Voas Nature Area
The
Voas Nature Area is a 705 acre park located approximately 1 1/2 miles west of Minburn. Much of it is farmland that is being restored to its earlier state as wetlands and prairies.
It includes around 110-acres of oak/hickory forest, and nearly 600 acres of restored prairie and wetland complex. 272 acres of the area are reserved as a wildlife refuge, with 330 acres designated as a public hunting area and 100 acres set aside as a youth only hunting area.
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 geology museum, bird watching hikes, prairie programs, geology presentations, and many other environmental education programs. An observation deck and modern restroom facilities are available at the museum.
A unique draw of the area is the yearly tiger salamander migration program. On a cold, damp night in early October, the tiger salamanders migrate from their summering foraging grounds in the fields and ditches surrounding the area, moving back to their overwintering wetlands within Voas. Check out the
Dallas County Conservation Board website for updates about this unusual program.
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 east (right side of the road).
Features
Voas Nature Area includes over 5 miles of
mowed hiking trails, which are great for cross country skiing when conditions permit.
There is also the geology museum, observation deck, modern restrooms, picnic tables and
public and
youth hunting areas.
Operating Hours & Seasons
The Voas Nature Area entry gate is open from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 10:00 pm each day.
From May 1 through October 31, the restrooms are open during daylight hours.
From November 1 through April 30, the gate will remain open, weather and road conditions permitting. The restrooms are closed.
The museum is open when programs are scheduled or by pre-arranged appointments. Call DCCB at 515-465-3577 for current information.
Dallas County Conservation Board
14581 K Ave.
Perry, Iowa 50220
Phone 515-465-3577
FAX 515-465-3579
Office Hours: M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm
Email: conservation@dallascountyiowa.gov
Website:
www.dallascountyiowa.gov/conservation
