The Linn Creek Recreational Trail from Marshalltown to the GrimesFarm and  Conservation Center was completed in 2005.  This is now another way to access the GrimesFarm and Conservation Center, by bicycle or on foot. In the Spring of 2012, the Linn Creek Trail was connected with the Hwy. 330 Trail and the Heart of Iowa Trail at Rhodes. These trail segments are part of the American Discovery Trail

Tent camping only is allowed at Grammer Grove.   This campsite is on a first come/first served basis.  There is electricity, shelter houses, and trails for hiking which include the unique feature of a granite boulder.

Enjoy a canoe or kayak trip on the Iowa River.  Timmons Grove Park is located on the Iowa River.

With access to the Iowa River, canoeing and kayaking is allowed at  Furrow Access.

Carry in canoes and kayaks only are allowed on Green Castle Lake. 

Bison
American Bison were once the most abundant mammal in North America but by the late 1800’s less than 1000 bison survived. This massive six foot tall, 2,000 pound animal once roamed most of North America with only one natural predator -  the wolf.  Even the wolf couldn’t take down a mature, healthy animal, instead they preyed on the young, sick, and older animals.  People, however, did have an impact.   Population decline was due to unregulated hunting as settlers and railroads moved west. The last reported bison in Iowa was in 1869 in the northwest corner of the state. The small bison herd at Green Castle is one of the few places that bison can be found in Iowa. Once on the verge of extinction, the bison population is now on the rise throughout the United States. 

Bison roamed the tall grass prairie eating grasses and sedges, slowly grazing through an area mostly  during the morning and late afternoon. Bison also wallow in the mud or dirt to get relief from insects.  At Green Castle, watch for a wallowing hole on the east side of the enclosure or on the west side where they dust themselves. Notice their thick long coats which they slowly shed as summer approaches. 

Bison mating occurs in the fall and the gestation period is around nine months, with the calves being born in April or May. The calves are light brown in color and are able to walk a few hours after being born.  There are a couple new residents at Green Castle this spring with two bison calves being born in late April. Both calves were born the same weekend and both are healthy and doing great. 

Imagine seeing thousands of these magnificent animals roaming the prairies. What a sight that would have been!  Watching the bison at Green Castle can give you a small glimpse of bison behavior and of what Iowa used to be like.  When you visit the bison remember that even though they are captive, they are a wild animal with young to protect. 

Trumpeter swan
Also, located next the bison corral is the Trumpeter Swan exhibit.  Located on the pond is  a pair of breeding swan and in the Spring it is not uncommon to see cygnets.  Trumpeter Swans vanished from most of the United Sates over 100 years ago due to over hunting and lead poisoning.

Come the newly renovated Gander Lookout Shelter.  Shelter has plenty of picnic tables, metal serving counters, grills, and a wrap around deck that is perfect for wildlife observation.  Playground eqiupment and restrooms are close by.

With access to the Iowa River, fishing is allowed at Furrow Access.

Fishing along the Iowa River is allowed at Forest Reserve.

Bass, bluegill, crappie, and walleye pike exist in the ponds. Other river species include white bass, yellow bass, green sunfish, carp, big mouth buffalo, yellow perch, and quillback carpsucker. State DNR fisheries personnel assist the MCCB and make recommendations for underwater structures to enhance fish habitat.

Authorized PUBLIC USES for Sand Lake, set by policy of the MCCB, include: ·       
FISHING: Walk-in access            
State fishing regulations apply ·        
Motor vehicles restricted to parking lots and boat ramp ·       
Pets must be leashed at all times ·       
BOATS: Electric powered only and/or      
Rowboats, canoes, paddleboats ·       
NO SWIMMING

Located just south of Albion on the Iowa River, this location is great for fishing.  Timmons Grove Park also has a campground, so this park is ideal for a family vacation.

This park was once the site of a busy rock quarry and the ruins of the power of an old river power mill are still visible in the park.  This old quarry furnished most of the rock used to build the Marshall County courthouse and jail.  When the quarry was in operation there was a dam on the river, which flooded most of the area north of the present park. 

Last but not least you will find the oldest originally placed wagon bridge in Marshall County.  Built in 1885 the Quarry Bridge was constructed out of wrought and cast iron and cost Marshall County $3,295.  In May of 1998 the Quarry Bridge was placed on National Register of Historic Places.  

Hunting is allowed at Rhodes Timber Wildlife Area, state hunting rules and regulations apply.

This 23 acre oak hickory forest is open to the public for wildlife view and hunting.  State hunting rules and regulations apply.

The Forest Reserve is managed as a wildlife management area. It is home to deer, turkeys, and many species of birds.  State hunting rules and regulations apply.

The floodplain forests make up about 75 percent of all the trees. The trees provide good habitat for deer, wild turkey, squirrel and raccoon plus numerous migrating birds each spring and fall. River Otter use the river and predators like coyotes live there as well.

State hunting rules and regulations apply.

Mushrooming is allowed at Arney Bend Wildlife Area.

A shelter picnic shelter provides a perfect area for a picnic.

Picnic tables surround the Nature Center and there is also an open shelter available.  After your picnic explore the many exhibits at the Nature Center and trials of Grimes Farm.

Green Castle Recreation Area has two shelter houses that are on  a first come/first served basis that include picnic tables and grills.  While Gander Lookout Shelter remains locked unless it is rented, the wrap around deck is available on a first come/first served basis unless the shelter is rented.  There are grills and playground requipment  located by Gander Lookout.

Gander Lookout Shelter also can be rented for $75 a day plus a $100 clean up deposit.  If interested in renting please call 641-752-5490.

Enjoy a picnick at the park nestled in the trees along the Iowa River.  Picnick tables and restrooms are available.

Timmons Grove Park offers two different trails to hike.  The South Timmons (area south of the Iowa River) hiking path starts at the shelter house and takes you on a hike to the Iowa River.  The North Timmons (the area north of the Iowa River) hiking path offers a hiking path through the timber area to view wildlife.

Hiking trails provide access to the forests, wetlands, prairies, and crop fields. Public interpretive programs are scheduled periodically throughout the year.  An observation tower sits on the highest elevation point of the Grimes Farm.  The main viewing platform, large enough to hold groups of 12 – 15, stands 30 feet above ground level.  The view to the east overlooks the Marshalltown skyline and the Linn Creek Corridor as it winds its way to the Iowa River.  Westward, the tower immediately overlooks  pasture ground and further in the distance lays the flat landscape of Iowa that was carved out 14,000 years ago by glaciers with ice up to a mile thick.  On a clear day one can view miles into Story County.  The tower is 1/2 mile from the Conservation Center.

This hard surfaced trial was built mainly on the dike along Linn Creek and the Iowa River in Marshalltown.   This trail starts at Riverpark, goes through Marshalltown to GrimesFarm and Conservation Center, and connects to the Highway 30 trail which leads to Melbourne.

Snow shoeing  is allowed when the weather permits and at least 4 inches of snow on the ground

Snowmobiling and cross country skiing is allowed in Timmons Grove South.