Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge — Attraction in Colfax

"Breaking the prairie was the most beautiful, the most epochal, the most hopeful, and as I look back on it, in one way the most pathetic thing man ever did, for in it, one of the loveliest things ever created began to come to it's predestinated end." - Herbert Quick, Vandemark's Folly (1922)

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is doing something truly special in terms of natural restoration of landscape. A lot of hard work, time, & dedication went into becoming & maintaining this beautiful native prairie habitat. This could have been a nuclear power plant, but instead became this wonderful place.

The historical & cultural value here is as diverse as the prairielands themselves. From the the people who lived with the prairie, to the animals & plants that reside within, It was very interesting to learn how ecologically important the disappearing prairies are to both us, AND the natural landscape.

You take a relatively short drive (or hike, if you wish) to explore the reserve. I HIGHLY recommend being accompanied by the companion app for learning about the reserve, as well as the flora & fauna of the native prairielands. In the Play store search, "Neal Smith NWR App", & keep a look out for the numbered brown bison signs. 1# is located in the Visitor Center parking lot! It is a perfect education tool, simple, informative, & to the point.

I HIGHLY recommend visiting.

Enjoy your time on the...

This wildlife refuge was a delightful discovery. Visiting is free of charge. There are several walking trails and a biking trail. There is a newly constructed vault (pit) toilet near the visitor's center. The visitor's center has limited hours but the outdoor areas are open from dawn to dusk.

There is a 5-mile auto-tour where you can drive your vehicle through the bison and elk enclosure. This is a multi-acre fenced area where the animals roam freely. What a delight to see free roaming bison in Iowa! During our visit in mid October, we saw 20-30 of them. We saw the remnants of robust prairie vegetation. It's probably beautiful in the spring and summer. Located about halfway between Pella and Des Moines, this is a must-see natural area for...

Greeter was rude to my handicapped grandson and me. Rude when we entered. Then I was trying g to use the telescope with my grandson and while I was taking my glasses off he walked in front of me and took the telescope. At the end of visit they closed the gift shop in front of us at 3:50 and I planned on spending a significant amount if money there. In asking about auto tour he pulled the map from my hand in a rude manner. I'm sure he's a volunteer but my grandson and I were extremely disappointed in being treated this way. The location and facility was wonderful. It is the staff that I take extreme...