The best places to see wildlife in and around Des Moines County are:
With its miles of trails and assortment of habitats, Starr's Cave Park and Preserve is a mecca for wildlife. Expect to see everything from owls nesting on the cliff face to songbirds to large mammals.
Another preserve but farther from town, Luckenbill Woods doesn't get the foot traffic that other parks do. It therefore offers a bit more solitude for spotting elusive birds and other wildlife. It offers both forest and open land and even a couple ponds.
The Mississippi River offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Expect to see virtually every species of Mississippi Flyway waterfowl in the spring, bald eagles in the winter and other unique species all year long.
There are many more places to check out in Des Moines County. Check out all of Des Moines County Conservation's Recreation Areas.