This landmark, covered with native prairie grasses, lies on the Bemis end moraine which marks the farthest western advance of the Des Moines Lobe ice in this part of Iowa. Photo by Douglas C. Harr. This special tract, very near the Minnesota border, contains a rich and diverse prairie flora, abundant wildlife, and valuable wetland habitiats. Visitors must hike about one-half mile to the heart of the area. The long, winding ridge extends a considerable distance both north and south.
Eskers mark the channels of meltwater streams that flowed in tunnels beneath the glacial ice.
These features are well known in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but they are rare in Iowa. Photo by Ron Johnson. This combination of wetlands, open-field uplands, woods, and lakes is also the headquarters of northwest Iowa's Big Sioux Wildlife Management Unit. The hogsback rises nearly 40 feet, and it narrowly separates Marble Lake on the east from Hottes Lake on the west. Following the trail as far east as possible takes hikers past Sunken Lake, another glacial kettle.