Loess Hills and the Nebraska plains. Its extensive trail system offers something for the avid mountain biker, equestrians looking for a relaxing ride, or
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Click to download the PDF version
anyone eager to hike amongst the tranquil surroundings of the park’s ridgetop prairies and shaded woodland valleys. With nearly 2,000 acres of recreational opportunity and quiet beauty, Waubonsie State Park is an Iowa gem waiting to be explored.
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© 2016 Kenneth West
Named for Chief Waubonsie of the Native American Pottawattamie tribe, the park is much the same today as it was when it was purchased in 1926. The changing seasons complement the beauty of this countryside. Spring brings the blossoms of dozens of varieties of flowers and shrubs. Summer beckons with cooling breezes on the high places and in shady glens. Nowhere in Iowa are there more brilliant splashes of color than at Waubonsie in the fall, and in the winter the bluffs and ridges are sometimes beautifully blanketed with snow. Several miles of hiking and equestrian trails are available throughout the park.
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Hike the Sunset Ridge Nature Trail that traverses the heart of the park, offering sweeping views of the Missouri River Valley. The Ridge and Valley trails also provide ample hiking opportunities, taking visitors through quiet and shaded woodland areas. Eight miles of trails are accessible only to hikers. Another eight miles of multi-use trails wind through the northern regions of Waubonsie and are perfect for anyone in search of challenging hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding or snowmobiling opportunities. The trail to the main overlook is accessible for all ages and abilities.

​Blackburn State Park Unit of Waubonsie​

Manager: Iowa DNR
GPS:
40.857939, -95.737358
Acres: 72
Trails: 2 miles
Camping: No
Amenities: Vault toilets, gazebo, overlook
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No
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Click for a larger version
Blackburn State Park Unit, managed by Waubonsie State Park, is a 72-acre park formed in 2019 from the donation of over 150 acres by William R. (Bill) and Sara Blackburn. The park is at the center of approximately 1,000 acres of preserved public grounds, including the Blackburn and Green Hollow Wildlife Management Areas, which are managed by the Nishnabotna Wildlife Unit of the Iowa DNR.
​The unit includes an overlook platform and reservable large picnic shelter. Given the site’s remote location, there is no public water supply, and all garbage must be removed by the visitor. A 20-acre restored prairie graces high ground where native flowers bloom, especially in late spring. Three beautiful stone benches positioned on the ridge offer grand views of the sunset over the woods. ​

Blackburn WMA & Green Hollow WMA

​Manager: Iowa DNR
Blackburn:
40.857939, -95.737358
Green Hollow: 40.849565, -95.735873
Acres: 79 (Blackburn), 624 (Green Hollow)
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash, however, no dogs are allowed during the nesting season from March 15 to July 15.​
Hunting: Yes
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Bring your camera, as there's been reported Sasquatch sightings at this remote and rugged wildlife area!

​Possum Hollow WMA​

Manager: Iowa DNR
Location:
Sidney, IA 51652
Acres: 173
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash, however, no dogs are allowed during the nesting season from March 15 to July 15.​
Hunting: Yes
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Click for a larger version
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​Riverton WMA​

Manager:
Iowa DNR
Location: Riverton, IA 51650
Acres: 4,071
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash, however, no dogs are allowed during the nesting season from March 15 to July 15.​
Hunting: Yes

Arguably one of the top waterfowl destinations in Iowa, the Riverton marsh covers 2,200 acres. It is popular with hunters, so where appropriate clothing if  you hike during hunting season.
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Click for a larger version
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Photo by Carter Oliver

​Eli Slusher WMA​

Manager:
Iowa DNR
Location: 2826 Bluff Rd, Hamburg 51640
Acres: 517
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash, however, no dogs are allowed during the nesting season from March 15 to July 15.​
Hunting: Yes

With limited access, the only way to get anywhere on this 517-acre public area is to hike. There are no maintained trails. 
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Click for a larger version
Eli Slusher has only been open to the public since 2016, but has attracted bird watchers, hikers, mushroom hunters and a growing number of archery deer hunters. Being adjacent to Waubonsie State Park and its campsites, cabins and modern shower and restroom facilities, visitors can totally immerse themselves in Iowa’s outdoors.  Timbered draws, prairie ridges, steep hills and deep valleys. Eli Slusher WMA is full of wildlife from the hardy — like deer, turkey and badgers — to the more fragile, like zebra swallowtail butterflies and, quite likely, the state endangered Great Plains skink.
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​OS Wing WMA

​Manager: Iowa DNR
Location: Hamburg, IA 51640
Acres: 138
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash, however, no dogs are allowed during the nesting season from March 15 to July 15.​
Hunting: Yes
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Click for a larger version
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© 2016 Kenneth West

Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).

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Hiking the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway: Buena Vista County

5/10/2023

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Buena Vista County lies in the southeastern corner of the four counties that the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway crosses. Buena Vista County Conservation manages 16 areas containing over 1,145 acres of parks, refuges, historic sites and natural areas. The areas include developed park and wildlife areas where the public can enjoy camping, hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing, hunting, trapping, bird watching, and other outdoors activities. The Nature Conservancy also manages several tracts of land in the county, although Brown's Prairie is the only one open to the public. Continue reading about hiking opportunities in Buena Vista County and start planning a day hike to this quiet, tranquil country of rolling prairie.
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Buena Vista County Conservation Park

Manager: Buena Vista Conservation
Location:
377 440th Street, Petersen
Trails: Yes
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Toilets, showers, picnic shelters, playground, shelter houses, arboretum
Dogs: Yes
Hunting: Bow hunting only during deer bow season
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Click to download the PDF map
This park is just off the Glacial Trails Scenic Byway on 400th Street, 2 miles east of M-27 in the beautiful Little Sioux River Valley of northwest Buena Vista County. Buena Vista Park offers multiple camping areas, cabin and lodge overnight rental facilities, day-use shelter, arboretum, prairie grass plantings, and miles of trails through woodland areas for visitors to explore.
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Sturchler Pit Area

​Manager: Buena Vista Conservation
Location: 620th Street, Newell
Trails: Yes
Camping: No
Amenities: Pit toilet, swimming beach, playground, picnic shelters
Dogs: Yes
Hunting: No.
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No map is available
​The former 120 acre gravel pit area has been developed and contains picnic shelters, pit toilet, and playground equipment. Several plots of prairie grass have been established. The lake provides excellent deep pond fishing.  No firearms or bows and arrows are allowed but deer and pheasants can be driven. ​There is a trail for hiking available around the pit
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Brown's Prairie

​Manager: The Nature Conservancy
Location: Peterson, IA 51047
Trails: No official trails
Camping: No
Amenities: abc
Dogs: No
Hunting: No

​In the Glacial Hills area, north of Storm Lake and southwest of Spencer near the Little Sioux River Valley, Browns’ Prairie is an important tract in one of the largest areas of native grassland left in the state. 
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Located within more then 3,000 contiguous acres of prairie in the Little Sioux Valley region, the property provides habitat for wildflowers, butterflies and grassland nesting birds. This particular tract of land was historically pastured, but much of the native grass has survived. A special feature of the tract is a small, crystal-clear, spring-fed steam that meanders through it.

Browns' Prairie is level to steeply rolling. Care should be exercised by the elderly and children. This area is extremely hot in the summer and cold in the winter without trees to break the wind or sun. Cattle grazing is used to manage native grasses so please exercise caution when visiting the area.


WHAT TO SEE: PLANTS
Grasses on this prairie include: little bluestem grass, porcupine grass and side-oats gramma. Flowers include: pale purple coneflower, prairie violets, pasque flower and grey headed coneflower.

WHAT TO SEE: ANIMALS
Birds on the Browns' Prairie include: bobolinks, grasshopper sparrows, meadowlarks, and kingfishers often fishing in the prairie streams during the summer.
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Photo by The Nature Conservancy

Buena Vista Conservation allows off-trail hiking at all of their properties, including wildlife areas. Below is a list with addresses.

Brooke Wildlife Area
Buena Vista 440th Street, Linn Grove IA 51033

Elk Wildlife Area
60th Avenue, Alta IA 51002

Gabrielson Park
1322 440th Street, Sioux Rapids IA 50585

Gaherty Wildlife Area
580th Street, Storm Lake IA 50588

Gary Christiansen Wildlife Area
30th Avenue, Linn Grove IA 51003

Hankens Wildlife Area
10th Avenue, Alta IA 51002

Pheasant Ridge Wildlife Area
660th Street, Newell IA 50568

Starr-Robbins Wildlife Refuge
Evans Street, Linn Grove IA 51033

Three Waters Wildlife Area
600th Street, Newell IA 50568


Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).

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Hiking the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway: Mills County

5/3/2023

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West Oak Forest (photo by Lance Brisbois)
Mills County is located amongst the Loess Hills and rivers of southwest Iowa. The county is rich in cultural history. Many cultures have resided in the Loess Hills of Mills County. Among these cultures was a prehistoric people whose earth-lodge sites have been documented throughout the Loess Hills. There are roughly 284 known earth lodge sites in Iowa, and the majority (239) of these sites occur around the Glenwood area, hence them being called the "Glenwood Culture". Hike at Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve​ to learn about these cultures or head to Folsom Point Preserve for a hike through a remnant prairie with views of the Omaha skyline. There are several other great hiking areas just a short drive from the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro.
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​Folsom Point Preserve

Manager: The Nature Conservancy
GPS: 
41.15500, -95.80338
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: No
Hunting: No
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Click for Folsom Point Preserve on All Trails
​Folsom Point Preserve protects one of the largest remaining contiguous prairie remnants in the southern Loess Hills. Purchased in 1999, the prairie provides a valuable habitat for grassland animals, particularly in an area where the prairie community has largely disappeared. The terrain is quite rugged with steep slopes. The preserve is used for research by local students; visitors should avoid flags and other markers.

There are no official trails at the preserve but there are several well-traveled footpaths that lead up to and along the ridges, allowing sweeping views of the Missouri River floodplain and the Loess Hills. The nearby factories, however, degrade the view from the ridges. A hike at Folsom Point is still enjoyable, as it is much less frequented than Hitchcock Nature Center yet about the same driving distance from the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro.
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Folsom Point Preserve (photo by Seth Brooks)

Green Hill Wildlife Area

​Manager: Iowa DNR
GPS: 
41.152340, -95.786740
Acres: 516
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes
Hunting: Yes

Green Hill Wildlife Area is one of Iowa's newest public wildlife areas. The property is located east across the road from Folsom Point Preserve. Iowa DNR is restoring the property to prairie.
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Photo by Lance Brisbois

West Oak Forest

​Manager: Mills County Conservation
GPS: 
41.075377, -95.811997
Acres: 308
Trails: 3 miles of hiking trails
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes
Hunting: No

​
West Oak Forest is located in west central Mills County. The 308-acre area of Loess Hills bluffland is adjacent to and overlooking the broad Missouri River floodplain.
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Click for West Oak Forest on All Trails
This is the second largest park within the Mills County Conservation Board’s park system. It consists of forest, numerous hilltop prairie remnants, 7-acres of restored prairie, and well over 3 miles of hiking trails.

Being nestled in the west side of Iowa’s beautiful Loess Hills, the park provides a spectacular view overlooking the Missouri River floodplain. West Oak Forest is inhabited by many threatened and endangered species of the Loess Hills,  including the Yucca Moth, Western Spadefoot Toad, Ottoe Skipper, Northern Grasshopper Mouse, and various others.. The topography of the property is very steep with corrugated hills and the highest point being 1,100 feet above sea level. Heavily forested with upland hardwoods including bur oak, red oak, ironwood, basswood, scattered black walnut and shagbark hickory.
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Photo by Lance Brisbois

Pony Creek Park​

Manager: Mills County Conservation
GPS: 
41.070669, -95.788706
​Acres: 83
Trails: Yes (trail map posted at kiosk)
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Nature center, restrooms
Dogs: Yes
Hunting: No

​Pony Creek Park 
is the Mills County Conservation headquarters. There are hiking trails within the park as well as a scenic overlook platform. The park also has 1.5 acres of restored prairie as well as 4-acres of native prairie. ​An 82-acre lake is located directly across from the entrance of the park that allows fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. During fall, a wonderful image is painted upon the canvas of treetops across the lake from the park. ​
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Pony Creek is located along the Loess Hills Scenic Byway. Pony Creek Park is a National Historic Landmark. The Davis Oriole earth lodge site is located here. To protect the archaeological integrity of the site, it is not specifically marked. 
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Pony Creek Nature Center

Mile Hill Lake

​Manager: Mills County Conservation
GPS: 41.047265, -95.782418
​Acres: 39
Trails: Yes
Camping: No
Amenities: Boat dock and ramp
Dogs: Yes
Hunting: Yes
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No map is available of Mile Hill Lake
Mile Hill Lake consists of a hardwood forest, which is open to public hunting, and a 10-acre fishing lake with boat dock and ramp. ​When driving into the park you will find an interpretive panel discussing the prehistoric culture that lived in this region, and the handicap accessible Scenic Overlook, which offers an interpretive panel discussing the Loess Hills Scenic Byway. You will also see a2 acre restored prairie, and several flowerbeds which are maintained by the Mills County Co-Horts. There are various hiking trails within the park, including the most recent addition that leads through a marsh area, with a newly installed footbridge.
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Showy orchis at Mile Hill Lake

Glenwood Archaeological
​State Preserve


​Manager: Mills County Conservation
GPS: 41.028771, -95.744359
​Acres: 906
Trails: 3 miles of paved and mowed trails
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes
Hunting: No

Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve is Iowa’s 96th dedicated preserve.
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Click for All Trails information
The preserve is a low impact recreation area, meaning that no public activity can impair the integrity of the site. The site hosts multi-use trails ready for running, hiking, biking and wildlife observation. Aside from the archaeological sites within the property, one can also find forest, oak savanna, native prairie, restored prairie and agricultural grounds on the site.

There are 107 recorded archaeological sites in the Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve, ranging from about 10,000 years in age to the early Euro-American settlement era, 150 years ago. Most significant are 27 earth lodge sites in the preserve that are related to the Glenwood Culture, also known as the Nebraska phase of the Central Plains tradition. Only a small fraction of the preserve has been archaeologically surveyed, so many more sites probably exist in the preserve.
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Photo by Lance Brisbois

​Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).
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Hiking the Western Skies Scenic Byway: Audubon County

4/12/2023

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Trail at Littlefield Recreation Area
The hiking opportunities in Audubon County allow you to enjoy a quiet, contemplative hike in Iowa's third-least populated county. Littlefield Recreation has three miles of trails through woodlands and prairie. T-Bone Trail is a paved 21-mile linear trail used by bikers, runners, and walkers. Nathanial Hamlin Park also has hiking trails, as well as a viewing deck to observe the elk that live at the park. If you are looking for a leisurely walk after eating Iowa's original #1 pork tenderloin at Darrell's Place in Hamlin, walk the John James Audubon Birdwalk in Audubon. Keep reading our newest installment in the Hiking the Byways series.
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Littlefield Recreation Area

​Manager: Audubon CCB
Location: 
41.558068, -94.777342
Trails: 3 miles
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Water, restrooms, shelters
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: 
About 100 acres are provided for public hunting. These areas are clearly marked.
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Littlefield Recreation Area is Audubon County Conservation Board's largest and most popular park.  It began in 1965 with 40 acres of timber and 20 acres that were developed into a recreational area.  In 1975 and 1976 the park's sized increase by 385 acres due to the Troublesome Creek Watershed Project.  Two dams were built along Troublesome Creek forming the lake that is used for recreational purposes and flood control. 

There are roughly 3 miles of maintained hiking trails. The park road is also a great spot to walk or ride a bike. The timber area provides an excellent area to view and photograph wildlife & wildflowers. These trails are available for use as cross country ski trails in the winter.

​Littlefield Park is located six miles east of Exira on County Road F58, just a few miles north of Interstate 80.  It is approximately an hour from Des Moines and an hour and a half from Omaha, Nebraska.
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T-Bone Trail

Manager: Audubon & Cass CCBs
Location: Trailheads in Audubon, Brayton, Exira, and Hamlin

Trails: 21-mile point-to-point
Camping: No, but camping is available near the trail
Amenities: None on the trail
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No

​
The T-Bone Recreation Trail runs from the city of Audubon into Cass County.  The trail totals 21 miles.  Sixteen of these miles are located in Audubon County.  The trail begins in Audubon and goes south through Hamlin, Exira, Brayton, and into Cass County.  Eventually, the trail will go into Atlantic, Iowa.
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Click to downland the trail brochure
The trail is hard surface making it great for biking, walking, running, and rollerblading.  Most of the trail is asphalt with a few miles in the middle made out of concrete.  The T-Bone Trail is a former railroad right of way; purchased with the help of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.  It is named for the T-Bone event that originated in the 1950s in Audubon when the farmers all loaded up their cattle on to a train and rode with them to market in Chicago.
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T-Bone Trail

Nathanial Hamlin Park

​Manager: Audubon CCB
Location: Highway 71, Audubon, IA 50025
​
Trails: Yes
Camping: No
Amenities: Restrooms
Dog-friendly: Check with the park
Hunting: No


Picnic areas, hiking trails, south of Audubon on Highway 71, across from the T-Bone Trail.
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Audubon's old old county home was built in 1890 for indigent persons of the county. In the 1970s the ACHS acquired the house (and other buildings) to create a museum. The facility is collectively called Nathaniel Hamlin Park.

Early members of the historical society created a wonderful museum that tells the story of settlement of the area from 1850 to the present.
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The 2-story brick home has its original floor plan and 1800 sq.ft. of display space including:  large kitchen & pantry, Victorian parlor, and bedrooms. Other room displays: quilt & sewing, military, children's play room, schools, churches, collections (beauty shop), hats & clothing, and the "Audubon" Room -- a collection of birds and animals.The park includes: one room schoolhouse, barns and antique farm machinery. That's not all -- the 10-acre park has live elk & windmill displays, and many picnic tables. Come and spend the day!
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(photo by Nathanial Hamlin Park & Museum)

Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).
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Hiking the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway: Harrison County

4/5/2023

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Brent's Trail near Murray Hill Scenic Overlook (© 2016 Kenneth West)
Harrison County is perhaps the jewel in the hiking crown on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. The Loess Hills are perhaps the most rugged in Harrison County, and the miles of trails allow hikers to experience wilderness that is so rare in Iowa, the most altered state in the country. Brent's Trail, named the best hike in Iowa by Backpacker magazine in 2022 and the hardest trail in Iowa by Curated in 2023, is a difficult 13-mile hike that defies all stereotypes of the Hawkeye State. The trio of communities of Little Sioux, Pisgah, and Mondamin form a triangle within which is the best hiking on the byway. Continue reading below and start planning your next weekend hike!
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Perhaps the best hiking on the byway is near Little Sioux, Pisgah, and Mondamin

Brent's Trail

​​Manager: Harrison CCB and Iowa DNR
Trailhead: Murray Hill Scenic Overlook
​Trailhead: Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area
Distance: 13 miles one-way
Camping: Yes (dispersed)
Amenities: None
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes

Brent's Trail is an 13-mile linear hiking trail connecting Harrison County Conservation’s Murray Hill Scenic Overlook and Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area via the Loess Hills State Forest. The trail is the start of a proposed trail that will eventually connect the northern and southern ends of the State Forest. 
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Click to download the PDF map
The trail is named after longtime state forester Brent Olson. It's a partnership between Harrison County Conservation Board and Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Other partners and supporters include Friends of the Loess Hills State Forest and Preparation Canyon State Park, Loess Hills Missouri River Region, Golden Hills RC&D, and Loess Hills Alliance.

Murray Hill Scenic Overlook and Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area are on the Fountainbleu byway loop. There are services in Pisgah.


Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area

​​​Manager: Harrison CCB
Location: 41.791844, -96.012606 
Acres: 165
Trails: 3-mile trail network
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes


Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area is located in the Little Sioux Unit of the Loess Hills State Forest. This area has 165 acres that is predominately woodland, along with ridge top native prairie stands and a network of trails of almost 3 miles. It is also a trail head for Brent's Trail to the Murray Hill Scenic Overlook, totaling almost 13 miles
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Click to download the PDF map
Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area is an excellent bird watching location for migrating woodland species. It is part of the Loess Hills Bird Conservation Area designated by the Iowa DNR.

The wildlife area is located on the Fountainbleu byway loop one mile southeast of Little Sioux on Larpenteur Memorial Road.
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Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area (photo by Lance Brisbois)

Loess Hills State Forest
Little Sioux Unit


​​​Manager: Iowa DNR
Location: Multiple parking areas
Acres: 3,752
Trails: Over 10 miles
Camping: Yes (dispersed)
Amenities: None
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes

The Little Sioux Unit of the Loess Hills State Forest 
lies between the towns of Little Sioux and Pisgah. The forest unit is a thin band of rugged hills and valleys, bordered to the west by the Missouri River Valley and the Soldier River Valley to the east.
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Click to download the PDF map
Brent's Trail traverses the length of the unit, while there are several miles of additional trails that can be accessed via different parking areas and trailheads. There are no restrooms or reliable sources of water in the Little Sioux unit. There are services in Pisgah. The unit is bordered by the Fountainbleu byway loop.

Loess Hills State Forest
​Pisgah Unit


​​​Manager: Iowa DNR
Location: Multiple parking areas
Acres: 2,567
Trails: About 7 miles
Camping: Yes (dispersed)
Amenities: None
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes

The Pisgah Unit, 2,567 acres, is east of the town of Pisgah. This unit is also the site of the forest headquarters near downtown Pisgah, two blocks west of State Highway 183. The main byway route and the Orchard Ridge loop pass through the unit.
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Click to download the PDF map
There are several parking areas to provide access to the various parcels that make up the Pisgah Unit. Some recommended trailheads include the following (refer to the map): 118th Ln; Easton Trl west of 110th St; and the three farthest east on 145th St.
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LHSF Pisgah Unit (photo by Paul Dietsch on All Trails)

Loess Hills State Forest
​Mondamin Unit


​​Manager: Iowa DNR
North Trailhead: 
41.744087, -95.973882
South Trailhead: 41.711334, -95.959977
Acres: 1,097
Trails: More than 10 miles
Camping: Yes (dispersed)
Amenities: None
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes

The Mondamin Unit is 3 miles east of the town of Mondamin on Highway 127. This unit is a quiet destination for hikers and hunters. The north trailhead is on Highway 183, while the south trailheaad is just west of  IA-183 on IA-127.
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Click to download the PDF map
The south trailhead leads to a trail that climbs the dramatic razor ridge that rises above the intersection of IA-183 and IA-127. Hiking the southern loop totals approximately 4.5 miles. The north trailhead also climbs steeply up to the ridge that runs parallel with IA-183. You can make a 3.5-mile loop back to the north trailhead. If you hike both the north and south loops, the total mileage will be around 10 miles.

Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area

​​Manager: Harrison CCB
Location: 
41.643476, -95.914196
Acres: 155
Trails: No official trails but hiking is allowed
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes

Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area has 155 acres of woodland and ridge top prairie habitat. It is an excellent location for bird watching and, as it is part of the Loess Hills Bird Conservation Area designated by the Iowa DNR. There are no trails but hiking off-trail is allowed throughout the wildlife area.
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Click to download the PDF map
Located seven miles north of Missouri Valley off Loess Hills Trail (L20), ​the wildlife area is not directly on the byway but is a short drive from the main route. Access to Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area is on a Level B dirt road.
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Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area (photo by Harrison CCB)

Old Town Conservation Area

​​​Manager: Harrison CCB
Trailhead: 3370 Lima Trail
Trailhead: 2317 Mesa Place​
Acres: 341
Trails: 8-mile trail network
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes

The Old Town Conservation Area features a restored native prairie and bur oak savannah on 341 acres. A network of hiking trails of about 8 miles with scenic vistas provide a variety of public recreation opportunities. It is also an excellent location for bird watching for migrant species such as dickcissels and warblers.
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Click to download the PDF map
The Old Town Conservation Area is located off Lima Trail about 3 miles southeast of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway and Missouri Valley. There are two parking areas that provide access to the trails.
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Old Town Conservation Area (photo by Lance Brisbois)

 ​Willow Lake Recreation Area​​​

Manager: Harrison CCB
Location: 2715 Easton Trail, Woodbine
Acres: 220
Trails: 6-mile trail network
Camping: Yes (RV and tent)
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic shelters
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes

Willow Lake Recreation Area is the headquarters for Harrison CCB with administrative offices located on the hill above the park. It has 220 acres for multiple outdoor recreation opportunities. The Nature Encounter Center has natural history displays and live animals like turtles and snakes. 
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Click to download the PDF map
There are 6 miles of hiking trails with Smart Trail interpretive signs using QR (quick response) codes allow users to learn about the Loess Hills and Iowa's natural resources. The Willow Lake Recreation Area is also an excellent location for bird watching, especially migrating songbirds and waterfowl.

Willow Lake Recreation Area is not located on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway but is a short drive from the main route near Logan or the Orchard Ridge loop from Pisgah. It is located 6 miles northwest of Woodbine on F20L (Easton Trail).
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Willow Lake Recreation Area (photo by Harrison CCB)

Schaben Park

Manager: Harrison CCB
Location: 
3345 141st Ln, Dunlap
Trails: 6-mile trail network
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Restrooms, water pumps
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes

Nestled in the hills, Schaben Park is a quiet park that features 2 miles of hiking trails with Smart Trail interpretive signs using QR (quick response) codes to allow users to learn about the Loess Hills and Iowa's natural resources.​ Schaben Park is also an excellent location for bird watching, especially migrating warblers.
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Click to download the PDF map
Schaben Park is not located on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway but is a short drive from the main route or the Orchard Ridge loop. It is located 2 miles off Highway 30, between Woodbine and Dunlap on 141st Lane (gravel road).
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Schaben Park (photo by Amy Cramer on All Trails)

Harrison County Historical Village and Iowa Welcome Center

​Manager: Harrison CCB
Location: 
2931 Monroe Ave, Missouri Valley
Trails: 1-mile trail (concrete & limestone)
Camping: No
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic shelters
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes


The Harrison County Historical Village and Iowa Welcome Center is located 3 miles northeast of Missouri Valley on Highway 30 (five miles east of Interstate 29, Exit 75). This museum complex is straight out of the 1800s, with an original log cabin, general store, and school. 
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Click to download the PDF map
The official Iowa Welcome Center provides tourism information and assistance to travelers.  The Iowa Products Store offers food, beverage, clothing, crafts, and a wide variety of souvenirs.

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Stretch your legs on the 1-mile trail and learn about the Loess Hills. The 0.41-mile Concrete Trail is accessible to wheelchairs. There are many stairs along the 0.34-mile Limestone Trail 

Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).
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Hiking the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway: Cherokee County

3/31/2023

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(photo credit: Cherokee County Conservation)
​If you want to discover Iowa's agricultural roots, Native American history, and glacier-carved landscape, the Glacial Trail Scenic Byways is the perfect weekend escape. This week's Hiking the Byways series takes us to Cherokee County on the GTSB. Most of the outdoor recreation areas are managed Cherokee County Conservation and located on or near the Little Sioux River. There are four parks with maintained trails; Martin's Access is the closest, while Silver Sioux Recreation Area and River Road Conservation Area are a half-hour drive southwest of the scenic byway. Larson Lake is a twenty-minute drive south of the byway. There are several habitat areas managed by Cherokee Conservation that offer off-trail hiking, such as Brewer Prairie and T.H. Steele Prairie State Preserve.
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Martin's Access


​Manager: Cherokee County Conservation
Location: 42.85416, -95.46208
Acres: 304
Trails: 5.3 miles of foot trails
Camping: Yes (primitive, modern, & cabins)
Amenities: Water pumps & pit toilets
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes
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Click to download the PDF map
Martin Area consists of 300 acres of beautiful river valley habitat in northeastern Cherokee County, just off the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway. The trails wind through woodlands and prairies, crossing small streams, and bringing hikers and riders near to the banks of the Little Sioux River. Enjoy beautiful views and the quiet of birdsong and the wind in the trees.
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Little Sioux River from Martin's Access

Silver Sioux Recreation Area


Manager: Cherokee County Conservation
Location: 42.65056, -95.58962​
Acres: 160
Trails: 3 miles
Camping: Yes (modern & primitive)
Amenities: Water & modern restrooms
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes


​Silver Sioux Recreation Area is a 160-acre recreational park found on Silver Sioux Road, northeast of Quimby, Iowa, near the confluence of Silver Creek and the Little Sioux River. The land was previously a dairy farm owned by the Roy Little family, and is now one of the county’s most developed recreation areas.
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Click to download the PDF map
With 3 miles of trails, you can easily get enthralled within the beauty of the woodland and prairies. You will see wildlife, wildflowers, mushrooms, and more! Travel over our 2 swinging bridges and peek over the edge at the creek running below you!
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Photo credit: Watchable Wildlife of Northwest Iowa

River Road Conservation Area


Manager: Cherokee County Conservation
Location: 
42.65805, -95.59641
Phone: (712) 225-6709
Acres: 60
Trails: 1.5 miles
Camping: No, but there is a rental cabin
Amenities: None
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes

​
​Donated in 2018 by Tom and Karen Nelson, this 60 acre area provides trails, ponds for kayaking and fishing, cross country skiing, and hunting. This area is an old gravel pit with mostly grasslands and some timbered areas on the river side. It has 1.5 miles of trail and connects to Pearse Access.

Also on this property, you will find Uncle Tom's Cabin, which is a riverside cabin.
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Click to download the PDF map
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Rental cabin at River Road Conservation Area

Redtail Ridge Habitat Area


​Manager: Cherokee County Conservation
Location: 42.67689, -95.56787
Phone: (712) 225-6709
Acres: 217
Trails: 1 mile mowed trail
Camping: No
Amenities: None
​Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes

​
Red Tail Ridge Habitat Area was purchased by the county in 1980 with assistance from Wildlife Habitat Stamp funds. Portions of the area lie on both the east and west sides of the Little Sioux River south of County Road C44 approximately 4 miles south of Cherokee, Iowa. The area is undeveloped and open to hunting during all state regulated hunting seasons​
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Click for a larger version
Approximately 1 mile of trails are mowed and maintained at Red Tail Ridge. The trails are popular among birdwatchers, hikers and cross-country skiers. The northern portion of the area is a former gravel pit containing small, shallow wetlands and grasslands that provide excellent pheasant hunting. The remainder of the area is flood plain timber, containing many silver maples, cottonwoods and walnut trees, and upland timber, mostly oak-hickory forest with hackberry and elm. Several small prairie and savanna remnants are found near the ridge top on the eastern boundary.

Trail access is only available off of the C44 parking area. Parking is available off of C44 and 585th St.

Larson Lake


Manager: Cherokee County Conservation
Location: 42.72941, -95.38773
Acres: 12
Trails: Short mowed trail
Camping: Yes (primitive)
Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic shelters
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No

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Larson Lake is a former gravel pit converted to a 5 acre lake within this 12 acre recreational park east of Aurelia. Along the east and south sides of the lake, you will find a short mowed trail.​
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Click to download the PDF map
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Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each Friday a blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).
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Hiking the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway: Woodbury County

3/24/2023

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Stone State Park (photo by Lance Brisbois)
This week's edition of Hiking the Byways takes us to Woodbury County on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway.

Stone State Park is the jewel of hiking in the county, however, there are plenty of diamonds in the rough. Sioux City Prairie is one of the nation's largest urban prairies. In the southern part of the county, Southwood Conservation Area and the adjacent Fowler Forest Preserve offer an escape away from the city, while Oak Ridge Conservation Area welcomes adventurous hikers a truly off-the-beaten-path experience with no official maintained trails but over 2,000 acres of wilderness to explore off-trail.
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Stone State Park

​Manager: Iowa DNR
Location: ​
5001 Talbot Rd, Sioux City
Acres: 1,069
Trails: 15-mile trail system​
Camping: Yes (modern, tent, cabins)
Amenities: Shelters, restrooms​
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No

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Stone State Park, is an urban wildlife sanctuary on the edge of Sioux City and the heart of the Loess Hills. Visitors can explore the natural history of the park by walking its 15 miles of trails looking for wildlife and birds.
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Click to download the PDF map
The Carolyn Benne Nature Trail details the natural history of the area on an interpretive walk through the park and features one of the best scenic views in the park. The popular  Tunnel Trail gets its name from a tunnel that runs underneath the park road. Buffalo Run Trail leads to Dakota Point Overlook, aptly named with views of South Dakota to the west. Another viewpoint, Elk Point, has excellent views of the southern half of the park.

The trails in the southern half are more rugged and wild as they do not cross park roads or enter campgrounds. Perhaps the best trail in the park, Mt. Lucia, leads to a viewpoint at the southern end of Stone State Park. You can connect with trails leading to Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center at the overlook. The trails in the southern half are your best bet for a slice of woodland wander that is easily accessible due to its proximity to Sioux City and Interstate 29.

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

​Manager: Woodbury Conservation
Location: 4500 Sioux River Rd, Sioux City
Trails: 2.5-mile trail system
Camping: No
Amenities: Water fountain, restrooms
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No
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Click to download the PDF map
Hike a trail and let prairie grasses tickle your chin. Explore bur oak forests with 150-year old giants. Climb the ridges and imagine what Lewis and Clark might have seen. The 2.5 miles of trails explore prairie ridges and woodlands. A section of Whitetail Ridge Trail is accessible for people with mobility difficulties. Hikers park in lower lot (below gate) after 4:00pm. Trails are open year-round from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

Sioux City Prairie
​
​Manager
: The Nature Conservancy
Location: 42.521302, -96.438305
Trails: 2 miles of trails (no map available)
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Not allowed
Hunting: No​
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Sioux City Prairie is one of the nation’s largest native prairie tracts found in an urban setting. An area uniquely and delicately balanced between the city and the wild, it allows visitors an escape from city life by immersing themselves in a tallgrass prairie.

Sioux City Prairie is a TNC-owned 150-acre tallgrass prairie preserve. The prairie and wooded valleys of this well-drained, high-relief landscape support a variety of plants and animals typically found further west in the Great Plains. The preserve also supports a diverse population of birds and it provides critical habitat for many species of prairie butterflies.

Bacon Creek Park

​Manager: Sioux City Parks & Recreation
GPS: 42.494696, -96.338502
Trails: 3 miles (no map available)
Camping: No
Amenities: Picnic area, shelters, restrooms
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No​
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Cone Park & Sertoma Park

​Manager: Sioux City Parks & Recreation
GPS: 42.442543, -96.362727
Trails: 2-mile loop
Camping: No
Amenities: Restrooms
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No​
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Enjoy a 2-mile trail loop that extends through Cone Park and Sertoma Park. For more trails in Sioux City visit the Parks and Recreation Trail Page, or call Parks and Recreation at (712) 279-6126. Off shoot trails offer non-paved hiking trails.
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Southwood Conservation Area

​Manager: Woodbury Conservation
GPS: 42.228946, -95.947836
Acres: 623
Trails
: 3 miles
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Restrooms
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes, during season

​Located one mile southwest of Smithland, this area highlights Loess Hills open grassland and timbered areas. 
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Click to download the PDF map
Trails of the area take the visitor through a variety of habitats. A self-guided nature trail brochure is available at the trail head. Numerous bluebird boxes have been erected in the area and visitors may catch a glimpse of the brilliant blue birds.

Park facilities are open May 1 through October 31.
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Fowler Forest Preserve

​Manager: Woodbury Conservation
GPS: 42.232340, -95.945248
Acres: 160
Trails
: 1 mile
Camping: No
Amenities: Picnic shelter, restrooms
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Not on the wildlife refuge where the trail is located
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Click to download the PDF map
Located one-half mile west of Smithland on Hwy 141 near the Southwood Conservation Area, this 160 acre area is a perfect spot for a picnic or a walk through the woods. Park facilities are open and pressurized water systems are available May 1 through October 31.
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Oak Ridge Conservation Area

​Manager: Woodbury Conservation
Location: Deer Run Trail, Oto, IA 51044
​Acres: 2,082
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes​
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Click to download the PDF map
Encompassing more than 2,082 acres of public land in the hills adjacent to the Little Sioux River Valley, Oak Ridge is divided into four units with six public parking accesses between Oto and Smithland. This natural, undeveloped area is available for hiking and public hunting.
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Curtin Timber

​Manager: Woodbury Conservation​
Location: 42.313114, -95.869766
Acres: 210
​Trails
: No official trails but hiking allowed 
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes​
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Click to download the PDF map
This 210-acre area is located four miles southeast of Anthon. It is an undeveloped public wildlife area for hiking and hunting. Wildlife and wildflowers are abundant.

Shagbark Hills

​Manager: Woodbury Conservation
Location: 42.455177, -95.786987
​
Acres: 379
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Yes
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Click to download the PDF map
Shagbark Hills was acquired in 1976 for wildlife habitat. The area contains a native stand of shagbark hickory trees unique to the area. The undeveloped 379-acre area is located one-half mile south of Correctionville and is open for hiking and public hunting.
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Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each Friday a blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).
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Hiking the Western Skies Scenic Byway: Shelby County

3/17/2023

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Western Skies Scenic Byway between Harlan and Woodbine (photo © 2016 Kenneth West)
This week's Hiking the Byways installment takes us to Shelby County on the Western Skies Scenic Byway, which offers travelers several easy opportunities to venture off the beaten path.

HIghway 44 is the main route of Western Skies Scenic Byway through Shelby County. A loop past Panama and through Westphalia via County Highway F-32 and Highway 59 reconnects with Highway 44 in Harlan. 

​Shelby County Conservation manages eight areas open to hiking, while Prairie Rose State Park is managed by the Iowa DNR. Read about them below.
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Dinesen Prairie State Preserve

Manager: Shelby CCB
Location: 41.70884, -95.28142
Acres: 20
Trails: No official trails but hiking is allowed
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, just no interfering with nesting birds from May to June.
Hunting: No
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No map is available
Derald W. Dinesen Prairie is a 20-acre remnant of native tallgrass prairie. It is located six miles northeast of Harlan in northeastern Shelby County. Derald Dinesen purchased the area in 1943, realizing that the Iowa prairie was nearly a thing of the past. It was dedicated in 1977 as a biological state preserve. He told reporters at the dedication, “I guess the reason I set aside the land was based on instinct. The instinct to leave something behind for posterity of what you believe in. I just wanted to see and have others see the beauty of the land as it existed years ago when the Indians roamed [the land].”​
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Dinesen Prairie State Preserve

Elk Horn Creek Recreation Area

Manager: Shelby CCB
Location: 41.56973, -95.08927
Acres: 90
Trails: Yes
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Picnic facilities, ADA-accessible restrooms, water
Dogs: Yes, just no dog training/interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: Archery only
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No map is available
The Elkhorn Creek Recreation Area is a multiple use area, and is the ideal setting for a family on an outing, or for a person looking for solitude. With it's groomed trails and unique wildlife, the adventures are never ending. The upper picnic area contains what is believed to be the original site of the pioneer village of Elk Horn. Many building foundation blocks remain to mark the site. Petersen Preserve is roughly 32 acres and also part of the park; it has many grass walking trails. ​
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Elkhorn Creek Recreation Area

Manteno Park

Manager: Shelby CCB
GPS: 41.85683, -95.46155​
Acres: 110
Trails: Yes
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Restrooms, water
Dogs: Yes, just no interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: No
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No park map is available
Set in the hills of Grove township is Manteno Park, Shelby County Conservation Board's most popular area. Located northwest of Earling, it contains a 12-acre lake and includes hiking trails. Manteno is known for its shaded picnic areas and calm atmosphere. A 40-acre tract of timber adjacent to the park was purchased in 1994 and made into a nature area.
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Manteno Park

Nishna Bend Recreation Area

Manager: Shelby CCB
GPS: 41.56957, -95.33064
Acres: 80
Trails: Yes
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Restrooms, shower house
Dogs: Yes, just no interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: Yes
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Click for a larger version
The 80-acre Nishna Bend Recreation Area contains over 30 acres of wetland created from past gravel mining operations and is located southeast of Corley. Its acquisition was partially funded with grants from Duck Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. The ponds left from past mining operations contain bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and bullhead to delight any angler. The other features include camping, a camping cabin, hiking trails, river access, an arboretum, a planting of tall grass, shortgrass prairie with many species of wildflowers, and a nature learning center.
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Nishna Bend Recreation Area

Oak Ridge Habitat Area

Manager: Shelby CCB
Location
: 41.578361, -95.243513​
Acres: 94
Trails: Mowed trails
Other users: Bikers
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, just no interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: Yes

​Oak Ridge Habitat Area is approx. 94 acres of timber and prairie.  This is a public hunting area that is managed for wildlife habitat.
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No map is available
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Oak Ridge Habitat Area

Prairie Rose State Park

Manager: Iowa DNR
Location: 41.60532, -95.21860​
Acres: 422

Trails: 7 miles of multi-purpose trails
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Shelters, restrooms, water
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No

​
Prairie Rose State Park is nestled in the scenic hills of southwest Iowa. The park is named after the small town which was once located near the park’s current location. The lake is the focal point of the park, and visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities from hiking to boating, along with ice fishing in the winter.
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Click to download the PDF map
Approximately 7 miles of trails weave throughout the park. All the trails are open for hiking, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. An interpretive trail starts in the northwest corner of the park and winds along the shoreline. The trails are great places to observe a variety of plants and wildlife. There are several areas of restored prairie along the trails.
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Prairie Rose State Park

Rosenow Timber

Manager: Shelby CCB
Location: 41.810704, -95.498675​
Acres: 120
Trails: No
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, just no interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: Yes
Rosenow Timber is owned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and managed by the Shelby County Conservation Board. This 120 acres of virgin timber is a public hunting area that abounds with deer, turkey, squirrels, and many woodland plants.
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Six Bee Tree Timber

​Manager: Shelby CCB
Location
: 41.855796, -95.459858​
Acres: 40
Trails: Mowed trails
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, just no interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: Yes

​Six Bee Tree Timber is 40 acres of timber located directly across the road to the east of Manteno Park.  This is a public hunting area that is archery only allowed with a mowed trail loop going through it.

Upper Nish Habitat Area

Manager: Shelby CCB
Location
: 41.801018, -95.189460
​Acres: 18
Trails: Mowed trails
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, just no interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: Yes

​Upper Nish is approximately 3 miles of old railroad right of way that starts just 1/2 mile northeast of Irwin and is open to public hiking and hunting.

​Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each Friday a blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).
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