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Starr's Cave Park & Preserve
Gahn Refuge &
Swans John H. Witte, Jr. Observatory
Big Hollow
Shooting Range Big Hollow
Links of
Interest
Woodland and Prairie Areas
Big Hollow Creek Recreation Area
Trail maps of these parks and Starr's Cave Park and Preserve can be found at the Des Moines County Conservation Board office, at Starr's Cave Nature Center, and at the Burlington Welcome Center.
As Des Moines County's largest park, Big Hollow consists of 768 acres near Dodgeville. It features and extensive trail system that progresses through woods, prairies, and around ponds. If one tires of hiking the trails, try horseback. Camping, cross-country skiing, and hunting are also permitted in this diverse park. Visitors can try their luck fishing, target practice on the shooting range (must be certified to do so) or stargaze at the observatory. The John H. Witte Observatory is run by the Southeastern Iowa Astronomy Club and is open to the public the first and third Fridays of the month. In addition, a model airplane flying field is maintained by the Burlington Model Airplane Club and a bow course by the Flint River Bow Hunters.
This 58 acre plot is natural woodland and home to many species of songbirds and other wildlife. The woods feature a self-guided trail describing woodland management techniques. The land was purchased from the heirs of the W.E. Hunt estate. In 1984, a Timber Management Plan was developed. Hunt Woods serves as a conservation education and demonstration area for timber and woodland management. The "Hunt-Murray Timber Management Trail" showcases a variety of management techniques.
Luckenbill Woods is a 76 acre natural area located 4 3/4 miles northeast
of Mediapolis. The trail system winds its way through young and mature woodlands,
ponds and wetlands, and restored prairie. This area is being restored to its
pre-settlement vegetation patterns of woodlands and prairie. A new wetland area was
created in the fall of 1998 with the help of the Iowa National Guard. The area was
acquired as a gift from M. Virginia Sharar, heir to Benjamin Luckenbill, the original
homesteader in Huron Township in 1853. Sharar stipulated that the land be returned
to its original state prior to homesteading.
Note: The pond was stocked with fish in 2003. As of this
writing, 09-03-04, this pond is not yet ready to fish. If you go looking
for the pond you must park on the road and walk back to it. Be prepared
for a nice hike.
1. Keep all vehicles on roads or designated parking area.
2. 15 miles per hour speed limit.
3. Pets must remain on leash.
4. Fires in grills and fire pits only.
5. Camp only in designated areas.
6. Do not litter, remove or deface natural features or park structures.
7. Do not pick, cut or destroy vegetation.
8. Gathering of mushrooms, nuts, and berries permitted EXCEPT at Starr's Cave Preserve.
9. Firearms are permitted only in designated areas.
10. Report all accidents to the Park Ranger or the County Conservation office.
11. Do not leave boats unattended.
12. Keg parties are allowed by permit only.
13. Park hours 6:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.