Woodland Mounds State Preserve — Attraction in Indianola

One of my favorite spots in Iowa. Thousands of years of human habitation have left the hills and spurs and ravines and pools chalk-full of secrets. There is an incredible variety of birds living in these woods- especially thrushes. Gray-Cheeked, Swainson’s, Wood thrushes and veery fill the creek beds with their booming voices. Strong populations of flycatchers and redstarts. Additionally, these woods are much less oppressed by the invasive honeysuckle that plagues so many of our woodlands. Without honeysuckle smothering the floor, one may find Allegheny Blackberry here in abundance. There is much to learn here, for those that...

Take the left fork when you start down the trail for more secluded, wooded trail. Not flat but easy enough. So many acorns on the trail. Some mounds hard to reccognize. Only couple could tell for sure. Take the alternate path back for wider and often meadow route. Sign to park entrance only...

Very wooded. Hiking trails are well maintained. No playgrounds just walking trails. There is a bathroom by the parking lot but due to covid it's close for now. No markers on the trail so take a picture of the map on the parking lot info board. Not an easy walk, I would say moderate. You go up...