Visit The Magnificent Wildlife Refuge In Iowa That's Home To More Than 240 Types Of Bird
By Kim Magaraci|Published June 18, 2019
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Kim Magaraci
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Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Iowa is home to hundreds of unique animals, from rare birds, to bobcats, to stunning, slithering snakes. When you want to see Iowa’s diverse ecosystems up close, head to De Soto National Wildlife Refuge in Western Iowa to fall in love with the incredible world hiding inside the world that you know.
De Soto National Wildlife Refuge is one of Iowa's most incredible hidden gems, and you've got to plan a visit.
In the winter, thousands of Snow Geese stop here on their migration trail. Seeing them all flock together on the water and in the sky is a sight you will never forget.
All in all, there are more than 240 species of birds that make this Western Iowa refuge their home. Keep an eye out for the quirky yellow-headed blackbirds in the reeds near the visitor's center.
Because the refuge is so close to the Missouri River, when it floods, many of the roads close. You can still spot beautiful birds from the Visitor's Center!
Each year, thousands and thousands of Monarch butterflies stop here. One of De Soto's missions is to help protect and preserve these incredibly important beauties.
Of course, there are more than just birds here! Reptiles, amphibians, and more than 30 different species of mammal hang out at De Soto, enjoying the preserved wetland habitat.
You’ll want to call the De Soto National Wildlife Refuge’s Visitor’s Center to get an update about the status of the park, considering it has had a rough spring thanks to local flooding.
Address: 1434 316th Lane, Missouri Valley, IA, 51555
