Goeldner Woods County Park
Goeldner Woods is managed as a multi-use recreation area with a small picnic area near the parking lot and an extensive trail system that explores all corners of the park. This 44-acre park is primarily upland hardwood forest with some bottomland timber on the north end of the park adjacent to the North Branch of North River. One of the most unique aspects of Goeldner Woods is the annual spring woodland wildflower display. Due to cool, north-facing woodland slopes and rich virgin soils, this area explodes into pastel color tones as the forest floor literally is blanketed with millions of wildflower blooms. Over 60 species of woodland flowers have been identified.
Public Hunting: Even though there are only 40 acres of timber available for public hunting, Goeldner Woods is surrounded by large tracts of privately owned, high quality upland forest in this North River valley. Excellent location for whitetail deer, turkey, squirrel, and other small woodland game. Not bad for mushrooms either!
Hiking: Trails meander through the entire park. The upper loop (approximately 1/2 mile) is located adjacent to the picnic grounds and remains primarily on level ground in the upper elevations of the park. The lower loop trail system (1 1/2 miles) explores the side slopes and river bottom timber and traverses steeper gradients.
Nature Study & Photography: The wide variety of springtime woodland wildflowers makes this a “must see” area in late April and early May. This is also an excellent area for birding throughout the year. Special Note: The rare flying squirrel is an inhabitant of Goeldner Woods.
Picnicking: A small picnic area with ground grills and fireplaces is available adjacent to the parking area.
Category: Parks & Recreation
Hours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact
1715 137th St
Earlham, IA 50072
(515) 462-3536
