Prairie Walk: How prairies came to Iowa

Join us for a volunteer-guided walk through the 80-acre tall-grass prairie restoration! Learn how events over the last 400,000 years led to prairie covering 85% of Iowa prior to western settlement.

Meet your guide at the bench/water fountain at the Hoover Gravesite parking area to enjoy a walk on the prairie trails. Additional parking at the picnic area and Hoover Library and Museum. The program length will be approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This program will be offered select Thursdays at noon throughout October and November.

The program is FREE and no reservation is required. Participants will walk approximately 0.75 miles on grass trails with several stops on the way. There is a small hill with approximately 50-foot elevation gain.

Prairie walks are great for visitors of all ages. Participants should be prepared for a short hike. Good footwear for walking/hiking is recommended. Please bring water, snacks, and sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. There is very little shade along the trail.

The trails are about 3 feet wide but sometimes prairie plants lean over into the trail area. Be sure to check for ticks during stops and after the walk if you brush vegetation.