Pilot Grove State Preserve

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State Preserves

Pilot Grove State Preserve is a 7-acre wooded area that is part of a larger grove that served as a local landmark for early settlers. It is located five miles west of Williamsburg in Iowa County.  

In 1978, this wooded tract and an adjacent pioneer cemetery were placed on the National Registry of Historical Places. 

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About the Land

In 1980, the Kelting family donated the grove of trees to the Iowa Conservation Commission with the expressed desire that it be restored as closely as possible to its condition at the time of Iowa’s pioneer settlement in the mid-1800s. Later in 1980 the area was dedicated as a historical state preserve. 

The gently rolling terrain around the preserve is characteristic of the Southern Iowa Drift Plain landform region.

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Directions

  1. From I-80 take exit 216. 
  2. Drive 4 miles south on County Road V66 to 260th Street (watch for sign). 
  3. Turn west and go 0.75 mile to the preserve on the north side of the road. 
  4. The preserve is north and east of Pilot Grove Cemetery (sign: Pilot Grove State Preserve).
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Historical Significance

In the mid-1800s, the preserve was part of a larger wooded knoll rising above the surrounding prairie that could be seen for miles around. It served as a local landmark that gave a sense of direction for people traveling to and from Marengo, the county seat. Hence it earned the name “Pilot Grove.” 

West of the preserve is a small pioneer cemetery. In 1870, local settlers designated this area as a memorial to pioneers and war veterans. 

The historical marker at the entrance to the cemetery reads: “This site, chosen by pioneers as a burial ground, includes a remnant of Pilot Grove, a landmark for early travelers. Earlier burials in the vicinity were removed to this place.” 

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Plants

The preserve consists primarily of bur oak woodland. 

Spring wildflowers include:

  • Mayapple
  • Columbine
  • Virginia bluebells
  • Solomon’s seal

A tiny patch of prairie grasses and wildflowers seen on a slope just west of the preserve includes: 

  • Big bluestem
  • Sideoats grama
  • Indian grass
  • Leadplant

This small preserve provides a glimpse of the original vegetation that once was abundant on this knoll. 

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Visitor Information

Other state preserves in the vicinity include Fleming Woods and Indian Fish Trap.

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