Mills

West Oak Forest is located in west central Mills County. The 308 acre area of Loess Hills bluffland is adjacent to and overlooking the broad Missouri River floodplain. This is the second largest park within the Mills County Conservation Board’s park system. At 308 acres, it consists of forest, numerous hilltop prairie remnants, 7-acres of restored prairie, and well over 3 miles of hiking trails. On the lower south trail, you will find the "Prairie in the Loess Hills" interpretive panel with information about Iowa’s Loess Hills and native prairie. Work is presently underway to restore part of the park to an Oak Savanna. West Oak Forest is inhabited by many threatened and endangered species of the Loess Hills, including the Yucca Moth, Western Spadefoot Toad, Ottoe Skipper, Northern Grasshopper Mouse and various others.

This park is rich in cultural history as well, with many archaeologically significant sites, including many from the Glenwood Culture and older.

Location

55877 195th St Pacific Junction, IA
2 miles North of Hwy 34 on L31

Features

Being nestled in the west side of Iowa’s beautiful Loess Hills, the park provides a spectacular view overlooking the Missouri River floodplain. West Oak Forest is inhabited by many threatened and endangered species of the Loess Hills. The topography of the property is very steep with corrugated hills and the highest point being 1,100 feet above sea level. Heavily forested with upland hardwoods including bur oak, red oak, ironwood, basswood, scattered black walnut and shagbark hickory.

"Prairies In the Loess Hills" Interpretive panel
Forest
Oak Savanna
Hilltop prairie remnants
Seven acres of restored prairie
Well over 3 miles of hiking trails
Prehistoric cultural sites

Operating Hours & Seasons

Open year round.

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

Closures

Due to the Loess soil type and concerns of erosion, the park is CLOSED to equestrian use during any wet weather, including the Spring.