When it comes to natural beauty, Iowa is full of wonders that will take your breath away. We all know about Pikes Peak, the Loess Hills, and Maquoketa Caves, but how often do you discover some place that’s been hiding this whole time? The Kuehn Conservation Area is an 800 acre preserved forest with hiking trails and educational displays, and it’s been dedicated to helping tell the story of the Native Americans that once called this home.

There is a beautiful hidden gem is right in the shadow of our largest city - just half an hour from Des Moines, you'll find an incredible natural wonder that's been hiding in plain sight.
Facebook / Kuehn Conservation Area
Explore the breathtaking Kuehn Conservation Area, where you'll find hundreds of acres of untouched natural beauty waiting to be found. This land was home to Native Americans for centuries, and has been dedicated to help commemorate their heritage
Google Local / Joseph Slegers
At the center of the park, you'll find a few educational displays that help tell the stories of the Native Americans that once lived on this land. There's even a teepee here.
Google Local / Erin Lantz
Every year, the Kuehn Conservation Area shows off its history and heritage at the Prairie Awakens Celebration, hosted by local Native American activists. This pow-wow and celebration is open to the public and is held the weekend after Labor Day.
Facebook / Dallas County Conservation Board

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Visitors love the miles of trails for hiking, and the birdwatching here is among the best in Iowa.
Google Local / Wilhelmus VanderKalien
Wildflowers line the trails all summer long and well into the fall.
Google Local / Janine Nelson
The gentle creek through the park is the perfect place to wade and cool off under the hot summer sun.
Google Local / Scott Joens
So go ahead, take some time and drive out to Dallas County, where you'll find one of the state's best natural wonders hiding right in plain sight. Kuehn Conservation Area is truly a gem.
Google Local / Malcolm Reynolds

You can find the Kuehn Conservation Area at 32849 Houston Trail, Earlham, IA 50072. They do offer primitive camping sites if you’d like to make a longer trip out of your visit!

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