Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is a nature preserve in Iowa featuring restored prairie and wetland habitats for native plants and animals. The site includes walking trails, a bike path, and a self-guided auto route through areas where bison and elk roam.

The refuge was established in 1990 on land originally planned for a nuclear power plant. This decision turned abandoned industrial land into a thriving ecosystem recovery project for the tallgrass prairie.

The site hosts a learning center where visitors can join guided programs and talks about prairie ecosystems and native wildlife. These programs help people understand how the landscape shaped the region's identity.

The refuge is open year-round and has trails suited for different activity levels and interests. Stop at the visitor center near the entrance to get oriented and pick up maps before heading out.

The refuge maintains a herd of bison and elk within a large fenced enclosure to recreate how the prairie historically looked. Visitors can see these large animals up close, which is a rare sight in today's landscape.

Location: Jasper County

Inception: 1990

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/neal_smith

GPS coordinates: 41.57540,-93.27390

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40