Shimek State Forest, Protected forest in southeastern Iowa, US
Shimek State Forest is a protected woodland area in southeastern Iowa comprised of five separate units totaling about 9,000 acres. The different sections feature oak-hickory forests, bottomland hardwoods, native prairie vegetation, and planted conifer stands.
The woodland area was established in the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps planted thousands of trees on abandoned farmland. This work formed part of broader efforts to transform neglected agricultural lands into protected forest spaces.
The forest takes its name from Dr. Bohumil Shimek, a University of Iowa professor who championed forest conservation in the state during the 1930s. This naming reflects how individual advocates shaped the protection of natural areas in Iowa.
The forest offers four campgrounds, several fishing lakes, and extensive trail networks for hikers, horse riders, and mountain bikers. The separate units are accessible by foot or vehicle and provide different activities depending on visitor interests.
The Lick Creek Unit features extensive equestrian trails and two specialized campgrounds with open-air stalls for horses. These facilities make it easy for visitors to accommodate their own horses during longer riding trips.
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