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Wildlife refuge · Iowa

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Its own timing: September.

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
Summer prairie at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Summer prairie at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Photo: Kristie Burns/USFWS · public domain · resized

What the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says

“Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 with the mission to actively protect, restore, reconstruct and manage the diverse native ecosystems of tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and sedge meadow.”
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When to go

In the source's own words; no peak claimed unless the source says so
  • September“Monarch butterflies rely on late-blooming plants as they make their journey south in August, September and October. Monarch migration peaks in September.”
  • Best viewing“Winter is the best time to see short-eared owls on the refuge. They can often be seen flying near the roads in the early morning and late afternoon.”

Before you go

Please plan on packing out what you bring in, including your recycling, trash, pet waste and any other items you bring along; trash receptacles are located only at our visitor center and trailheads.

How we know

Every fact on this page, from these pages