Eureka Woods State Preserve

Eureka Woods is a privately owned, 90-acre preserve along the North Raccoon River near Jefferson in Greene County, dedicated as a state preserve in 2005.

About the Land

The preserve is within the Des Moines Lobe landform region, close its western edge. During the last glacial epoch, 12,000-14,000 years ago, glaciers advanced into Iowa in a tongue-shaped area extending from the northern border south to Des Moines. As the glaciers retreated, their meltwater flow established the present course of the Raccoon River. The natural forest in the river valley consists of upland slopes dominated by black maple, basswood, white oak, and red oak.  Bottomland forest are dominated by silver maple, elm, hackberry, and walnut.  

This preserve is privately owned and not open to the public.

Historical Features

The preserve is named after the Eureka Flour and Feed Mill, an historic mill erected in 1871. The only traces of the old mill today are some footing stones in the river and a commemorative plaque by the roadside.

Nearby Natural Areas

Other natural areas in the vicinity include:

• Perkins Prairie State Preserve
• North Raccoon River Wildlife Management Area
• Seven Hills County Park
• Finn Pond Wildlife Management Area
• Bristol Wildlife Area

Contact

Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Saylorville Wildlife Unit
State_Preserves@dnr.iowa.gov