A Working Elk Farm With Plenty To Do And See, Wildlife Lakes Elk Farm In Iowa Is Truly A Must Visit Spot
By Ben Jones|Published March 10, 2021
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Ben Jones
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Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
In southeast Iowa, you’ll find a farm that’s like no other. Wildlife Lakes Elk Farm produces a variety of elk products in a gorgeous natural setting. The farm is located about 10 minutes from the Mississippi River, just outside of West Burlington. If you visit the farm, you’ll not only learn some interesting things about elk – you’ll also discover that there’s much more to this beautiful and unusual place.
The farm offers tours upon request and on the tour, you'll learn a lot about these majestic creatures and get to see them up close. Elks are social animals - in the wild they live in large herds.
Every year, bull elk shed and grow new antlers, so at certain times of year you may not see many antlers on the farm. Elk typically shed antlers between January and April.
Elk antlers have a soft covering called velvet - in the wild, this rubs off as males bang into each other to compete for mates. Studies have indicated female elk prefer males with the most antlers. This male elk is the equivalent of Brad Pitt.
You may spot some trumpeter swans or cygnets (baby swans). The farm is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on returning these majestic birds back to the wild. Stop by in the spring to hear their distinctive call.
The farm sells a variety of elk products, including steaks, jerky and brats. According to the farm, elk tastes delicious, and compared to beef, it’s lower in fat and higher in protein. The farm’s owners can also make recommendations on local restaurants that serve the farm’s elk meat. Elk are not the only unusual animals you’ll find on an Iowa farm. This amazing farm is filled with kangaroos.
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