State guide
When to catch Iowathrough the year
We follow 2 places in Iowa for winter wildlife and spring migration: winter at DeSoto Refuge and spring at Port Louisa Refuge. Each timing below is the place's own source, in its words; none is a forecast.
When are you going?
Fall in Iowa
Good in fall
- DeSoto RefugePeak waterfowl migration, typically November
- Port Louisa RefugeFall migratory birds: September to November are the best months
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Winter in Iowa
- SEASON · WINTER WILDLIFEDeSoto RefugeEarly December, and again in late February and early MarchIowa
“early December, and again in late February and early March” · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
Also good in winter
- DeSoto RefugeBald eagles peak, early December
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Spring in Iowa
Also good in spring
- DeSoto RefugeBald eagles peak again, late February and early March
- Port Louisa RefugeSpring migratory birds: April to May is the best time
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Summer in Iowa
Good in summer
- Port Louisa RefugeWildlife with young: June to August is the best time
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Places in Iowa
- DeSoto RefugeLocal timing: early December, and again in late February and early March
- Port Louisa RefugeLocal timing: April to May
Planning a Iowa trip
Towns to stay in
- Des Moines, IABoyer Chute Refuge · 122 mi
- Cedar Rapids, IAPort Louisa Refuge · 59 mi
- Iowa City, IAPort Louisa Refuge · 37 mi
- Ames, IABoyer Chute Refuge · 127 mi
- Waterloo, IAPort Louisa Refuge · 108 mi
- Mason City, IAUpper Mississippi River Refuge · 100 mi
- Ottumwa, IAPort Louisa Refuge · 69 mi
Nearest place we follow, straight-line miles.
Browse by season and event
- Winter wildlife · 1 place hereWinter wildlife, everywhere →
- Spring migration · 1 place hereSpring migration, everywhere →
Questions people ask
Is it in Iowa or Nebraska at DeSoto Refuge?
The refuge sits on the Missouri River on Highway 30 between Missouri Valley, Iowa, and Blair, Nebraska, 25 miles north of Omaha. The visitor center's address is in Missouri Valley, Iowa.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DeSoto NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a fee at DeSoto Refuge?
Yes: $3.00 per vehicle per day, paid at the visitor center or self-service stations at the entrances. A $15.00 refuge annual pass, a Federal Duck Stamp and the America the Beautiful passes also work.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DeSoto NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What are the hours at Port Louisa Refuge?
The refuge is open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. The visitor contact station and office are open Tuesday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except federal holidays, and can close for weather when local schools close.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Port Louisa NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Nearby state guides: Missouri · Illinois · Nebraska · Kansas
Iowa in pictures
How we know
- Sep 28Park ServiceEagle and waterfowl peaks, viewing areas, fees, seasonal hours, gates and restroomsSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DeSoto NWR: Visit Us in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceVisitor tips by month, trails, hours, fees, restrooms and what to bringSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Port Louisa NWR: Visit Us in a new tab)