Fort Madison Elk and Bison

Before European settlers arrived, Iowa's landscape was teeming with wildlife, including impressive herds of elk and bison. These majestic creatures once roamed the state in abundance, but today they are rare in the wild. The decline of these species in Iowa was due to a combination of habitat loss, overhunting, and the lack of wildlife protection. As settlers pushed westward, bison numbers plummeted from hunting for their meat and hides, and by the 1860s, sightings were becoming increasingly rare.

Fun Fact: Bison, often referred to as buffalo, are North America's largest land animals, standing up to six feet tall at the shoulder and weighing as much as 2,000 pounds.

Elk, which are often associated with western mountain states, also once roamed Iowa’s prairies in large numbers. However, overhunting led to their extirpation from the state by the 1860s.

Fortunately, both elk and bison have been reintroduced to Iowa, and visitors can now experience these magnificent animals up close at places like Quarry Creek Elk & Bison. Although they no longer roam the wild expanses of Iowa, these reintroduced herds offer a glimpse into the state’s rich wildlife history.

The Tri-State Rodeo takes place on the second weekend in September, and Quarry Creek Elk & Bison hosts the rodeo's broncs throughout the week. This is a fantastic chance to get a close-up view of these other magnificent animals at the same property.