Shimek Forest Pioneer Cemetery Backcountry Road

The Pioneer Cemetery Backcountry Road threads through Shimek State Forest’s 9,000 acres of restored prairie and oak savanna in southeast Iowa, connecting several forgotten homestead sites and the haunting Houghton Pioneer Cemetery dating to the 1840s. This 8-mile route follows maintained forest service roads past old farmstead foundations and through areas where the Civilian Conservation Corps planted thousands of trees during the Depression era. The road passes Lick Creek and several seasonal ponds that draw massive waterfowl migrations in spring and fall, making it popular with hunters during season.

Any vehicle can handle these well-maintained gravel roads, making this perfect for families or overlanders wanting an easy introduction to Iowa’s public lands. The forest allows camping at designated sites only, but the nearby Croton campground provides a good basecamp. Spring through fall offers the best weather, though the road stays open year-round. You’ll get a peaceful look at Iowa’s conservation success story and some genuine pioneer history without needing specialized gear or extreme driving skills.