Pilot Grove State Preserve is in the Southern Iowa Drift Plain landform region and features a wooded area that once was a landmark for early settlers. The preserve is part of a large wooded mound that could be seen for miles around, giving travelers a sense of direction and giving it its name. Vegetation on the preserve is mainly occupied by bur oak woodland, and spring wildflowers include mayapple, columbine and Virginia bluebells. On the preserve's west side there's also a small patch of prairie grasses and flowers including big bluestem, sideoats grama and leadplant.
The Kelting family donated the land to the Iowa Conservation Commission in 1980, asking that it be restored to the condition of the mid-1800s, and later that year it became a historical state preserve.
Fees, permits, and reservations may apply.
