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Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Closure (Prairie Learning Center)

As a result of severe storm damage, all public facilities at the refuge, including the Prairie Learning Center, are closed to the public out of concern for safety. This closure is in place until further notice while our staff assess and mitigate storm damage. The walking trails and five-mile Prairie Wildlife Drive auto tour that enters the bison and elk enclosure will remain open from sunrise to sunset daily.

The main phone line is currently unavailable at the refuge. You can reach refuge staff via email. This informational alert will be updated as more details are available.

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 with the purpose to protect, restore and reconstruct and manage native ecosystems of tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and sedge meadow. Prior to European-American settlement, tallgrass prairie covered 85% of Iowa. Today, less than 0.1% of Iowa’s prairie remains in small isolated fragments. In an effort to bring back native prairie plant communities, refuge staff and volunteers gathered and used local seed sources to replant or reconstruct 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie.

Today, the refuge protects 6,000 acres of wildlife habitat and provides visitors, students, researchers and local landowners with educational, recreational and volunteer opportunities to learn about and enjoy their native tallgrass prairie heritage.

Visit Us

Prairie flowers next to visitor center entrance
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National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. At Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can participate in a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational and education opportunities to experience their native tallgrass prairie heritage. The visitor center offers hands on educational exhibits, a 15 minute award winning educational film and indoor and outdoor eating areas. Outdoor activities include 5 walking trails, a 4.5 mile bike trail and a 5 mile auto tour. Additionally, visitors and students can participate in scheduled programs, special events and get involved with volunteer projects.

Exhibits on panels at a visitor center.
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Location and Contact Information

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington,DC

      Our Species

      Bison calf and mother bison facing each other
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      Although many species call Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge home, a few are particularly important to the refuge. Learn more about what we’re doing to conserve bison, elk and grassland birds.