Woodland Mounds Preserve
There is a special sense of timelessness in the majestic timber at Woodland Mounds State Preserve. It is part of one of the largest continuous stands of timber remaining in the county. The unique qualities of this beautiful wooded ridge above the South River have been recognized by inhabitants of this country for thousands of years. Woodland Mounds State Preserve is a unique natural heritage landform with an extremely high diversity of flora an fauna. An additional 140 acres are leased for public access. View the features below to guide your next visit to this amazing, public property!
Location
Address:
19587 Kirkwood Street
Ackworth, IA 50125
Directions:
Woodland Mounds State Preserve is located 8 miles east of Indianola off of Highway 92. Take Highway 92 east out of town for 4 miles. Turn south on 165th. Follow 165th until you arrive at Kennedy Street. Turn east. Turn east again at Keokuk Street which turns into Kirkwood Street to the address.
Map:
Click here for park map
Features
Woodland Mounds State Preserve contains 185 acres of timber that provides habitat for many types of woodland wildlife, including many neotropical migrant birds such as warblers. The western side of the park was funded by the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Grant and is open to hunting. An additional 140 acres are leased on the east side for public access and passive recreation, currently acting as a wildlife refuge based on our leased restrictions. A series of Woodland Indian mounds are also in the park and can be access by the maintenance trails or burn breaks throughout both properties. Please be respectful of the cultural resources, the natural resources, and property boundary restrictions. View the .pdf file maps, below, to help guide your public recreation interests!
Brief History: In the late 1800s, this site attracted European settlers for the exposed rock. An area on one of the sidehills was dug out by local farmers to unearth pieces of limestone that were used for house and barn foundations. The abundant timber provided wood for heating and construction material for buildings and fences. Pre-settlement and post settlement habitat compositions are visible on the properties.
AERIAL MAP OF HUNTING/REFUGE AREA
MAP OF WOODLAND MOUNDS PRESERVE
Operating Hours & Seasons
Park hours are 6:30 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
Closures
Extreme weather events may require staff to shut down access to this park for maintenance. The park is open year round for passive recreational use.
