What to see & do
The Driftless Area Wetlands Centre offers visitors the opportunity to explore wildlife of the prairie and wetlands in northeast Iowa. Trails remain open, but the Nature Center is closed through May 31st due to COVID-19. Updates will be posted as things develop.
Learn about the unique Driftless Area of Iowa through indoor and outdoor nature displays. Identify prairie wildflowers springing up from the native prairie and wetland plantings, along with a variety of pollinators. Picnic in the roundhouse pavilion and let the kids roam free to explore and discover. Take a walk along the universally accessible trail to the observation deck where you can spot dragonflies, frogs and turtles. Admission is available at no cost and staff is on hand to assist visitors.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
Learn about the unique Driftless Area of Iowa through indoor and outdoor nature displays. Identify prairie wildflowers springing up from the native prairie and wetland plantings, along with a variety of pollinators. Picnic in the roundhouse pavilion and let the kids roam free to explore and discover. Take a walk along the universally accessible trail to the observation deck where you can spot dragonflies, frogs and turtles. Admission is available at no cost and staff is on hand to assist visitors.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
- Explore the wetland wildlife with dip nets on the observational deck. Staff is on hand to assist and equipment is provided.
- Nature Play Trail with butterfly garden, hollow logs, willow huts, wildlife viewing blind, swinging bridge and more!
- Search for birds, frogs, turtles, muskrats & crayfish
- Check out a replica bald eagle nest
- Hike through the wildflowers in the prairie/wetland and watch for butterflies
- Search for fossils in the sand pit
- Watch the trains from a safe distance
- Experience first-hand the importance of wetlands to wildlife and our waterways
- Handicap accessible facility, picnic area & trail
