Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Today’s Forecast:

Today’s Report:

About Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge protects tallgrass prairie, oak savanna, and wildlife habitat, with walking trails and a prairie wildlife drive east of Des Moines.

Make the Most of a Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Day

Prairie routes offer little protection from sun, wind, or lightning, so use stable periods and bring water. Check current facility notices while treating the wildlife drive and trails as separate planning options.

Weather Tips for Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

• For Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, check temperature, wind, rain timing, and thunderstorm potential before choosing the day’s route.
• If thunder is possible, complete exposed overlooks, prairie routes, golf, and event grounds early and keep shelter close.
• After steady rain, favor paved paths or well-drained routes until natural surfaces recover.
• Open-country wind and summer humidity can make biking and hiking feel harder than the mileage suggests.

Nearby Towns and Areas

This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:

• Prairie City
• Prairie Wildlife Drive
• Jasper County
• Colfax
• Mitchellville
• Chichaqua Bottoms
• Lake Red Rock
• Des Moines metro

Plan Around the Conditions

Use the forecast to choose the best version of a Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge day. Match wind, storm timing, water levels, trail surfaces, road conditions, and temperature to the activity that gives your group the safest and most comfortable plan.

7-Day Forecast for Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Weather by Season

Winter

Winter at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge brings cold, wind chill, snow, and freeze-thaw ice. Shaded paths, stairs, bridges, and rural roads may stay slick after sunny areas clear. Check road and facility status before a long drive.

Spring

Spring around Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is changeable, with rain, muddy surfaces, rising waterways, and severe thunderstorms. Give natural-surface trails time to drain after heavy rain. Lightning, hail, and strong wind can arrive well ahead of a rain core.

Summer

Summer days at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge are often warm and humid, with strong sun, mosquitoes, and afternoon thunderstorm potential. Earlier starts make exposed routes and event grounds more comfortable. Carry water and use shade breaks during the hottest part of the day.

Fall

Fall is often one of the most comfortable seasons at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, with lower humidity, cooler nights, and changing color. Dry spells can produce excellent trail and cycling conditions. Watch for harvest traffic on rural roads and hunting activity near public lands.

Key Climate Data Points

• Annual average temperature: around 51–52°F based on the surrounding Iowa region.
• Annual snowfall: generally 25–35 inches, with meaningful year-to-year variation.
• Warmest months: June through August are typically warmest, with July often bringing the highest heat and humidity.
• Coolest months: December through February are coldest, and January commonly has the strongest winter chill.
• Wettest season: late spring and early summer usually brings the greatest rainfall and thunderstorm frequency.
• Driest season: winter is normally driest, although snow, ice, and frozen ground still affect plans.
• Best outdoor window: April through October, with spring blooms and fall color especially comfortable.