Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, United States.
Description
Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in northern Iowa located where two major watersheds meet. The property spans over 3,000 acres of tallgrass prairie and wetland, with two main access areas for visitors to explore.
History
The refuge was founded in 1938 and protects a pre-glacial riverbed where ancient watercourses once converged. Its creation helped preserve these fragile landscapes from agricultural conversion and allowed native species to return.
Culture
The refuge serves as a nesting ground for trumpeter swans and protects rare plants like prairie bush-clover that are found nowhere else in the area. Visitors can observe the return of these large waterfowl, which had disappeared from the region for generations.
Practical
The refuge has two access areas: Buffalo Creek Bottoms is open year-round for hiking, while Schwob Marsh follows state hunting seasons. Visitors should check which section is accessible for their intended visit period.
Did you know?
The flat landscape creates an unusual hydrological system where wind direction influences water flow through the wetlands. This rare combination of shallow waters and wind-driven drainage makes the site hydrologically distinctive.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Kossuth County).
Surf Ballroom
60.9 km
Grotto of the Redemption
44.4 kmNational Hobo Convention
32.8 km
Pilot Knob State Park
45.4 km
Henry Adams Building
25.6 km
Martin County Courthouse
50.1 km
Boone River Bridge
49.2 km
Rhodes Mill
56.3 km
Kossuth County Courthouse
25.7 km
Red Rock Center for the Arts
49.7 km
Hancock County Courthouse
46.5 km
Avery Theatre
46.3 km
Church of the Good Shepherd-Episcopal
39.5 km
Emmet County Courthouse
59.9 km
Faribault County Courthouse
40.2 km
Palo Alto County Courthouse
49.5 km
Fairmont Opera House
49.8 km
Renwick Generating Plant
51.6 km
Winnebago County Courthouse
38.7 km
Ellsworth Ranch Bridge
42.6 km
Orville P. and Sarah Chubb House
50.2 km
Emmetsburg Public Library
49.4 km
Lu Verne City Jail
41.3 km
George E. Stubbins House
32.8 km
Charles J. Thompson House
38.7 km
Brugjeld-Peterson Family Farmstead District
47.5 km
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Albion Avenue
49.7 km
Estherville
60.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes