Report fish and wildlife violations to the Turn
in Poachers (TIP)
Program by calling 1-800-532-2020. Provide as much
information as possible while
remaining annonymous. A
conservation officer will be
dispatched to investigate.
Snowshoeing
at Thorpe
Park--Sunday,
February 12th, at
Thorpe Park
Artifact
Road Show--Sunday,
February 26th,
at TSB Bank in
Forest City
Festival
of Owls Bus
Trip--Saturday,
March 3rd, to
Houston, MN View all
Events >
Parks and Wildlife Areas
Poaching
is a Crime! Please
report fish and wildlife
violations to the Turn
in Poachers (TIP) Program
by calling 1-800-532-2020. Provide
as much information as possible
while remaining anonymous. A
conservation officer will be
dispatched to investigate.
The
WCCB has banned bringing
quarantined firewood
into our county parks and
wildlife areas. The
Emerald
Ash Borer has been
discovered in Iowa.
The EAB is a very
destructive pest
that has already destroyed
tens of millions of trees
around the Great Lakes.
As a result, the WCCB has
adopted the following
policy: In accordance with
state and federal
guidelines, the
Conservation Board hereby
prohibits the importation
of firewood from select
states under the federal
Emerald Ash Borer
quaratine and/or Iowa
counties under the Iowa
Department of Land
Stewardship quarantine,
and is hereby adopted for
all lands and areas under
the Conservation Board's
control. Please be aware of this
if you are planning to visit
our county areas.
If you have any questions,
contact our office.
For more information about the
Emerald Ash Borer, visitemeraldashborer.info.
An asterisk (*) denotes an
area that is part of the
Winnebago River Greenbelt.
3035
Highway 9, Leland--Located 3 miles
north of Forest City on Highway 69
(N43°19.676'/
W93°38.488'--west
entrance)
(N43°19.302'/W93°38.228'--east
entrance)
Hunting
Allowed - Upland
Hunting / Wetland Hunting Fishing
- Lake (32 acres)/ River Boating
Allowed -
Canoeing / Electric Motors Only Picnicking
- Picnic Tables / Grills / Open
Shelter Water
- Drinking Water Special
Notes -
Playground, Geocache
Formerly a rest area, this multi-use
complex now contains a mixture of
uplands and wetlands, providing
excellent wildlife habitat. Located
along the Winnebago River, and
containing 21 acres of ponds, this
area is especially popular for
fishing. Fish include northern pike,
largemouth bass, catfish, and
bluegills. The area also serves as
an access point for the Winnebago
River Water Trail.
22920 470th
Street, Lake Mills--Located 1 mile
north of Lake Mills on R74
(N43°26.792'/
W93°32.249')
Hunting
Allowed - Upland
Hunting / Forest Hunting
Made up primarily of burr oak
timber, and located adjacent to the
Larson-Tweed Wildlife Area, this
area is a popular location for
turkey and deer hunting.
Hunting
Allowed - Upland
Hunting / Wetland Hunting / Forest
Hunting Fishing
- Stream / River
Special Notes -Geocache,
Geocache
Named after founding WCCB member Dr.
Carroll Block, the area consists of
restored prairie uplands and
wetlands as well as Winnebago River
bottoms. An abandoned railroad
right-of-way containing native
prairie cuts through the middle of
the area. There are also several
winter-cover food plots. This area
is popular with hunters seeking
waterfowl, upland birds, deer, and
wild turkey.
21179 485th
Street, Lake Mills--Located 4 miles
northwest of Lake Mills on A16
(N43°27.992'/
W93°34.412')
Hunting
Allowed - Upland
Hunting / Wetland Hunting / Forest
Hunting Fishing
- Stream / River Camping
- Electric Sites (8 sites-$5/night)
Boating
Allowed -
Canoeing / Gas Motors Allowed Picnicking
- Picnic Tables / Grills / Open
Shelter Water
- Drinking Water/ Pit Toilet Special
Notes -
Playground, Geocache
Located along the Winnebago River,
Dahle Park offers good fishing
opportunities, especially for
northern pike, in the river and in
several adjacent ponds. Situated in
a quiet oak timber, the park also
provides camping with electricity
and water. The park is also the
northernmost access point for the
Winnebago River Water Trail..
5. Florence Rec. Area and Trap
Shooting Range (35 acres) - VIEW AERIAL
MAP
42435 60th
Avenue, Thompson--Located 4 miles
west of Thompson on Highway 9 and a
half mile south
(N43°22.660'/
W93°51.133')
Hunting
Allowed -
Upland Hunting Fishing
- Lake (3 acres) Boating
Allowed -
Canoeing / Electric Motors Only Picnicking
- Picnic Tables / Grills / Open
Shelter Special
Note -
Playground, Trap Shooting Range (Contact
the WCCB for shooting hours.)
With a renovated, 3-acre, spring-fed
fishing pond, Florence provides
anglers with a good opportunity to
land bluegills, largemouth bass, and
catfish. The area also contains a
restored prairie and is popular with
pheasant hunters and trap shooters.
34500
30th Avenue, Woden-- Located 9 1/2
miles south of Buffalo Center on R20
(N43°15.736'/W93°54.710')
Hunting
Allowed - Forest
Hunting
This area was the first to be
acquired by the Winnebago County
Conservation Board. Today, this
wooded
area contains a mix of cottonwoods,
willows, and red cedars, and is a
popular spot for deer and squirrel
hunting. A foot trail also meanders
through the area.
2724
360th Street, Buffalo
Center--Located 8 miles south of
Buffalo Center on A42
(N43°17.063'/W93°56.234')
Hunting
Allowed - Upland
Hunting (restricted) Fishing
- Lake (1 acre) Water
- Flush Toilets Special
Note - Golf
Course / Restaurant
Willed to the Board in 1968 by Bert
Gruis, this area contains a 9-hole
public golf course, complete with
a driving range and clubhouse. Some
restricted hunting is allowed on the
area. For more information, call
641-926-5393.
46380 212th Avenue, Lake
Mills--Located between 212th Ave.
and the railroad
right-of-way
(N43°26.172'/ W93°33.145')
Hunting
Allowed
- Upland Hunting
Native prairie containing over 70
varieties of wildflowers and
grasses. Please no seed harvesting.
Located
along and south of U.S. Hwy 9
between Golf Course Rd. in Forest
City and 205th Ave.
(N43°16.211'/W93°37.602'--west
trailhead)
Trails
- Hiking / Biking
Managed by the WCCB, this asphalt
trail loops along Highway 9 and
340th Street, from Forest City to
Pilot Knob State Park. It is popular
with bicyclists, walkers, joggers,
and roller bladers. No motorized
vehicles area permitted.
10. Hogsback Wildlife Area and
Target Shooting Range (120 acres)
- VIEW
AERIAL MAP
48050 210th Avenue, Lake
Mills--Located 3 miles north of Lake
Mills on A16
(N43°27.597'/ W93°33.391')
Hunting
Allowed - Upland
Hunting / Wetland Hunting / Forest
Hunting Special Note - Geocache,
Target Shooting Range
Thousands of years ago, the glaciers
retreated from north Iowa, leaving
bluffs, such as the one here,
standing over adjacent marshlands.
This area contains a mixed oak
forest, as well as a nice mixture of
woodland wildflowers and native
grasses. The timbered areas are
especially popular with deer,
squirrel, and turkey hunters, and
waterfowl hunters take advantage of
the extensive wetlands at the foot
of the bluff. Target shooters also
enjoy the convenience of the target
shooting range.
Adjacent to the Winnebago River,
this area is the location of Stoney
Fjord, a popular spot for spring
northern pike fishing. Across the
railroad to the south, the area
continues with river bottom habitat
and
additional uplands.
12. Holland Prairie Conservation
& Youth Hunting Area (225
acres) * - VIEW AERIAL
MAP
19260 420th Street,
Leland--Located 2 miles north of
Leland and 1/2 mile east of the
north junction of
Highways 9 and 69
(N43°22.272'/W93°37.188'--west
parking lot)
(N43°22.299'/W93°36.715'--east
parking lot)
(N43°22.019'/W93°36.718'--south
parking lot)
Hunting
Allowed - Upland
Hunting / Wetland Hunting / Forest
Hunting (Hunting is
restricted to youth aged 15 and
under and a permit is required.
See information below.) Fishing
- Stream / River
This is the county's first ever
hunting & wildlife area
specifically for youth. It provides
young people with the unique
opportunity to have quality hunting
and outdoor experiences by allowing
only young hunters, aged 15 and
under, to hunt the area, as long as
they are accompanied by a licensed
adult, 21 years and over. A free
permit is required of the hunters
and a permit application can be
obtained here.
The permit allows for one youth and
one adult per hunting outing. No
more than two permits will be issued
simultaneously.
The area is also open to youth for
fishing, nature study, and other
compatible uses, but no trapping is
allowed on the area. Youth
organizations are encouraged to
utilize the area, as well. The idea
is to encourage more young people to
participate in outdoor recreational
opportunities and to hopefully carry
those experiences into adulthood.
As
of right now, all dates are
available to hunt this area.
Just submit a permit application
to reserve a date for you and a
youngster.
13. Jack Rabbit Meadow (80
acres)
14400 430th Street,
Thompson--Located 2 1/2 miles east
of Thompson, 1 mile north, and 1/4
mile
east on 430th Street
(N43°23.144'/W93°42.503')
This area, purchased with grants
from Pheasants Forever and the North
American Wetland Conservation Act,
contains restored wetlands and
uplands. Hunters can enjoy hunting
waterfowl, pheasants, and deer.
19947
440th Street, Lake Mills (Jensen
Tract)
43000 190th
Avenue, Lake Mills (Kvale
Tract)--Located 3 miles west of Lake
Mills at the intersection
of 440th Street and 190th Avenue
(N43°24.044'/W93°35.900'--Jensen
north parking lot)
(N43°23.174'/W93°35.827'--Kvale
area)
Divided by the Winnebago River,
which flows through the area, this
tract contains restored prairie and
wetlands, as well as a 5-acre
woodlot. A winter-cover food plot
usually is planted on the west side
of the river.
20145 470th Street, Lake
Mills--Located 2 1/2 miles west of
Lake Mills on Highway 69, 1 1/2
miles north
(N43°26.675'/ W93°34.635')
(N43°26.530'/ W93°35.806'--west
pond)
Hunting
Allowed - Upland
Hunting / Wetland Hunting Fishing
- Stream / River Boating
Allowed -
Canoeing / Gas Motors Allowed Special
Notes - Geocache,
Geocache
Set in a natural floodplain of the
Winnebago River, this area contains
natural and restored wetlands,
uplands, and fishing ponds. It was
the site of a log cabin used by an
early Winnebago County settler. The
cabin can now be observed in its
restored state at Heritage Park of
North Iowa in Forest City. It also
provides easy access to the
Winnebago River Water Trail.
Like the Hogsback Wildlife Area,
this area also contains a
glacially-formed ridge. Situated in
an oak-
savanna setting, this wildlife area
also consists of native and restored
prairies, as well as wetlands, and
is quite popular with deer and
turkey hunters.
This small cemetery is a true
"pioneer cemetery," providing the
final resting places of some of
Winnebago County's first residents.
Although the cemetery dates back
over 130 years, its management
became the job of the Winnebago
County Conservation Board in the
1990's. The Board took on the
responsibility after "discovering"
that the area was also an excellent
example of a virgin prairie,
containing an abundance of native
grasses and wildflowers, untouched
over the years.
19. Luke Rossiter Wildlife Area
(51 acres) - VIEW
AERIAL MAP
49265
70th Avenue, Thompson--Located 1 1/2
miles south of Thompson on R34, 3
miles west
(N43°20.722'/W93°49.976')
This area was acquired in 1987,
using money from the sale of habitat
stamps. It is an excellent example
of what Winnebago County looked like
when the first settlers arrived in
the 1800's. It contains both native
and restored wetlands and prairies
and many deer. It is also a good
area to see summer wildflowers.
Set along the Winnebago River, and
adjacent to the Winnebago River
Trail, this area is comprised of
natural wetlands, prairies, and oak
and willow woodlands. It was
purchased with habitat stamp money,
along with money donated by
Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited,
and the Iowa Natural Heritage
Foundation. In the fall, it becomes
a popular waterfowl hunting area.
21. Osmundson Slough (157 acres)
12759
390th Street, Thompson--Located 3
miles south and 2 miles east of
Thompson on 380th Street
This scenic area contains eleven
natural and restored wetlands, as
well as native prairie and restored
uplands. The mix of habitat makes
for excellent waterfowl, pheasant,
and deer hunting. It was purchased
with Habitat Stamp and REAP money,
as well as grants from Pheasants
Forever and the North American
Wetland Conservation Act.
This is the only public area in the
NW corner of Winnebago County. It
contains a restored prairie and
wetlands, as well as winter-cover
food plots. This area is popular
with upland bird and early-season
waterfowl hunters.
The Winnebago River flows through
this area. There is a restored
prairie, as well as wetlands and
some timber along the river. This
area is popular with waterfowl,
upland bird, and deer hunters.
Winter-cover food plots grow on both
sides of the river.
34222
100th Avenue, Forest City--Located 7
1/2 miles west of Forest City on
B14, 1 1/2 miles north
(N43°15.528'/W93°46.268')
Hunting
Allowed - Upland
Hunting / Wetland Hunting (Turkey
hunting is not allowed at the Russ
Wildlife Area.) Trails
- Hiking / CX Skiing / Equestrian Special
Note - Geocache
Lying just adjacent to the west side
of Thorpe Park, the Russ Area is a
fine example of past glacial
activity
in north central Iowa, containing a
40-acre march surrounded by rolling
hills. Oak timber covers some of the
hills, as do areas of natural and
restored prairie grasses. A trail
winds through the area, and an
observation deck along the trail
provides visitors with a panoramic
view.
34496 110th Avenue, Forest
City--Located 5 1/2 miles west of
Forest City on B14, 1 1/2 miles
north, 1
mile west
(N43°15.761'/ W93°45.219')
Hunting
Allowed -
Upland Hunting / Wetland Hunting /
Forest Hunting (Hunting
Restrictions--Deer and turkey
hunting is not allowed at Thorpe
Park. Waterfowl hunting is not
allowed on Thorpe
Park's Lake Catherine.) Fishing
- Lake (15 acres) Camping
- Electric (13 sites-$12/night),
Non-Electric Sites (2
sites-$8/night) Boating
Allowed -
Canoeing / Electric Motors Only Picnicking
- Picnic Tables / Grills / Open
Shelter Water
- Drinking Water / Pit Toilets Special
Notes
- Playground, Geocache,
Cabin,
Northland Interpretive Nature Trail
This park houses the offices of the
Winnebago County Conservation Board
and is truly a "multiple use" area.
It contains a wetland that is
popular with waterfowl hunters in
the fall, and 15-area Lake
Catherine, which provides a quiet
fishing spot year-round. Much of the
park is made up of an oak-hickory
savanna with numerous prairie areas.
A rental cabin along the lake
provides an excellent getaway, as
well! Trumpeter swans often nest at
the park, and the area is also
popular with family campers and
picnickers.
12380
340th Street, Forest City--Located 5
1/2 miles west of Forest City on
B14, 1 mile north
(N43°15.334'/93°44.792'--east
parking lot)
(N43°15.330'/93°45.208'--west
parking lot)
Hunting
Allowed - Upland
Hunting / Wetland Hunting / Forest
Hunting (Turkey hunting
is not allowed at the Thorpe
Recreation Area.)
Lying adjacent to Thorpe Park, this
area also contains an extensive
oak-hickory savanna, an upland
prairie, and a 30-acre wetland.
Popular with bow-hunters, it is
accessible from either the east side
or from Thorpe Park on the west.
28. Walker Prairie (29 acres)
34135 220th Avenue, Forest
City--Located 1 mile south of
Highway 9 along 220th Avenue
(N43*15.422'/W93*32.238')
Hunting Allowed
- Upland Hunting / Wetland
Hunting / Forest Hunting(Hunting
is restricted to archery only.)
This
area was generously donated to
the WCCB by the Charles Walker
family so that it could be
enjoyed by future generations.
It contains a wonderful mix of
wildlife habitat, including a
small wetland, a restored
prairie, and some mature
hardwood trees.
29. Winnebago County Home Farm
(568 acres) - VIEW AERIAL
MAP
22230 410th Street, Lake
Mills--Located 4 miles south of
Lake Mills on R72
(N43°21.426'/ W93°33.422')
Hunting
Allowed - Upland
Hunting / Wetland Hunting (200
acres
on
the
east
side of the area are open to
hunting and trapping only after
most of the crops have been
harvested in the fall. "Public
Hunting" signs will be posted at
that time.)
Gifted to Winnebago County in the
1930's, the farm is now enrolled in
the Wetland Reserve Program. Its
rolling hills have been restored to
prairie and its bottomlands now
contain wetlands. Upland bird, deer,
and waterfowl hunters use the area
in the fall. (NOTE: The area north
of 410th St. is designated as a
Canada Goose Refuge.)
40500
175th Avenue, Leland-- Located 1/2
mile east of Leland on A38, 1/2 mile
north
(N43°20.984'/ W93°37.325')
Hunting Allowed
- Upland Hunting / Wetland Hunting /
Forest Hunting Fishing
- Stream / River Special Note -
Geocache
This area provides a canoe access to
the Winnebago River, and also
contains a natural marsh and an
upland timber area.
31. Winnebago River Water Trail
(27 miles)*
North access at Dahle Park, south
access at Pammel Park in Forest City
Additional accesses are located at
the Lande River Conservation Area
and at the Ambroson Recreation
Area
Fishing
- Stream / River Boating
Allowed -
Canoeing See
specific accesses for other
amenities.
This is one of Iowa's newest
designated water trails! Put in at
Dahle Park, the Lande River
Conservation Area, or the Ambroson
Recreation Area and enjoy a
leisurely float down the river! What
will you see along the way? Check
out the official trail kiosk here!
Click
here
to download the Winnebago River
Trail map.
8. Hagen Prairie (7
acres) - 
