The Kuehn Conservation Area includes native and re-established prairie, reparian and upland forests, a nature center, unique geological formations, archaeological sites and interpretive trails. Archaeological surveys were performed at Kuehn. Prehistoric artifacts were found from Woodland and Great Oasis traditions. Data collected in a 1994 study suggests that there was a Great Oasis occupation site, described as a small farming hamlet. Kuehn is a popular site to camp, hike and fish for many Dallas county and central Iowa residents. The sandbars provide beautiful resting spots for viewing wildlife while hiking or canoeing the south Raccoon River. Hunting is permitted in designated areas only. Thousands of school children visit the Bear Creek Nature Center, located at the Kuehn Conservation Area. There are many displays about wildlife as well as an indoor classroom. The diversity of plant and animal life allows for a variety of public environment programs. Bird watching hikes, prairie hikes, geological and archaeological programs and aquatic programs are a few of the educational opportunities available to the public. There are modern restroom facilities in the Bear Creek Nature Center. The Center may be reserved for meetings or programs. Primitive camping is allowed only in the designated areas of the park. No motor vehicles are allowed to camp sites, so visitors are encouraged to come prepared to hike from the parking lot to the camp sites. Campers are required to register at the Nature Center. Camping fees are $8 per tent per night. Camp site #1 may be reserved for a one-time $15 fee.
Location
Kuehn Conservation Area
32828 Houston Trail
Earlham, Iowa 50072
From I-80, take the Earlham exit (Exit 104) and proceed north to I Avenue. Stay northbound for just over a mile to a four-way stop intersection. Turn west (left) onto Bear Creed Rd. Follow Bear Creek Rd. for 1/2 mile. The road will turn north, and become Houston Trail. Houston Trail dead-ends at the park.
Coming from County Rd. F60, between Adel and Redfield, turn south on H Avenue, about 5 1/2 miles west of Adel (or 2 miles east of Redfield). Proceed on H Ave for about 4 miles to the junction with Bear Creek Road. Turn east (left) onto Bear Creek Rd. and proceed 1/2 mile to the junction with Houston Trail. This is a "T" intersection. Turn north (left) at the "T" and go about 3/4 mile to the park.
Features
KUEHN CAMPING AREAS Camping Fee: $8 per tent, per night
Area#1: Accessed by walking service road from Houston Trail. Set-up for 3-4 tents. 1/4 mile walk from restrooms & Nature Center. Parking available at Nature Center.
Area #2: Lower prairie along the Middle Raccoon River. Accessed by walking service road from Houston Trail. Set-up for 2-3 tents. 1/2 -3/4 mile walk from restrooms & Nature Center. Parking available at Nature Center.
Operating Hours & Seasons
The Kuehn Conservation Area is open 1/2 hour before sunrise until 10:00pm daily. The Bear Creek Nature Center is open by appointment only.