Shimek State Forest
33653 Route J56
Farmington
Iowa, 52626
(319) 878-3811
villagesofvanburen.com/directory.html?item=1434
Shimek State Forest is a campground or RV park located in Farmington.
The forest is named after the late Dr. Bohumil Shimek, an Iowa naturalist and former University of Iowa professor. During the 1930s, Shimek convinced the state to acquire vanishing forestland in Lee and Van Buren counties along with abandoned farms, which were depleted because of more than a century of farming. Then referred to as the “Lee and Van Buren State Forest,” work began to reforest the open areas. The Civilian Conservation Corps planted many acres of hardwood and softwood stands. These northern and southern species were trial demonstrations to determine adaptability to Iowa’s climate. The pines that predominate today, Eastern white pine and red pine, have shown that the northern species have fared the best.
Location of Shimek State Forest
Other info
Nearby restaurants include Mt. Hamill Tap, Casey’s, Bonaparte Retreat located at 713 1st Street, Sunrise Bakery located at 21913 White Avenue, and Blt Cafe located at 21964 Hawk Drive.
Nearby accommodations include Lacey-keosauqua State Park, Donnellson Guest House, Trump Heritage Haus Bed And Breakfast And Tea Room, The Church Vacation Rental located at 26819 Route. J40, and Lazy Bee Log Cabin.