Prairie grasses and wildflowers once covered approximately 85% of Iowa. The fertile soils formed under these prairies became the basis for Iowa's economy. More than 3 million acres of wildlife-rich wetlands dotted the prairie landscape and river corridors, soaking up flood waters, filtering runoffs and recharging aquifers.
Hurstville was once a bustling company town which supported an industry that shipped lime throughout the Midwest.
The Hurstville Interpretive Center Complex has a restored native prairie where visitors can search out colorful wildflowers and butterflies. The 18-acre wetland provides wildlife viewing opportunities from the trails and observation stations.
Interpretive Center displays will encourage visitors to stop at the nearby Hurstville Lime Kilns to see for themselves a remnant of early industry in Iowa. School groups and visitors can wet a line in the fishing lake just west of the Center. Visitors can find out more about what Jackson County has to offer from our staff, volunteers and displays.
