Brushy Bayou Wildlife Area

Discover Brushy Bayou Wildlife Area in Emmetsburg

This 112-acre timber is located four miles southeast of Emmetsburg. This area provides habitat for wood ducks, furbearers, deer, wild turkey, and home to many species of songbirds. Brushy Bayou is one of the largest public timber tracts in Palo Alto County and has 2.5 miles of the old Des Moines River bend acting as a large oxbow system. Silver maple, green ash, and cottonwood are the dominant tree species. The Great Blue Heron is known to nest high in trees along the river at Brushy Bayou. This area has an excellent trail for hikers and cross-country skiers. This area provides an excellent opportunity for people to view many woodland species in Palo Alto County!