470 Cliffhaven Road Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin 53821
Official WebsiteThe Howard Creek, Fern Ridge and Pine Creek units have areas open to limited hunting, fishing and wildlife photography and observation. No visitation is allowed on the remaining units to protect fragile algific (cold air) talus (loose rock) slopes and the threatened, endangered and rare plant and animal species found there.
Cerulean and Prothonotary Warblers, water-related species
The refuge encompasses 1,238 acres of the Driftless Area in Iowa - a small portion of the entire Driftless Area. This area is also known as the karst region and boasts topography of steep slopes and cliffs carved by the boundary of the ancient glacial stampede. Here the glacial deposits found in most of the surrounding area are not present.
Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1989 under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Two federally listed endangered species, the Iowa Pleistocene snail and northern monkshood, are found on the refuge. Located in northeast Iowa, the 1,238 acre refuge includes units that range in size from six acres to 209 acres. Refuge lands include upland hardwood forests, grassland, stream and riparian habitats. Protection of endangered species is the primary management focus of Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge.
The Howard’s Creek trail, on the Howard’s Creek Unit of the refuge in Farmersburg, Iowa, is an out and back trail to the creek which begins on the east side of the storage shed. The trail goes through tall grass prairie restoration and low wet meadow areas. Open season: Year round, 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset. No pets, horses, bicycles or motorized vehicles.
Roadside viewing
Restrooms on site
Wheelchair accessible trail
Entrance fee
Content from Official Website
Last updated November 7, 2023