Bacon Creek Park is a 239-acre recreation site operated by the city of Sioux City that provides a variety of outdoor activities around a small lake. The three-mile paved walking trail is accessible year-round and is good for all skill levels. Other amenities include rest rooms, an off-leash dog park, picnic areas, playgrounds as well as a 6.5 mile singletrack mountain bike trail.
Commonly seen birds: Red-winged Blackbird, Canada Goose, Eastern Towhee, Downy Woodpecker
Birds to look for: Barred Owl, Brown Creeper, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Ring-necked Duck
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Beaver
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1095492
Sitting not quite halfway between Sioux City and Council Bluffs with I-29 going right through it, it’s easy to think that Badger Lake Wildlife Area would be overrun with bird watchers, duck hunters, kayakers and nature lovers. Many days the only visitor is a wayward cormorant or a neighbor stopping by to wet a line.
Badger Lake is many things. This quiet area is a linear series of wetlands connected by culverts that provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing, but is best known for high quality duck hunting. It includes 1,100 acres of timber, upland prairie as well as the wetlands. Area birds include forest species, wetland species, grassland species, and has a tremendous spring snow goose migration.
Badger Lake is even home to one of the lesser known historic campsites of Lewis and Clark’s Expedition. Work is underway to transform much of the area back to grasslands like those the famous explorers encountered. Part of the management plan includes maintaining 18 small food plots rotating from corn to soybeans and then idle to allow it to come up in annual weeds. The annual weeds attract insects, produce a lot of seeds and provide cover. Only four of the fields will be idled at one time.
Know where you are: Visitors need to be aware of their location to avoid trespassing on private land. The public land follows the lake closely and is along part of I-29.
Commonly seen birds: Ring-necked Pheasant, Bald Eagle, Northern Shoveler
Birds to look for: Purple Gallinule, Cooper’s Hawk, Ross’s Goose
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer; Eastern Cottontail; Monarch butterflies; Regal fritillary butterflies
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy; private property boundaries; public hunting in season
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L10044038?yr=all&m=&rank=lrec
Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy of Iowa. It is the Conservancy’s largest preserve in Iowa and it contains the largest remaining prairie in Iowa. In 1999, the Conservancy found the prairie rattlesnake, an extremely rare species, at this site, making Broken Kettle even more important to the region. In the fall of 2008 the Conservancy welcomed a herd of 28 bison to Broken Kettle Grasslands—an historic event benefiting the native prairie and the bison herd itself. Broken Kettle Grasslands forms the core of our protection efforts in the northern portion of the Loess Hills.
Check the visitation guide for the Iowa Field Office for permitted and prohibited public uses of The Nature Conservancy’s preserves in Iowa. The preserves are open to the public for non-consumptive uses and the Iowa office encourages visitation that does not impact the integrity or conservation values of the site.
Commonly seen birds: Field Sparrow, Bell’s Vireo, Dickcissel, Eastern Meadowlark, Western Meadowlark
Birds to look for: Black-billed Magpie, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink, Upland Sandpiper
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer; Bison; Coyote; Badger; Great Plains Toad; Plains Spadefoot; Dusted Skipper; Regal Fritillary; Ottoe Skipper; Pawnee Skipper.
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy; prairie rattlesnakes; bison
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1041838?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec
Brown's Lake is managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It is a natural oxbow of the Missouri River formed when the river was free to meander across the river valley. Brown's Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass and northern pike. A fishing dock and boat ramp provides access to the lake, which is a popular area for recreational boaters and water skiers as well. A public hunting and wildlife management area is located on the west side of Brown's Lake.
Bigelow Park is located on a 600-acre lake known as Brown's Lake. Originally a state park, Bigelow Park has been managed by the Woodbury County Conservation Board since 1970 and includes numerous amenities.
Park facilities are open and pressurized water systems are available May 1 through October 31. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and feature self-registration, fees do apply. Firewood is available from the park officer for a nominal fee.
Commonly seen birds: Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Belted Kingfisher
Birds to look for: Black-crowned Night Heron, Bonaparte’s Gull, Blue Grosbeak
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Muskrat
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy; public hunting within season
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1531048?yr=all&rank=mrec
Crawford Creek Recreation Area is a modern, 260-acre park operated by the Ida County Conservation Board. Established in 1975, the park has become an oasis for those seeking a quick get away or a weekend retreat. The 62-acre Crawford Creek Lake serves as a major recreational and fishing area. Crawford Lake is a no-wake boating water body. Hiking trails are available
Camping at CCRA is open from May 1st through October 15th. Water will not be accessible outside of these dates. The park opens at 6:00 AM and closes every night at 10:30 PM. Camper cabins, modern and primitive campsites are available with appropriate fees.
Commonly seen birds: Ring-necked Pheasant, Eastern Kingbird, American Goldfinch
Birds to look for: Northern Saw-whet Owl, Sandhill Crane, Northern Harrier
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Muskrat
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1890200?yr=all
The Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center (DPNC) was established in 1995 and is managed by the Woodbury County Conservation Board. The center is located within Stone State Park and provides a wonderful introduction to the Loess Hills of Iowa. One will find traditional exhibits of the people, places, and natural history of the Loess Hills in addition to live birds of prey, reptile and fish exhibits. There is also a bird viewing area overlooking the butterfly and wildflower gardens.
Nature trails begin at the center and lead into Stone State Park trails for an exploration of Northwest Iowa’s wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. The gate closes at 4:00 PM! So please park in lower parking lot if you plan to hike after 4:00 PM.
Commonly seen birds: Wild Turkey, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Red-bellied Woodpecker
Birds to look for: Broad-winged Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker, Barred Owl, Brown Creeper, Scarlet Tanager
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Opossum, Raccoon, Gray Tree Frogs, Chorus Frogs
Plants: Spring - Bloodroot, Virginia Waterleaf, Sweet William. Summer/Fall - White Snakeroot, Tall Bellflower.
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1816401?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec
The 964 acre Five Ridge Prairie, a dedicated state preserve in western Plymouth County, exemplifies the northern loess bluffs of western Iowa with a mixture of oak timbered valleys, native prairie ridge tops and west facing slopes. This unique loess landform site is home to several state threatened and endangered plant and animal species. The public is invited to hike and enjoy Five Ridge year round. Be aware that roads leading to the preserve can be challenging under adverse weather conditions.
Public hunting is permitted beginning the third Saturday in September through January 31 according to Iowa Department of Natural Resources regular seasons and hours.
Only foot traffic allowed to decrease erosion. Sorry, no horse or bike traffic.
Commonly seen birds: Grasshopper Sparrow, Eastern Kingbird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Birds to look for: Townsend’s Solitaire, Bobolink, Blue Grosbeak
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Red Fox, Coyote, Badger
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy; public hunting in season
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1525433?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec
This 160-acre area is operated by the Woodbury County Conservation Board. Fowler Forest Preserve is a perfect spot for a picnic or a walk through the woods. Picnic areas, a shelter, restrooms, and hiking trails are available.
Park facilities are open and pressurized water systems are available May 1 through October 31.
Public hunting in restricted area within season.
Commonly seen birds: Ring-necked Pheasant, Wild Turkey, Turkey Vulture
Birds to look for: Carolina Wren, Hairy Woodpecker, Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Red Fox, Coyote, Badger, Bobcat
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy; public hunting in season in restricted areas
There is no eBird hot spot listing for Fowler Forest Preserve as of May 2021.
Heendah Hills is an archaeological, ecological, and scenic area of the Loess Hills north of Sioux City, Iowa owned and managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Its acquisition by IDNR was designed to protect and sustain its outstanding natural and cultural features.
Originally named “Spirit Knoll” (a term coined by the previous owner of the property during the development of a proposed subdivision), the name “Heendah Hills” was approved by the State Preserves Advisory Board and pays homage to the American Indian identity of the preserve. “Heendah” is the phonetic pronunciation of “hinda”, meaning Great Horned Owl, in the Ioway/Baxoje language. The Great Horned Owl is a resident species of the region.
High quality native prairie is present on approximately 23 acres on a ridge along the south edge of the preserve. An additional 26 acres of formerly grazed prairie with good representation of native plants (“prairie pasture”) is found in the northeast corner of the new preserve. Woodland (with bur oak and other tree species) and thickets form patches scattered on the landscape. Small patches of former cropland now dominated by a variety of volunteer plant species are found below the dam holding a 6-acre pond and in an old bottomland field in the far northeast corner of the preserve.
Commonly seen birds: Field Sparrow, Ring-necked pheasant, Dickcissel, Great Horned Owl
Birds to look for: Grasshopper Sparrow, Bell’s Vireo, Great Crested Flycatcher
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Beaver, Badger, Coyote, Ball-nosed Hopper (insect) and Rainbow Grasshopper (first Iowa report of this species)
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy; public hunting in season
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L7531510
The Luton Wildlife Management Area is 1094 acres of wetland split into TWO sections near the village of Luton, Iowa. Both units are managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The following information comes from the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union website for birding hot spots within the state of Iowa.
Directions to the North Unit: Starting point of LUTON, IA at the intersection of K42 (aka Dallas Ave) and D51(aka 250th) proceed NORTH about 1mile. From there work north along Dallas (1mile) and east along 240th and then south along Delaware. There are 4 to 5 parking areas along this route.
Directions to the South Unit: Startintg point of LUTON, IA at the intersection of K42 (aka Dallas Ave) and D51(aka 250th) proceed SOUTH about 1mile to 260th. Turn left (East) about 0.3 miles to a parking area. The management area is east, west, and north of the parking area.
These wetlands are excellent for waterfowl and shorebirds.
Commonly seen birds: Ring-necked Pheasant, Northern Harrier, Common Yellowthroat
Birds to look for: Short-eared Owl, Cinnamon Teal, Smith’s Longspur
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy; public hunting in season
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3590803?yr=all&m=&rank=lrec
Moorehead Pioneer Park is an Ida County, IA park. The park is open twelve months per year although winter visitors are cautioned since some roads may be icy or impassible.
This 258-acre park on the northwest corner of Ida Grove was the original site of Ida Grove. In the early 1850’s, the Moorehead family came to settle in what has now become the park.
The native timber provides the largest single tract of timber in Ida County. This park has been listed as one of Iowa’s “Watchable Wildlife” areas.
In 2001, the Pleasant Valley Trail was extended into Moorehead Park. The concrete multi-purpose trail makes a 4 mile circle in the city of Ida Grove, crosses the Maple River and extends 1 mile into the park. Grassy trails through the timber with foot bridges over the impassable areas will make even the remote corners of this park easily accessible to the public.
A 12-acre lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Picnic shelters, restrooms, a large playground and facilities for winter activities help round out this park.
Commonly seen birds: Belted Kingfisher, Barred Owl, Indigo Bunting
Birds to look for: Trumpeter Swan, Summer Tanager, Northern Saw-whet Owl
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Muskrat, Raccoon
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy; camping fees
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1434030?yr=all
The Owego Wetland Complex is named for the abandoned town of Owego. Since the first acquisition in 1998, the Owego complex has grown to 1,330 acres—with a tremendous attraction for wildlife, especially migratory waterfowl. By recreating wetlands that mimic how this land might have looked 100-200 years ago, more and more birds and other wildlife are being drawn to this habitat.
Over 200 bird species have been recorded at this site. The list includes Short-eared Owl, Trumpeter Swan, Blackpoll Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Wilson’s Phalarope, American Bittern, Red Phalarope, Swainson’s Hawk and Western Kingbird and many more. This wildlife area is great for upland game and waterfowl hunting and wildlife viewing.
Ducks Unlimited has dedicated the Owego area as a Greenwing Legacy Marsh and has installed two monument cairns at the east parking lot on 290th Street in recognition of this designation.
Commonly seen birds: Northern Pintail, Great Horned Owl, Common Yellowthroat
Birds to look for: See above
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Opossum, Raccoon
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy; public hunting in season
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1861812?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec
Sioux City Prairie is a 150-acre tallgrass prairie preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Acquired by TNC in 1983, it is one of the nation’s largest native prairie tracts found in an urban setting. 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. An area uniquely and delicately balanced between the city and the wild, Sioux City Prairie offers Briar Cliff University students and local high school students an outdoor classroom.
Commonly seen birds: Yellow Warbler, Field Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Kingbird
Birds to look for: Bell’s Vireo, Willow Flycatcher, Grasshopper Sparrow, Western Kingbird
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Badger, Ottoe skipper, Pawnee skipper, Olympia marblewing and Regal fritillary butterflies.
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1111088?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec
Sioux City Prairie Park is one of the newest additions to Sioux City’s Parks and Recreations department. The park consists of 36 acres with a one-mile walking trail, a lagoon, and a shelter available for reservations. Fishing is available. Motorized watercraft are not allowed. There is a prairie restoration project underway to provide pollinator habitat.
Commonly seen birds: Yellow Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Kingbird
Birds to look for: Eared Grebe, Savannah Sparrow, Bald Eagle, Least Sandpiper, Green Heron
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer.
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L10494668?yr=all
This 35-acre area is located 3 miles west of Salix, Iowa. Snyder Bend Lake is an oxbow of the Missouri River, formed in the early 1960’s when the river was channelized.
The lake has been stocked with walleye fingerlings in the past, a cooperative project with the River City Anglers of Siouxland. Other popular game fish include largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, catfish and perch.
A wildlife refuge has been established at Snyder Bend and no disturbance or human traffic is allowed on the refuge for several months in the fall. Please observe refuge dates as posted.
Park facilities are open and pressurized water systems are available May 1 through October 31. Facilities include (fees may apply): family cabins, electrical, tent and non-electrical campsites, playground, picnic facilities, shower house with flush toilets and hot water, waterfowl observation deck and more.
Commonly seen birds: Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Pintail, Ring-billed gull
Birds to look for: Bald Eagle, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Wilson’s Snipe
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Beaver
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2117003?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec
South Ravine Park is a 120-acre recreation site operated by the city of Sioux City. The natural trails showcase the loess bluffs of northwestern Iowa with prairie ridge tops and bottomland forest. Trail sections overlook South Ravine Creek.
The park also contains a monument to Rosalie Menard Leonais. Rosalie was believed to be the first bride of a non-Native American in the area that would become Sioux City. Rosalie Menard and Joseph Leonais were married by a traveling Catholic priest in 1853. She was in her teens and Joseph was about twenty-nine. Rosalie and Joseph had four children together: Joseph II, Josephine, Rosalie and William. Rosalie died in 1865, shortly after the birth of their son William. She was 27 years old.
Commonly seen birds: Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Cardinal, Cedar Waxwing
Birds to look for: Winter Wren, Carolina Wren, Black-headed Grosbeak
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Woodchuck
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy; trail edges
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L5701403?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec
Located one mile southwest of Smithland, near the Fowler Forest Preserve, the Southwood Conservation Area highlights some of the open grassland and timbered areas of the Loess Hills. Two ponds located in the park are stocked with bluegill, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Electric motors may be used in the ponds. Hiking trails take the visitor through a variety of habitats.
Southwood Conservation Area is the only county park allowing horse traffic with five miles of trails. There are four equestrian camping sites available. Trails may be temporarily closed due to wet conditions.
Park facilities are open May 1 through October 31. Family cabins are open year-round. All modern and primitive campsites are first-come, first-served basis with self-registration.
Public hunting is allowed within season.
Commonly seen birds: Ring-necked Pheasant, Wild Turkey, Turkey Vulture, Eastern Bluebird
Birds to look for: Barred Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Scarlet Tanager
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Red Fox, Coyote, Badger, Bobcat
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy; equestrians; public hunting in season
There is no eBird hot spot listing for Southwood Conservation Area as of May 2021.
Stone State Park consists of 1,069 acres in Woodbury and Plymouth Counties near Sioux City and includes the 90-acre Mount Talbot State Preserve. The park and preserve are operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Stone Park is near the northernmost extent of the Loess Hills. A variety of prairie plants can be found on the steep slopes and ridges while a bur oak forest resides in the valleys. Stone Park and Mount Talbot feature over 75 native plants and 42 species of butterflies. The park contains many miles of hiking and mixed use (equestrian, hiking, mountain biking) trails, and is a popular destination for day visitors, overnight campers, mountain bike enthusiasts, and picnickers. Some trails connect with the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center trail system.
Commonly seen birds: Turkey Vulture, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Baltimore Oriole
Birds to look for: Broad-winged Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker, Barred Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker, American Woodcock
Other Inhabitants: White-tailed Deer, Red Fox, Coyote
Be aware of: ticks; poison ivy
A species list compiled from eBird observations can be found here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1156638