Gilbertson Conservation Education Area

Campground
Campground
Petting Zoo
Bridge at Campground
Nature Center

Kids Fishing Pond
Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Building

This nearly 1,000 acre area is located along the Turkey River and is lined with streams, prairies, river bottoms, and limestone bluffs. The park has over nine miles of trails that are available for hikers, non-motorized bikes, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. 27 electrical sites, eight primitive sites, and seven walk in sites are available along with a playground, pavilion, sinks, showers, and flush toilets. The area also offers an interpretive center with fishing pond, a nature playscape and petting zoo in the summer. The complex features the Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Buildings that preserves farm and home antiques from the 1890's-1920's. 

Location

Located on the banks of the Turkey River just east of Elgin, Iowa. 

Operating Hours & Seasons

Interpretive Center and Petting Zoo is open Wednesday-Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.  Other Interpretive Center hours are available upon request.