Bruggeman Wildlife Area

Discover Bruggeman Wildlife Area in Dunkerton

Bruggeman Park contains 359 acres of primarily floodplain timber with the Wapsi River running through the parks interior.  The north end of the property had extensive damage by the EF-5 tornado of 2008.  Some of the damage done to the trees were cleared by a logging company but much of the damage due to the storm is still very apparent within the park boundaries.  With the recent prairie addition to the park the entire area now encompasses 484 acres.

The prairie addition contains a mix of wet areas and a quality tallgrass prairie that will provide good upland bird hunting along with wildlife viewing. The Wapsipinicon River is designated as a Protected Water Area (PWA) and important Bird Conservation Area (BCA) due to its uniqueness and wildlife diversity.  It is common to see migratory bird species such as the sand hill crane in early spring along stretches of the river corridor.

The Wapsipinicon River Water Trail also traverses its way through the center of this property, allowing paddlers to enjoy the wild beauty and undeveloped section of the river. 

Prairie species quite possibly found within the prairie area:
Common prairie species

Park boundaries may not be clearly marked in all locations within the park so please be aware of park boundaries and respect private property.