Bank Swallow Bend Wildlife Area
Bank Swallow Bend — named for the bank swallow colony that lives in the banks of the South River which bisects the area — is a 542-acre wetland and upland complex, providing habitat for diverse wildlife. It offers a variety of public uses, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. The property is part of the Federal Wetlands Reserve Program, designed to keep flood-prone areas out of development. The area provides critical winter cover for local wildlife. Migrating waterfowl, especially in the spring, use the area heavily.
Bank Swallow Bend is the result of over two-years work by a wide-ranging public-private partnership including the INHF, Pheasants Forever (without the persistence and generosity of the Warren County Chapter, this project would not have happened), the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Fund and Iowa DNR, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (a Federal program), Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP, a state program), and Ducks Unlimited.
Location
Address:
12565 168th Avenue
Ackworth, IA 50001
Directions:
Bank Swallow Bend Wildlife Area is located 8 miles east of Indianola off of Highway 92. Take Highway 92 east out of town for 4 miles. Turn south on S23. Follow S23 to the intersection of S23 and 168th Avenue. Head south to the address on 168th.
VIEW PARK MAP HERE
Features
Bank Swallow Bend Wildlife Area contains 542 acres of wetland/upland wildlife area that provides habitat for
many types of wetland wildlife, including many neotropical migrant
birds such as bitterns. There are miles of mowed fire breaks that act as trails for people to explore the vast area. Hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed here. There is also an active Bald Eagle nest on the property.
Operating Hours & Seasons
