The Voas Nature Area is a 372 acre park located approximately 1 1/2 miles west of Minburn. The initial 265 acres were donated to the Dallas County Conservation Board by Lyle and Mae Voas. Both brother and sister had a desire to see their family farmland restored to a native prairie and forest condition similar to pre-Euro-American settlement. They intended for the area to become a wildlife refuge and educational center.
Lyle and Mae formed an impressive collection of rock, fossils and minerals collected from across the United States and around the world. They built a museum displaying many artifacts. Rare native elements, dynamic quartz specimens and fossils are on exhibit.
Voas Nature Area is a diverse habitat. A 90-acre oak/hickory forest, and 125-acre prairie and wetland complex have been re-established. Over 90 percent of Iowa's prairies and wetlands have been plowed and drained for farmland.
The diversity of habitat serves as an excellent stage for learning about out natural world. Interpretive programs offered at the Voas Nature Area include tours of the museum, bird watching hikes, prairie programs, geology presentations, and many other environmental education programs. An observation deck and restroom facilities are available at the museum.
Location
Voas Nature Area
19286 Lexington Road
Minburn, IA 50167
The Voas Nature Area is located 1 1/2 miles west of Minburn off HWY 169. In Minburn, follow the signs and turn west on County Rd. F31. Proceed 1 1/2 miles to the junction with Lexington Road, which is immediately before you cross the bridge over the North Raccoon River. Turn north (right) on Lexington Road and drive about one mile to the park entrance which is on the west (right side of the road.
Operating Hours & Seasons
The Voas Nature Area entry gate is open from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 10:00pm each day. From November 1 through April 30, the gate will remain open, weather and road conditions permitting. The museum is open May 1 through October 31 subject to staff and volunteer availability or by appointment anytime. Call DCCB at 515-465-3577 for hours.