West Oak Forest is located in west central Mills County, 2 miles North of Hwy 34 on L31. The 308 acre area of Loess Hills bluffland is adjacent to and overlooking the broad Missouri River floodplain. This is the second largest park within the Mills County Conservation Board’s park system. At 308 acres, it consists of forest, numerous hilltop prairie remnants, 7-acres of restored prairie, and well over 3 miles of hiking trails. On the lower south trail, you will find the "Prairie in the Loess Hills" interpretive panel with information about Iowa’s Loess Hills and native prairie. Work is presently underway to restore part of the park to an Oak Savanna. West Oak Forest is inhabited by many threatened and endangered species of the Loess Hills, including the Yucca Moth, Western Spadefoot Toad, Ottoe Skipper, Northern Grasshopper Mouse and various others.
Roadside viewing
Restrooms on site
Wheelchair accessible trail
Entrance fee
Content from Official Website
Last updated July 11, 2023