Chichaqua Wildlife Habitat Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Chichaqua Wildlife Habitat Park is a popular destination in Iowa for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and outdoor enthusiasts.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Located near Maxwell in Polk County, the park offers over 1,000 acres of diverse habitat including prairie, wetlands, and woodland. Some of the reasons to visit the park include hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, and wildlife observation. The park has several points of interest such as the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, which is a natural wetland area that is home to a variety of waterfowl and other bird species. The park also features several miles of trails for hiking and biking, picnic areas, and a fishing pond.

One of the interesting facts about the park is that it was once the site of an old army ammunition plant, which has now been transformed into a beautiful wildlife habitat. The park is home to a variety of wildlife species such as deer, coyote, fox, turkey, and other bird species. The park also hosts several events throughout the year including birding tours, nature walks, and educational programs.

The best time of year to visit Chichaqua Wildlife Habitat Park is during the spring when the park is in full bloom with wildflowers and the migratory bird species are passing through. The park is open year-round, and visitors should be aware that some areas may be closed during the hunting season. Overall, Chichaqua Wildlife Habitat Park is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Iowa and learn more about the wildlife that calls it home.

       

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