Cherokee Prairie Natural Area Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 4, 2025
Cherokee Prairie Natural Area Wildlife Management Area is a protected natural area located in the state of Iowa.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The area covers 130 acres and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, bird watchers, and nature lovers. The area is known for its diverse landscape, which includes tallgrass prairies, oak savannas, and wetlands. Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, waterfowl, and mammals such as deer and coyotes.
One of the main points of interest at Cherokee Prairie Natural Area is the observation tower, which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the area's hiking trails, which offer opportunities to see wildlife and experience the natural beauty of Iowa. In addition, the area has a picnic area and a small fishing pond.
Interesting facts about Cherokee Prairie Natural Area include that the area was once home to Native American tribes, and artifacts from these tribes have been found in the area. The area is also home to several endangered plant species, including the prairie fringed orchid.
The best time of year to visit Cherokee Prairie Natural Area is in the spring and summer, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the bird population is at its highest. Visitors should be aware that hunting is allowed in the area during certain times of the year, so it is important to check the park's website for current regulations before visiting. Overall, Cherokee Prairie Natural Area is a beautiful and unique destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Iowa.
Weather Forecast
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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Charleston Lake
|
||
River Ridge - Ozark Lake
|
||
Vine Prairie
|
H. E. Flanagan Prairie Natural Area Wildlife Management Area
Kirksey Park
Springhill Park