Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you do the following:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
  • Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • Prairie Learning and Visitor Center

    Visitor Center Closed

    As a public health precaution, the prairie learning center is closed until further notice. Trails and the auto tour remain open and free.

  • Spring Beauty

    What's Happening in April?

    Spring returns to the prairie, with nesting birds, the first sprouting plants, warmer weather and April showers.

    Seasons of the Refuge

  • MLK JR- Seed Cleaning

    Indoor Nature Activities

    Looking for some indoor nature activities? Look no further!

    Indoor nature activities

News

Visitor Center Closed

annual photo contest

As a public health precaution, the prairie learning center is closed until further notice. Trails and the auto tour remain open and free.

Iowa Junior Duck Stamp Program

JDS

The Junior Duck Stamp Program uses art and science to teach students in grades K-12 the value of wetlands and the waterfowl that use them. Judging of Iowa entries will be held in March with an award ceremony for all 100 winners in April. Iowa entries must be postmarked by March 15.

Learn more

Recreation Passes Temporarily Unavailable

Recreation passes

Passes are temporarily unavailable while the visitor center is closed. To purchase a pass online, please visit the USGS store website linked below.

Purchase passes online
Visit the Refuge

Prairie Learning and Visitor Center

About the refuge

The Prairie Learning and Visitor Center, which houses an exhibit area, movie theater, classrooms and the Prairie Point Nature Store, operated by the Friends of Neal Smith NWR is open year-round. The Visitor Center is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except in the winter. Winter hours, from December 1 to February 28,are Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., being closed on Sundays. The Refuge is open on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day and is closed all other Federal holidays. A five-mile auto tour through the bison/elk enclosure and four trails are open daily, dawn to dusk. All other roads through the Refuge are open from dawn to dusk. Maps are available in the Visitor Center.

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online