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 Casey’s located at 201 South 4th Street, Bonaparte Retreat located at 713 1st Street, Sunrise Bakery, Blt Cafe located at 21964 Hawk Drive approximately 8.7 km away, and Mt. Hamill Tap located at 1467 155th Avenue approximately 9.1 km away.

Nearby accommodations include 1850's Guesthouse approximately 19.4 km away, Hideaway On Harrison located at 203 Harrison Street approximately 13.4 km away, Alexander's Cottage Rental, Ellis Sanders Bed & Breakfast located at 1285 Sidney Street approximately 19.3 km away, and Hyrum Kimball Village located at 2035 Mulholland Street.