Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge - Prairie City, Iowa

Discover the Beauty of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, at Address: 9981 Pacific St, Prairie City, IA 50228, the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge stands as a testament to America's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Reached via Phone: 59943400 or by visiting their informative site Website: fws.gov, this refuge offers a unique blend of wildlife observation, educational opportunities, and recreational activities.

Key Features and Attractions

- Wildlife Watching: The refuge is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. With bison, elk, and a myriad of other species, visitors can immerse themselves in nature's splendor.
- Educational Opportunities: The Education Center at Neal Smith offers insightful programs that foster a deeper understanding of local ecosystems and conservation efforts.
- Recreational Activities: Whether you're into hiking, biking, or picnicking, the refuge caters to all interests. Trails vary from short 1-mile walks to 4.5-mile hikes, with a scenic 5-mile auto trail for those who prefer a leisurely ride.
- Accessibility: Committed to inclusivity, the refuge features an accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating areas. Dogs are also welcome, ensuring a pleasant experience for the whole family.

What Visitors Say

With an impressive 495 reviews on Google My Business, the consensus is clear: visitors leave with unforgettable memories. Opinions rave about the calming nature wilderness and the joy of spotting wildlife like the majestic bison roaming freely. The average rating is a solid 4.7/5, reflecting high satisfaction among visitors.

Planning Your Visit

For those considering a trip, here are some tips:

- Check the Conditions: Due to occasional flooding, some facilities may be closed. Always verify the latest updates on their official website.
- Prepare for Exploration: Bring comfortable shoes for hiking, sunscreen, and plenty of water. The on-site services include picnic areas and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable stay.
- Family-Friendly Fun: With kid-friendly hikes and accessible facilities, Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for families looking to spend a day outdoors.

Final Recommendation

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the tranquility and beauty of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Contact them through their website to plan your visit, grab any necessary information, and prepare for an enriching adventure that promises to reconnect you with nature. Whether you're a wildlife fan, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this refuge offers something for everyone. Visit fws.gov today to start planning your journey to this remarkable natural sanctuary.

👍 Reviews of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Dan E.

4/5

Featuring hiking and biking trails, bison, elk, and plenty of calming nature wilderness, the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is a great getaway just a half-hour from Ankeny. Paved and some gravel roads. Building is closed due to recent flooding. Trails range from a mile-long to 4.5 miles, and there is a five-mile auto trail. Enjoyed seeing the bison roam!

Will H.

5/5

Gotta love Praire life.. this is a great National Wildlife Preserve with multiple hiking and biking trails and a 5 mile auto tour. Buffalo and Elk viewing from the fenced area. The visitor center is currently closed from storm damage. Parking areas, vault toilet bathrooms and trails are still open for day use. I had 3 bars of Verizon 4G LTE Roaming. Parking is plentiful with room for any size rig or RV.

Ted P.

4/5

Worth a walk on any of the trails. Amazed by the variety of flowers and plants. Great views. No Buffalo in view today but saw a couple on way out of the park. Wish the property was open but it is open on a limited schedule. I did not find the limited schedule on the internet. Also with the facility would have better maintenance. Lots of little stuff that should be done seems to be piling up.

wyman M.

5/5

For about 20 years, we have seen the brown signs on the highway about this place. We finally stopped. We should have done it sooner. It was well worth the visit. This is a very nice, clean, professional, educational display of prairie life in Iowa . This would be good for any age, but especially school children. Very well done! The facilities are nice. They do have a gift shop.

Ian M.

5/5

Beautiful Iowa morning on opening day!! FABULOUS!

Shane H.

5/5

This place is great! We've driven the road through the refuge many times & numerous times we've seen the buffalo up near the road. The last couple times we were there we actually saw the elk out running around. If you have some time to kill definitely make it out to drive the refuge road. You may not see the animals everytime but it's pretty incredible when you do!

Jennifer C. (.

5/5

It’s a wonderful place to go for a Sunday afternoon drive, there are 3 stops along the way that you can pull over, and get out of your car. There are trails you can walk or bike and the visitors center is really cool, it features an art gallery, exhibits, and a picnic area. And if you love the night sky this is the place to go, on a clear night you can see the Milky Way!

Alice B.

5/5

Very cool stop on our 30 day roadtrip. The bison came within 5' of our truck on the auto tour. Made for some great pictures and incredible viewing. Really cool staff and park ranger. They clearly feel passionately for the exceptional work they're doing on the prairie. Well done!