News
Golden Hills' blog. To sign up for our newsletter, visit goldenhillsrcd.org/newsletters
 Trail at Littlefield Recreation Area
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.  Click to open a larger version in a new window
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.  T-Bone Trail
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. 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!  (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 ([email protected]).
0 Comments
 Hiking is an excellent way to stay fit and active, not only for humans but also for our furry friends. FitPaws named April as National Canine Fitness Month to bring awareness to canine obesity and remind everyone to keep their dog active and fit. Western Iowa has great hiking opportunities, and many of them are dog-friendly. However, there are several things a responsible dog owner should know and do before hitting the trail with their pooch.
Boning up on training is another useful preparation before hitting the trails. Having a well behaved and well trained doggo will make the hike better for everyone: you, your dog, other hikers, other dogs on the trail, and wildlife. Your dog should be under voice control and know basic commands like sit, down, leave it, and others. If you hike with your dog off-leash--if it is allowed where you are hiking--reliable recall is absolutely imperative to protect your dog, other dogs, other hikers, and wildlife. Your dog should immediately return to you when instructed; if not, don't hike off-leash! When you begin to plan where you are going hiking, get to know trail regulations and trail etiquette. First and foremost, make sure dogs are allowed where you plan to visit. If it isn't clear on the park's website, call to confirm. If would be awful to arrive at the trailhead only to learn that dogs are not allowed. Don't assume every hiker will like your dog. Don't approach other dogs before asking the owner first. In a nutshell, be a B.A.R.K Ranger:
 The importance of keeping your dog on a leash cannot be understated. Hiking off-leash is a wonderful pleasure if your dog is under voice control, has reliable recall, and off-leash hiking is allowed. Watching your dog frolic freely in nature is any dog owner's dream. However, consider the following as reasons to leash your dog:
One final topic before we recommend dog-friendly hikes: plan your dog's needs while on the trail. A six-foot leash is the first thing you'll need; consider a hands-free option if you like to take pictures while hiking. Updated vaccinations, identification (name tag with contact information, and possibly an imbedded microchip), and flea and tick repellent are also integral to your dog's hiking safety. It also helpful to know how to remove a tick from your dog, as early removal helps reduce the chance of a secondary illness. A bath or grooming session post-hike will allow you to check for invaders as well as burrs, foxtails, and other debris caught in your dog’s fur. While a first aid kit should be part of everyone's ten essentials, consider a specific kit for your pet. Keeping your dog hydrated is vital, so bring a collapsible bowl and a water bottle specifically for your dog. A supply of waste bags will help you leave no trace, while food and treats will keep your dog's energy up. Finally, consider a coat for wet or cold weather; if it's hunting season, ensure your dog's safety with an article of blaze orange clothing.  Now, let's finally get to the good stuff. What are the best dog-friendly hikes in western Iowa? Well, if you've read this far, you'll know the answer: it depends on your dog! Some dogs are active and can hike for miles, while other dogs will tire out after a short jaunt. There are numerous parks, trails, and areas in western Iowa that welcome hikers with dogs--check out our Hiking the Byways series for a detailed list that includes which parks, refuges, etc., are dog-friendly. Below is a selection of great places to hike with your dog in western Iowa. Stone State Park: The trails in the southern part of the park are multi-use, including equestrian riders, so it might be best to stick to the northern trails to avoid any uncomfortable interactions with horses and dogs. The drawback, however, is that you must walk on park roads in order to connect most of the northern trails, so be cautious when walking on park roads. Bacon Creek Park: Bacon Creek Park not only has three miles of trails, it also has a large off-leash dog area for your furry friends to run and play with other doggos.
Old Town Conservation Area: Hunting is allowed at Old Town, so if you go hiking in the fall or winter, make sure that you and your dog are wearing bright orange. It's also crucial to keep your dog leashed during hunting season for its protection and out of respect for hunters. There eight miles of trails at Old Town allow hikers to create hikes of varying lengths.
West Oak Forest: No amenities, so pack sufficiently. West Oak Forest is quiet and tranquil, so you and your pup will have a great time hiking the mowed grass trails. Check for ticks after you've hiked.
Waubonsie State Park: The equestrian trails are great to hike, however, stick to Sunset Ridge and the other trails south of the highway in the state park, as dogs can spook horses. There are plenty of trails around the park office to get your dog proper exercise and enjoy wonderful views of the Missouri River Valley from Sunset Ridge.  Brent's Trail near Murray Hill Scenic Overlook (© 2016 Kenneth West)
 Perhaps the best hiking on the byway is near Little Sioux, Pisgah, and Mondamin
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 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.  Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area (photo by Lance Brisbois)
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.
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.  LHSF Pisgah Unit (photo by Paul Dietsch on All Trails)
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.
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.  Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area (photo by Harrison CCB)
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.  Old Town Conservation Area (photo by Lance Brisbois)
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).  Willow Lake Recreation Area (photo by Harrison CCB)
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).  Schaben Park (photo by Amy Cramer on All Trails)
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. 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 ([email protected]).
Dog owners should be courteous and responsible when visiting off-leash dog parks. Most parks require all dogs to be licensed and current on vaccinations. As a result, puppies younger than four months are not allowed in dog parks, as they have not yet received their full dose of shots. Dog waste bags are provided at some parks, but always bring your own just in case bags aren't provided or the supply has been used by other dog owners. Be kind and pick up after your pet.
Below is a list of off-leash dog parks in western Iowa. If we missed any parks, please contact us ([email protected]) and we will update the list. It's prudent to contact the park's manager, usually the city parks and recreation department, to inquire about specific rules and regulations.
The parking lots and sidewalks were updated in 2022. Come admire the entryway with chainsaw carved dog likenesses carved by known artist Jeff Coss of Bear Grove Chainsaw Carvings! More carvings coming in 2023!
 (photo credit: Cherokee County Conservation)
Martin's Access
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.  Little Sioux River from Martin's Access Silver Sioux Recreation Area
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!  Photo credit: Watchable Wildlife of Northwest Iowa River Road Conservation Area
 Rental cabin at River Road Conservation Area Redtail Ridge Habitat Area
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
  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 ([email protected]).
 Parkway Park in Avoca When cities are being designed, one of the primary things they ensure to make space for is city parks. From small parks the size of just a couple of blocks to large ones that cover acres of land, city planners know the importance of providing green areas for people to go. National Take a Walk in the Park Day celebrates these small excursions and the differences they can make to our mental, physical, and emotional health. Walking is one of the best exercises to strengthen your heart. Daily walks help keep joints healthy, our muscles limber, and our hearts beating steadily. Getting out into nature has also been proven to have a number of therapeutic effects on those who take the time to do it. Stress levels go down, body and mind is refreshed, creativity gets inspired, and walking has even been shown to boast productivity at work.  When should you take a walk? Any time of day is great for a walk, but research has shown that walking in the morning has numerous benefits that improve your metabolism for the entire day. Where should you take a walk? Keep it simple and find the nearest park in your town or city. Taking a walk at a local park is an excellent way to clear one’s mind from the stresses of the day, re-energize, and at the same time, improve health. You don't need to go on a three-mile hike, either.  If you have got your favorite park or one close to your home, number one is easy to accomplish. Finding a friend to walk with you is a great way to keep you motivated to stick to a regular walking routine. Additionally, join a walking group to meet new people, stay motivated, and encourage others to join you. If your local community does not have a walking group, create your own! Social media is a great way to connect with locals and build your walking group. Search Google, Facebook, and other platforms to see if there is a walking group in your neighborhood, town, or county.  Click the image above to open the Facebook page for the Walk the Bluffs group If there isn't a group in your community, just get out and enjoy a walk to benefit your physical, emotional, and mental health. Who knows, maybe you'll meet a new friend!
 From left: Amy Ziegler, Iowa Tourism Director; Vince Hilton and David Magel, Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo; Debi Durham, IEDA Director The award kicks off a historic year for the Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo. In 2023, the Sidney Rodeo is gearing up to celebrate its 100th anniversary and their continued dedication to tourism in southwest Iowa makes it deserving of this award. The Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo has been cultivating tourism in southwest Iowa since well before tourism was recognized as an official industry in the state. In 1923, the Tackett brothers returned from Wyoming and decided to entertain visitors attending the Old Soldiers Reunion in Sidney. To show them some real western action, a circle was formed with Model T cars and makeshift fencing and Henry and Earl Tackett were up and away on the fastest bad horses they could find. They received the sum of $50 and more bruises than they could count. The Sidney American Legion Post 128 quickly assumed sponsorship of this exciting sport and made it an annual event open to the public with a small grandstand and no admission charge. They went each year to South Dakota to buy bucking broncs, and bulls were bought from Texas and Mexico. Several quarter horses were owned by the Legion and kept in Sidney all year. Within five years attendance grew so much that a small admission was added, a larger grandstand built, professional cowboys began to compete, and some trick riders and animal acts were added. Early rodeos included the appearance of Indian tribesmen in full native dress, sometimes from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. In 1931, lights were added to the arena to allow for the addition of night shows. After 1952, the livestock was brought in by professional contractors, who furnished top-grade stock to work at each performance.  Today, the Sidney facility boasts plenty of parking, new pens and gates, hospital facilities, concessions, covered concrete grandstands, a flea market, carnival, parade, and musical entertainment after the weekend performances. Sidney’s population of 1,070 regularly hosts 15,000 to 20,000 visitors during the five days of Sidney Iowa Rodeo. Attendance counts have been up to 38,000, which ranks in the top 12% of the nearly 650 rodeos approved by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Events are added throughout rodeo week to captivate the attention of vistitors and engage residents. The Rodeo Queen Contest, Rodeo Parade, and Rodeo Days activities on the square Specialty acts delight audiences between bucking and bull riding competition and the girls barrel racing event.
In 1996, the Sidney Rodeo was declared an official Iowa Sesquicentennial event with the Friday afternoon performance being dedicated to that celebration of 150 years of statehood. The “Iowa Voyager” trailer, containing historical Iowa memorabilia, was on display in Sidney during Rodeo week. On its 75th anniversary year, the Sidney Iowa Rodeo was selected as the 1997 PRCA National Finals, Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year. The Sidney Rodeo was honored to be a part of the 2015 induction class for the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, when it was referred to as being "among the oldest and most prestigious PRCA events on the schedule." The Sidney Rodeo is located in Fremont County, the southwest cornerstone of Iowa, and anchor of the southern end of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. 
Stone State Park (photo by Lance Brisbois)
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.
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 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.
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.
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. 
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.
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.
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 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.
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 ([email protected]).
National Ag Day kicks off National Ag Week, celebrated in 2023 from the 21st to the 27th of March. The week celebrates and acknowledges the agricultural industry and the role it plays in stabilizing the economy.
Agriculture plays a vital role in western Iowa. Not only is agriculture the engine of western Iowa's economy, it has shaped its landforms, and organized our communities. Western Iowa would not be what it is today without agriculture. Ag's footprint on western Iowa is seen all along its scenic byways: grain silos and semi-trucks full of grain, terraced fields and center pivot irrigation, and even the Loess Hills that were never ploughed because of their steep grade. There are numerous ways that you can show your support for agriculture in western Iowa, not only on National Ag Day or National Ag Week, but throughout the entire year. Agritourism is increasing in popular and is a great way to support your local agricultural industry. 
The National Agricultural Law Center defines agritourism as, "the crossroads of tourism and agriculture. Stated more technically, agritourism can be defined as a form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production and/or processing with tourism to attract visitors onto a farm, ranch, or other agricultural business for the purposes of entertaining and/or educating the visitors while generating income for the farm, ranch, or business owner."
There are many forms of agritourism: pumpkin picking patches; corn mazes, U-Pick operations, petting and feeding zoos, hay rides, cut-your-own Christmas tree farms;, dude ranches, demonstration farms, agricultural museums, living history farms, on-farm farmers’ markets, winery tours and wine tasting, rural bed & breakfasts, garden tours, and more. While we could compile a lengthy list of all the agritourism attractions and activities on western Iowa's scenic byways, below is a truncated list of some notable agritourism destinations. If you have any questions about local agriculture and agritourism in western Iowa, send us an email ([email protected]). Local Foods
Iowans are surrounded by fertile farmland, yet most of the food consumed in the state travels an average of 1,500 miles before landing on a dinner plate. Golden Hills strives to improve the southwest Iowa foodshed by building and maintaining alliances between regional producers and consumers. These alliances are further supported by raising awareness among southwest Iowans about the food that is available in this region.
Golden Hills convenes the Southwest Iowa Food and Farm Initiative (SWIFFI), a multi-county coalition of individuals and organizations within the local food system. Golden Hills provides training, assists in navigating regulations, helps with grant writing, and offers other forms of support. The assistance provided by Golden Hills helps make local food more accessible to those living in southwest Iowa. The benefits of an active and local foodshed are felt by all involved. Revitalization of rural communities by boosting local economic development and improving the health of its citizens are just a few examples of the benefits of an active local foods system. Golden Hills organizes farmer meet-ups to meet local food producers for networking and socializing. Check the SWIFFI website for upcoming meet-ups and other programs. Farmers Markets & Festivals
Golden Hills maintains a Local Food Guide that is available in both English and Spanish. The guide highlights farmers markets, food hubs and local food delivery, and local farms and value-added farm products. Purchasing produce from farmers markets is an excellent way to support local agriculture, as is signing up for CSAs and supporting your local food hubs and food delivery services.
Audubon Century Farm Tour
Get out and see real farms that are a century old. The Audubon Century Farm Tour is a self-driving tour of eight of Audubon County's century farms. A brochure, with a map included, is available at the county tourism office (800 Market St, Audubon, IA 50025). Private tours are available upon request.
Ross Grain Elevator
Shelby County Historical Museum
Wisecup Farm Museum
Local Orchards, Fruit Farms, Family Farms, etc.
The list above is just a sampling of the agritourism attractions and activities in western Iowa. For a more detailed list of farmers markets and local producers and farms, check out our Local Food Guide.
 Western Skies Scenic Byway between Harlan and Woodbine (photo © 2016 Kenneth West)
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].”  Dinesen Prairie State Preserve
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.  Elkhorn Creek Recreation Area
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.  Manteno Park
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.  Nishna Bend Recreation Area
 Oak Ridge Habitat Area
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.  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.  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 ([email protected]).
|
Archives
November 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed