Benson Creek Natural Area Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Benson Creek Natural Area Wildlife Management Area is a unique natural area located in the state of Iowa.
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Summary
There are many good reasons to visit this area, including its diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. Some specific points of interest to see include the Benson Creek Trail, which provides access to the area and allows visitors to explore the many different habitats found within the natural area. There are also several ponds and wetlands that are home to a variety of waterfowl and other aquatic species.
Interesting facts about the area include its history as a former farmstead that has been restored to a natural state. The area is also home to a variety of rare and endangered species, including the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and the red-headed woodpecker.
The best time of year to visit Benson Creek Natural Area Wildlife Management Area is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. During these seasons, visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities, while also taking in the beautiful scenery and natural surroundings. Overall, Benson Creek Natural Area Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty of Iowa.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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