Jackson County Conservation

The Hurstville Interpretive Center and surrounding complex is open to the public and there is no admission fee!  It is a wonderful place to spend a day viewing exhibits or watching wildlife and learning more about Iowa's natural resources at your own leisure.

Location & Contact

18670 63rd Street
Maquoketa, IA 52060

Google map location

Aerial map of the Hurstville Complex

Phone: (563) 652-3783
Fax: (563) 652-2191
Email

View our Brochure

Hours of Operation

Outdoor area is open from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm daily. 

Building Hours:

Monday - Friday
9:00 - 4:00 pm

Saturday - Sunday
January - March  CLOSED
April - October   12:00 - 5:00 pm
November - December   12:00 - 4:00 pm

Holiday Closings
New Year's Eve & Day
Easter Weekend
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving/Weekend
Christmas Eve & Day

We are OPEN Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day!

Programs

Special events and exciting programs are held frequently so be sure to check our calendar of events.  Our public programs cover a large range of topics about Iowa's natural resources.  People of all ages, abilities and interests are welcome at our public programs. 

Tours and programs are available to schools, youth groups and organizations.  Go to our Environmental Education page for more information about program topics and other options for your group.  Contact us with any questions or more information. 

Community Room

The Center has a multi-purpose community room available for groups and organizations to rent for meetings, parties, trainings, programs and special events.  Go to our Rentals & Permits page for more information.

Background Information

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 runoff and recharging aquifers.

Hurstville was once a bustling company town which supported an industry that shipped processed lime throughout the Midwest. Click here for more information about the Hurstville Lime Kilns

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.

Inside the Center

The Center has many informational exhibits about Iowa's natural resources.  Exhibits include: a wetland and a prairie diorama with plants and wildlife, a train model of the historic town of Hurstville, video kiosk about the Hurstville Lime Kilns, exhibits about Iowa's mussels, rocks, endangered species, birds of prey and migrating songbirds.  Our discovery area and library have many books and activities for children and adults.  The Center also boasts a working honey bee hive and live education animals. 

Pick up information about things to do in Jackson County as our Center also functions as a tourist information center.  Or find an answer to your question by talking with our friendly staff. 

Outdoor Area

The outdoor area around the Center offers many opportunities for visitors. 

• Restored tallgrass prairie with walking trails (1/2 mile & 3/4 mile loops)
• Hurstville Marsh (18-acre; many migrating birds visit and many other species use the marsh for nesting)
• Bird blind (for viewing wildlife on marsh)
• Picnic Shelter (near parking lot; come and enjoy a picnic lunch!)
• Fishing pond (with an accessible walkway; stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish, located on west side of Highway 61)
• Captive pair of adult trumpeter swans (Swans are part of the Iowa DNR Swan Reintroduction Program)
• Overlook observation deck for viewing marsh
• Butterfly/Pollinator garden (frog pond, walking trail, bird feeders, and garden plots with flowers that attract butterflies and other animal pollinators)
  

Gift Shop

Friends of Jackson County Conservation manage a small gift shop at the Center.  All funds raised directly support environmental education in Jackson County through program materials and exhibits.  The gift shop is stocked with great items related to nature and wildlife.  Field guides, children's story books, t-shirts, bird feeders, binoculars, bug collecting items, tourist collectibles, local products (wine, honey, crafts, sorghum) and many other items are available.  Friends of Jackson County Conservation members are entitled to 10% off all merchandise.

Partner Organizations

Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area

Grant Wood Scenic Byway

Jackson County Area Tourism Association

Great River Road Interpretive Center Network