GrimesFarm & Conservation Center

Trails & Hiking at GrimesFarm & Conservation Center

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.