Description
Nahant Marsh is host to a huge variety of wildlife, including over 400 species of plants, more than 150 species of birds, and many mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. The trails here wind past marsh, forest, prairie and vernal pool habitats, and many locations are great for wildlife viewing including a bird blind. There are also benches throughout the trail network and a dock to look out onto the marsh. To enhance your experience, you can borrow nets, binoculars and guide books from the Education Center during your visit.
Nahant Marsh is a great place to explore wildlife and learn about the flora that once covered much of the landscape in Iowa. As a preserve, we allow low-impact recreation activities such as:
- Bird watching
- Wildlife and landscape photography
- Hiking
- Snowshoeing, and cross country skiing on trails
- Picnicking
- Biking on paved surfaces
Other Information
Operating Hours
- Preserve Trails Year-round Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
- Education Center Hours:
- 8:30AM - 4:30PM (Mon-Fri)
- 9AM - 3PM (Sat, April-October)
- 9AM - 12PM (Sat, November-March)
There is no fee to visit the Education Center, but donations are always appreciated.
Elevation Profile
The elevation profile above approximates terrain along the specified section of trail and is provided for general information. Use your best judgment to choose trails with elevation changes to match your comfort level. See QC Trails Terms of Use for more information.
Trail Manager
The trails are maintained by the Nahant Marsh Education Center, which offers a variety of educational programs on-site. #nahantmarshiowa
The mission of Nahant Marsh Education Center is to protect, enhance, and restore the Marsh through education, research, and conservation. Our vision is to foster wonder, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural world. Nahant Marsh is co-sponsored by Eastern Iowa Community Colleges and the City of Davenport.
Nearby Geocaches
Trail Map
Trailhead Information
From Davenport take IA-22 south. After 0.8 miles from the intersection with Business US-61, and just before the I-80 overpass, turn left onto Wapello Avenue. After 0.9 miles, just before the train tracks, turn left to enter the preserve.
From Rock Island take I-280 into Iowa, and take the first exit in Iowa (exit 8) for IA-22. Turn right on IA-22 east, then take the first right onto Wapello Avenue. After 0.9 miles, just before the train tracks, turn left to enter the preserve.
You may park in the front lot near Wapello Road, and enter the trails via a gap in the fence near the kiosk. Alternately, continue down the access road to the education center and park there, though note that this parking lot will be locked when the education center is closed.
