Big Springs Nature Center & Trail

Big Springs Nature Park is located along the National Scenic Byways Great River Road. This is a quiet, hidden natural area that has been historically used as a recreation and picnic area. This wooded area was purchased by the City of Guttenberg with the assistance of IA Natural Heritage Foundation, through a grant from IA REAP. The area includes a coldwater spring and stream. The coldwater stream that originates on the property cascades down a series of limestone bedrock features, creating a natural stair step effect. The water's total vertical drop within the 11 acre parcel is over 100 feet. The IA DNR has identified this spring and stream as a closed aquatic ecosystem that provides a potentially unique study area for fish habitat, water quality and interpretation.