Important Bird Area.
Sioux City Prairie is a 150 acre tall grass prairie preserve owned by "The Nature Conservancy". The prairie and wooded valleys of this well-drained, high-relief landscape support a variety of plants and animals typically found further west in the Great Plains. The preserve also supports a diverse population of birds and it provides critical habitat for many species of prairie butterflies. Spectacular view from trailhead on Briar Cliff University campus.
Start point: I-29 Exit 149. Proceed NORTH on Hamilton Blvd for ~ 1.9 miles to 28th Street. Turn left (WEST) and proceed .4 miles on 28th St to Rebecca Street. Take a right (NORTH) on Rebecca and go .4 miles to 32nd Street. Turn left (WEST) and proceed to the top of the hill (parking lot and McCoy Arnold Center). The access to the prairie is at the north end of the McCoy Arnold Center (west side of the parking lot).
Grassland and wooded valleys in a Loess Hills setting. Bell's Vireo and American Woodcock (in season). Also lots of grassland species with a mix of woodlands. Drinking water and restrooms are available in the very nearby student center.