Shimek State Forest--Croton Unit

Shimek State Forest--Croton Unit

Argyle, Iowa 52619

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Tips for Birding

Birds of Interest

Prairie Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Worm-eating Warbler, Kentucky Warbler

About this Location

Important Bird Area.

About Shimek Forest Bird Conservation Area

See all hotspots at Shimek Forest Bird Conservation Area

Shimek State Forest consists of several non-contiguous units comprising about 10,000 acres in Lee and Van Buren Counties. The most significant of these from an ornithological standpoint is the main parcel of the Croton Unit, comprising about 1,100 acres.

From the town of Donnellson at the intersection of Highways 218 and 2 in central Lee County, travel south about 2 miles on 218 to its intersection with highway 394. Continue south on highway 394 about five miles to the unincorporated community of Argyle. Turn right (west) at the only intersection and go about 2.5 miles to a fork. Bear right. Continue on this road about 1 mile to a parking area on the right, just before a small bridge. You may also continue past this point to the next intersection. Taking the road to the right will take you past more of the Croton Unit of Shimek State Forest.

Notable Trails

Worm-eating and Kentucky Warblers can be found along trail from Ghost Hollow Parking Area. Yellow-breasted Chats may be found in the Ghost Hollow Parking Area

Features

  • Roadside viewing

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Iowa Ornithologists' Union, Jayden Bowen, and Shimek Forest BCA

Last updated September 23, 2023

Shimek SF, Croton Unit Map
Iowa Ornithologists' Union