Mills

The Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve is Iowa’s 96th dedicated preserve. State preserves may include one or more categories of important resources: archaeological, biological, geological, historical, or scenic. Only a few preserves have significant archaeological resources. The Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve is one of those few with significant archaeological resources. 

Notice:  It is ILLEGAL to collect artifacts from a State Preserve.

Location

The Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve is located at the intersection of US Hwy 34 and Levi Road just south east of Glenwood. From Glenwood, go under the railroad tracks southeast of Glenwood on US Hwy 34, turn right onto Levi road and then take your first left into what is known as Foothills Park.

Features

There are 107 recorded archaeological sites in the Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve, ranging from about 10,000 years in age to the early Euro-American settlement era, 150 years ago. Most significant are 27 earth lodge sites in the preserve that are related to the Glenwood Culture, also known as the Nebraska phase of the Central Plains tradition. Only a small fraction of the preserve has been archaeologically surveyed, so many more sites probably exist in the preserve.

The Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve is a low impact recreation area, meaning that no public activity can impair the integrity of the site. The site hosts multi-use trails ready for running, hiking, biking and wildlife observation. Aside from the archaeological sites within the property, one can also find forest, oak savanna, native prairie, restored prairie and agricultural grounds on the site.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Daily Hours:
5:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Closures

While the area is open to public recreation it is NOT open to types of recreation that may create erosion issues, such as public ATV or Equestrian use.