Ryerson’s Woods State Preserve

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State Preserves

Ryerson’s Woods is named for the family who acquired portions of the main part of the present-day site of the preserve beginning in 1870-71. The land passed from the father, George Martin Ryerson (1812-1900) to his wife, Ann Elizabeth (née Hall) (1827-1911), then to his son, Charles H. (1855-1932), then to Charles’ sister, Mary H. (1852-1935) and Georgiana (1858-1936). After Georgiana’s death, the land passed out of the family. In 1983, it was deeded to the Iowa Law School Foundation, and in 1985, it was transferred to the City of Iowa City public park. The park was dedicated as a state nature preserve in 2014.

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About the Land

Ryerson’s Woods is an upland elevated up to 100 feet above the edge of the Iowa River floodplain with its interior is bisected by a deep ravine and six tributaries. Its soils are deep and loamy and rock outcrops are absent, exemplifying the erosional surface of the Southern Iowa Drift Plain landform region. The site is dominated by deciduous woodland and is known for its spectacular, classic spring flora, as well as unusual diversity and abundance of ferns.

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Vegetation and plant species

The dominant vegetation of Ryerson’s Woods is Oak-Hickory woodland. The largest trees are white oak, bitternut hickory, shagbark hickory, red oak and black cherry.

Spring wildflowers:

  • Spring Beauty
  • Dutchman’s Breeches
  • Blue Phlox
  • Bloodroot
  • White Trout Lily
  • Bellwort
  • Yellow and Blue Violets
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Directions

Ryerson’s Woods is located just outside the city limits of Iowa City approximately 3 miles SSW of the downtown district, immediately south of the Johnson County 4-H Fairgrounds.

  1. From the interchange of new Highway 218 (“Avenue of the Saints”) with old Highway 218 at the south edge of Iowa City, take Exit 89 onto Old Highway 218.
  2. Drive 0.25 mile on Old Highway 218, turn left (west) onto entrance road to Ryerson Wood’s State Preserve. Parking lot is at dead end.
  3. A walking trail extends away from the parking lot.
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Contact

Iowa City Department of Parks and Recreation

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