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Prescribed Burns Impact Access to Refuge

Prescribed burns are planned at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge on April 6 and April 7, 2026. To ensure public safety, some roads, trails, and facilities will be closed during the burns. Portions of the main entry road, Pacific Street, and 88th Avenue will close on Monday. Alternative routes are available to access the refuge.

On Tuesday, April 7, the bison enclosure on 96th Avenue will be closed to the public. This is for safety reasons. Access to the visitor center and nearby trails will also be restricted. Conducting prescribed burns is weather-dependent, and plans can change. For the latest updates on closures, check the website and refuge's Facebook page.

The Refuge Visitor Center (Prairie Learning Center) remains closed due to storm damage.

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.
Seeking input on draft compatibility determination

The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is proposing to continue to offer environmental education and interpretation on the refuge. To evaluate this, we are opening a public comment period on a draft Compatibility Determination (CD) that describes proposed changes to these uses. As part of the public comment period, we are hosting two open houses, where the public is invited to learn more about and comment on the environmental education and interpretation CD. Additionally, the refuge will share an update on the building renvation and current plans fr the refuge visitor center. This announcement initiates a 30-day public comment period. Comments will be accepted through April 2, 2026. The draft compatibility determination is available electronically or upon request.

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.