Parks & Conservation Areas
Map of Wapello County Parks & Conservation Areas
Blanchard Hills Wildlife Area
Agency , IA
Blanchard Hills Wildlife Area
Acres
42
Site Amenities
None
Recreational Activities
- Hunting
- Wildlife Viewing
Classification
- Natural Environment Area
- Wildlife Area
- Grassland
- Woodland
- Cliffs
Acquired
2022
Bluewing Marsh Nature Area
1216 85th streetBatavia, IA 52533
Bluewing Marsh Nature Area
The area is located along a dirt road so access is somewhat limited depending on road conditions. The grassland consists of mixed prairie grasses and forbs. The 6-acre, seasonal wetland is an excellent resting place for migrating waterfowl during the fall and spring. Many species of ground-nesting birds can be found throughout the restored grassland.
Location
Eastern Wapello County, 1 mile North of Hwy. 34 on 20th Ave. and 1/2 mile East on 85th St.
This area is 1/2 mile west of the Wapello/Jefferson County line located off a dirt road.
Acres
40
Recreational Activities
- Upland and Waterfowl Hunting
- Wildlife Viewing
- Photography
Classification
- Natural Environment Area
- Wildlife Area
Acquired
2008
Cardinal Wildlife Area
4558 35th AveEldon, IA 52554
Cardinal Wildlife Area
The majority of this area has been restored to native prairie. An oak grove occurs on the east end of the property with Rock Creek flowing along most of the northern border.
Although small, this area can provide good upland game hunting.
Acres
40
Site Amenities
None
Recreational Activities
- Hunting
- Wildlife Viewing
Classification
- Natural Environment Area
- Wildlife Area
- Grassland
Acquired
2000
DeVol Wildlife Area
This area is managed as a wildlife area with just over 40 acres restored to native prairie. Wapello County Conservation Board leases approximately 37 acres on the west nearly one-half of the property for agricultural production.
Location
4 miles north of Ottumwa off Highway 149 at 170th St; Richland Twn.
Acres
80
Site Amenities
None
Recreational Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Photography, Hunting (Pheasant, Rabbit, Deer), Hiking
Classification
Natural Environment Area, Wildlife Area
Eddyville Sand Dunes Prairie
23125 182nd StEddyville, IA 52553
Eddyville Sand Dunes Prairie
The plant/animal inhabitants of the Eddyville Dunes represent one of the most complete, although fragile prairie communities in Iowa. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to find another place in Iowa where you can see as many different kinds of plants and animals as you can at the Eddyville Sand Prairie area. A great place to explore with field guides, camera, and binoculars. Open to bow hunting for deer and turkey only.
Location
One mile east of Eddyville. Take G77 east to the first gravel road east of Eddyville High School – 232nd Ave. Turn south (right) onto 232nd to 182nd St. then west (right) to road closure gate. The parking lot is on the north (right) side of the road. Columbia Twp.
Acres
225
Site Amenities
Picnic shelter and tables; 1.4 mile rock hiking/interpretive trail
[button url=https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Wapello/Park/Eddyille-Sand-Dunes-Prairie/Facility/Shelter-Eddyville-Dunes.aspx]Shelter Reservations[/button]
Recreational Activities
- Wildlife viewing
- Photography
- Hiking
- Archery hunting only for deer and turkey.
Classification
Unique/Natural Area
Acquired
Management Agreement Established in 2002, ownership in 2010.
Garrison Rock Resource Management Unit
6951 Cliffland RdOttumwa, IA 52501
Garrison Rock Resource Management Unit
Much of the open areas were farmed, grazed or hayed prior to WCCB’s ownership. Prairie restoration is underway on the balance of the open ground making it ideal turkey and deer habitat. Garrison Rock is actually a large sand stone out crop overlooking the Des Moines River valley. This area is very important historically being a Native American gathering site and one of the first places European settlers occupied in Wapello County. A Pioneer Cemetery occupies a bluff top overlooking the Des Moines River. Both Native Americans and early settlers used Horse Thief Cave for shelter, which collapsed over 50 years ago. During the early 1900’s, Garrison Rock was a must see site for all of the local townsfolk. Horse drawn buggies and sleighs would carry Ottumwa residents out to the area to picnic, hike and explore Horse Thief Cave. Garrison Rock is a high quality oak/hickory forest resource with excellent plant and animal diversity.
Location
About 2 miles southeast of Ottumwa on Cliffland Road. The parking lot is located in the northeast corner of section 4, Keokuk Township
Acres
302
Site Amenities
None
Recreational Activities
- Wildlife Viewing
- Photography
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Hiking
Classification
Natural Area
Acquired
2003
Gray Eagle Wildlife Preserve
6733 120th AveOttumwa, IA 52501
Gray Eagle Wildlife Preserve
Water levels fluctuate with the river. When river levels are high, wetland water levels are high. During spring and fall migrations, a high concentration and diversity of waterfowl, shorebirds and migratory songbirds can be found here. The large deposition of sand and gravel provide a unique opportunity to observe many riparian wildlife species found along the Des Moines River.
Location
Located on south edge of Ottumwa, immediately south of Hwy 34 / Iowa Ave intersection.
Acres
142
Site Amenities
- Parking
- Walk-in area
Recreational Activities
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Photography
- Fishing.
Classification
- Natural Environment Area
- Wildlife Preserve
Acquired By
Hormel Donation Ducks Unlimited
Johnson/Noel Buckeye Wildlife Area
Some of the area is located in the Cedar Creek floodplain and during high water can flood some of the lower lying areas. This area is composed of good deer and turkey habitat and a great place to take a leisurely hike. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation assisted in the purchase of this property.
Location
About 7 miles northeast of Agency. Take County Rd. V43 north to Bladensberg, then east on Bladensberg (Co. H31) Road 2.5 miles; Pleasant Twp.
Acres
114
Site Amenities
None
Recreational Activities
- Wildlife Viewing
- Photography
- Hunting
Classification
- Natural Environment Area
- Wildlife Area
Kirkville Wildlife Area
Location
Located on 185th Ave (dirt road)
Acres
172
Site Amenities
Parking Lot
Recreational Activities
- Wildlife Viewing
- Photography
- Hunting
Classification
- Natural Environment Area
- Wildlife Area
Pearson Park
It is the future site of Pearson Park, which we hope will include native prairie plantings, an orchard, an educational building, and trails among other plans. Watch as this plan takes root and grows.
Location
About two miles NE of Ottumwa on Old Eddyville Road
Acres
36
Site Amenities
None at this time
Classification
- Natural Environment Area
- Wildlife Area
Pioneer Ridge Nature Area
1339, US Hwy 63Bloomfield, IA 52537
Pioneer Ridge Nature Area
The topography is rolling with the primary vegetation type consisting of relatively mature oak/hickory timber and open grass ridge tops. An effort is underway to convert all of the non-native pasture grasses to diverse native prairie as well as restore oak savanna plant communities. With Pioneer Ridge Nature Center on site, a major focus of this area is educating both youth and adults in environmental and natural resource management issues. Primitive and electric campsites are available in a small campground. The area also has two fully furnished, modern log cabins, and two camping cabins available for rent all year. An extensive trail system allows users to traverse this beautiful area by foot, bike or horseback.
Location
Six miles south of Ottumwa on Hwy 63
Acres
995
Site Amenities
Nature Center with interpretive displays and programming, a half mile paved handicapped trail, two open shelters with picnic tables, grills, water and restrooms, over 12 miles of multi-use trails, four fishing ponds and a bird observation blind. Two modern log cabins and two camping cabins are available for rent year round. Nine (9) electric campsites and three (3) primitive campsites are available in small campground.
Reservations can be made on my.countyparks.com
Recreational Activities
- Camping
- Environmental Education Programming
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Fishing
- Shelter rentals for special events
- Weddings
- Reunions
- Meetings
- Social gatherings
- Education Garden
- Public Hunting in selected areas
- Wildlife Viewing, Photography
Classification
Multiple Use Area
Acquired
1977: Ayers Addition 2012
Rock Bluff Park
The west side of the road is made up of undeveloped oak/hickory timber open to public hunting. To the east of the road is an upper and lower area located on the banks of the Des Moines River. The lower area is an excellent area to bank fish or simply enjoy leisurely time along the river shoreline. The upper area is a great place to hike along the river bluff and enjoy the sprawling white oaks that grow on the south-facing slope.
Location
From HWY 34 West at Quincy Place Mall take H21 (Rock Bluff Road) North and West approximately 4 miles to the park; Center Twp.
Acres
32
Site Amenities
- Picnic tables
- Fire Rings
Recreational Activities
- Picnicking
- Fishing (river)
- Wildlife Viewing
- Photography
- Hunting (west side of road only)
Classification
Park and Natural Environment Area
Sycamore Wildlife Area
In the middle of the area is a 5-acre fishing pond stalked with catfish, bluegill, and bass. The pond is only a short hike from the parking lot. The parking lot is located on the east side of the area off Sycamore Road. The habitat on the area is suitable for upland game birds, deer, and other wildlife that prefer a mix of grasslands and a grassland/brushy edge. Located just outside of Ottumwa this area offers city residents a chance to get out and explore a natural area with a beautiful stocked 5-acre pond.
Location
2 miles north of Ottumwa on Sycamore Rd. just south of Hwy. 163 and Ottumwa Airport
Acres
40
Site Amenities
- 5 Acre Fishing Pond
- Parking
Recreational Activities
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Photography
- Hunting
Classification
- Natural Environment Area
- Wildlife Area
Acquired
2008
