Hanson Prairie Preserve

This 30-acre tall-grass prairie is a “labor-of-love” product of Dick and Lou Hanson, who began converting a creek bottom farm field to a warm season tallgrass prairie environment in the mid 1980’s. The Hansons, who resided adjacent to the preserve, donated their prairie to the Madison County Foundation for Environmental Education (MCFEE). In the summer of 2000, the Madison County Conservation Board entered into a management agreement with MCFEE and oversees and manages the area as a prairie preserve and will continue to incorporate a diversity of wildflower species.

The prairie is divided into two segments as Cedar Creek meanders through the middle of the prairie preserve. The public is encouraged to come and explore the tallgrass prairie ecosystem that once covered over 90 percent of the State of Iowa. Hunting is not allowed.

Hiking: Users can walk the trails that encircle the prairies

Nature study: Users are encouraged to get off the trail and explore the prairie ecosystem. This is an excellent area to locate grasslands and “thicket” type bird species. Cedar Creek also makes this area a good site to locate amphibians and reptiles.

Category: Parks & Recreation

Contact

Corner of Nature Trail and 195th Trail
Winterset, IA 50273
(515) 462-3536