Hike, cross-country ski or ride horses on the mowed trail at another West Des Moines River bottom forest. Bald Eagles, Yellow-billed Cuckcoos, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Wood Thrush, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Veery, Cardinals, brown thrasher, Wood Ducks, Wild Turkeys, and Deer live here. This area is open to Deer and Turkey hunting.

River Corridor

The east side of this area borders the river, and has been a site for a heron rookery in past years. Hike the mowed trail back through Silver maple, Green Ash, Dogwood, restored prairie and planted food plots to view wildlife.

Location Description

Brushy Bayou is located 5 miles south of Emmetsburg. Take Hwy 4 south to 420th Street. Go east 1 ½ miles to the parking lot.

Driving Directions and other Information

• Birding drive located off of Hwy 4, south of Emmetsburg along the West Des Moines River. Brushy Bayou Road.
• GPS location N 43 02.318 W 094 40.727
• 112 acres, Palo Alto County Conservation Board
• Hiking, Birding, Wild Flowers, Hunting

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Take a short visit to Brushy Bayou Area via the video below!