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White bison calf in field of grass
Update on White Bison Calf

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge staff have received the preliminary results from the postmortem assessment of the white bison calf, which sadly died on June 16, 2026. Learn more

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Public Review and Comment on Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public review and comment on the Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access for Temporary Disturbances and Minor Impacts on Conservation Easements in the Midwest Region. This draft document evaluates the compatibility of proposed activities that may cause temporary, minor disturbances while supporting necessary public infrastructure needs across conservation easements in the Midwest Region. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 30‑day public comment period from June 10, 2026 to July 9, 2026. Comments, questions, or concerns can be sent to: R3Planning@fws.gov

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Visitor Center Closed

The Visitor Center (Prairie Learning Center) is closed due to storm damage to ensure public safety. However, the land, walking trails, and the five-mile Prairie Wildlife Drive through the bison enclosure remain open from sunrise to sunset daily. We invite you to enjoy these outdoor areas while repairs are underway.

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 with the purpose to protect, restore and reconstruct and manage native ecosystems of tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and sedge meadow. Prior to European-American settlement, tallgrass prairie covered 85% of Iowa. Today, less than 0.1% of Iowa’s prairie remains in small isolated fragments. In an effort to bring back native prairie plant communities, refuge staff and volunteers gathered and used local seed sources to replant or reconstruct 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie.

Today, the refuge protects 6,000 acres of wildlife habitat and provides visitors, students, researchers and local landowners with educational, recreational and volunteer opportunities to learn about and enjoy their native tallgrass prairie heritage.
Visitor Center Renovation Update

The refuge visitor center, known as the Prairie Learning Center, is closed due to storm damage to ensure public safety. We are currently working with an engineering contractor on renovation plans. During this process, the building will remain closed for an extended period until repairs are complete.

Currently, the conference room, indoor restrooms and indoor eating area are open to scheduled groups only. Please contact us at 515-994-3400 or email nancy_corona@fws.gov to make a reservation or if you have any questions.

Visit Us

Prairie flowers next to visitor center entrance
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National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. At Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can participate in a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational and education opportunities to experience their native tallgrass prairie heritage. The visitor center offers hands on educational exhibits, a 15 minute award winning educational film and indoor and outdoor eating areas. Outdoor activities include 5 walking trails, a 4.5 mile bike trail and a 5 mile auto tour. Additionally, visitors and students can participate in scheduled programs, special events and get involved with volunteer projects.

Exhibits on panels at a visitor center.
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Location and Contact Information

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington,DC

      Our Species

      Bison calf and mother bison facing each other
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      Although many species call Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge home, a few are particularly important to the refuge. Learn more about what we’re doing to conserve bison, elk and grassland birds.