Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center is off I-80 exit 155, 7 mi. s. on SR 117, then 4.5 mi. s.w. to 9981 Pacific St. Preserving more than 5,000 acres of tallgrass prairie and native Midwest wildlife, the refuge re-creates the native plant and animal communities that greeted Iowa's earliest settlers in the mid-1800s. An automobile tour route offers a look at prairie wildlife, including bison and elk. The learning center has hands-on exhibits as well as a video presentation explaining the history of the prairies.

Time: Allow 1 hour, 30 minutes minimum.