Wilson Island State Recreation Area

Overview

Brochure InfoWelcome to Wilson Island State Recreation Area, named after former Governor George Wilson, which came into being as an island sandbar in 1900. Today, Wilson Island State Recreation Area encompasses 544 acres of dense cottonwood stands. Peacefulness is one of the area's greatest assets as well as spacious campsites, hiking trails and picnic spots. Wildlife is abundant in the recreation area and visitors may see deer grazing in the fields or be awakened by a huge flock of snow geese flying low overhead. Bald eagles are often perched in the tall cottonwoods during the winter and mushroom hunters will find no better place in the spring. On the way to Wilson Island, notice the unique wave-like loess hills that overlook the great Missouri River floodplain. These rugged loess hills are only found in Iowa, Missouri and China. Early history tells us that Lewis and Clark camped on this reach of the Missouri River in 1804 on their historic voyage of discovery.Brochure Info - RecreationRiver Activities The Missouri River is another large draw for visitors. You can cast a line in the "mighty Mo" with the hopes of hauling out a giant catfish. The area's river and chute boat ramps let anglers and recreational boaters get out on the water. Trails Six miles of multi-use trails are a great way to experience Wilson Island. Biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are all acceptable ways to travel. Depending on the route, the trail may wind along the backwater chute and river, providing access to these water bodies, or run through the dense cottonwood stands that cover most of the area. Hunting As a recreational area most of Wilson Island, except for within 200 yards of the campground and other developed sites, is open for public hunting. Deer hunting and waterfowl hunting in the backwater area are the primary sports.Brochure Info - Facilities and RestrictionsPicnicking/Shelters A picnic area with shelters is located along the shoreline of the Missouri River. Two open shelters are available on a first come first serve basis. Camping Camping is very popular at Wilson Island because of its well shaded and spacious campsites. The campground has modern showers and restrooms, nonelectric and electric campsites and three large youth group campsites that can be reserved in advance. A playground is located near the shower building.Brochure Info - Nearby AttractionsImmediately north of Wilson Island is the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. The 7,800 acre area includes a seven-mile-long oxbow lake, which provides a great fishery and stopover for migratory waterfowl. The refuge is also well known for the Vertrand Steamboat exhibit housed in the visitor center. For further details contact The visitor center at (712) 388-4800. The Watson Steam Train is located in the Missouri Valley city park. Restored in 2009, the 1947 Ottaway steam and 1953 Ottaway diesel engines are housed in a new Museum and are available for children to ride on weekends. Nearby Towns Missouri Valley, Iowa is located 11 miles northeast of Wilson Island. The Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area is located 25 miles south of the recreation area.Key InfoAn Iowa or Nebraska fishing license is required for fishing the Missouri River. An Iowa license is required to fish the backwater chute. As a recreation area, Wilson Island is open for public hunting in season. Care should be exercised by both hunters and non-hunters during hunting seasons. Concessions - Firewood Sales May 1 to September 30, 7 days a week, self-serve so there are no set hours of operation.Important Information for Daily EntranceDirectionFrom Interstate 29, take exit 72. Go west on DeSoto Avenue six miles. Wilson Island is on the left. From Hwy 30, take County Road L16 south five miles to DeSoto Avenue. Go west 2 miles. Wilson Island is on left.Booking Window Product Info