Bird Station Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bird Station Park in Iowa is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is located in Johnson County and covers an area of 352 acres. It offers visitors a chance to explore the diverse habitats of Iowa's prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.

Some good reasons to visit Bird Station Park include the opportunity to see a wide variety of bird species, including migratory birds such as the sandhill crane and the bald eagle. The park also features several hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing ponds.

Specific points of interest to see at Bird Station Park include the observation tower, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, as well as the wetland boardwalk, which offers a unique perspective on the park's aquatic ecosystem. Visitors can also explore the park's interpretive center, which features exhibits on local history, ecology, and wildlife.

Interesting facts about Bird Station Park include that it was once a military airfield during World War II, known as the Iowa City Army Air Field. The park's name comes from the bird banding station that operated on the site in the 1960s and 1970s.

The best time of year to visit Bird Station Park depends on the visitor's interests. Spring and fall are popular times for birdwatching, as many migratory species pass through the area. Summer is a good time for hiking and fishing, while winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks