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Waterfowl hunting at sunset
Accepting Public Comments on Proposed Hunting and Fishing Program Changes

The FWS is seeking public review and comment on the proposed opening or expansion of hunting and/or fishing. The public is invited to review the draft documents, including draft plan(s), compatibility determination(s) as appropriate, and environmental compliance documentation. The draft documents are available through the Federal Register docket number: FWS–HQ–NWRS–2026–1223.

The comment period on the proposed hunting and sport fishing regulations across Service-managed lands and waters will stay open for 30-days from May 27 through June 26, 2026. Please submit your comments directly through the Federal Register. 

The comment period on the Environmental Assessment for actions at this field station will stay open for 30 days from May 27 through June 27, 2026. Please submit your comments via email to [email protected] with the name of the refuge or hatchery in the subject line.

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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 [email protected] 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.