Sample the varied habitats such as the riparian area along the river, the woodlands on the bluffs, and the prairie and oak savanna. This variety can produce a lengthy list of species found in the park.

Summer Tanager; Henslow's Sparrow

Important Bird Area.

As the name implies, 150-foot high “yellow banks tower above the Des Moines River in this southeast Polk County park. Native American artifacts have been found in the park, along with a burial mound. This 576-acre park awards its visitors with a medley of recreational opportunities such as camping, picnicking and picnic shelters, hiking, play-grounds, fishing, ball fields, and two boat ramps for both pond and river access. Migrating hawks and bald eagles are often spotted along this wild stretch of river. Don’t forget to hike the Savanna Trail and marvel at a rare oak savanna woodland.