The Cultural Landscape Master Plan process successfully brought together numerous stakeholders and formed a new community that has begun implementation of recommendations.


  • QEA leadership of multidisciplinary team
  • Extensive public, tribal, and stakeholder involvement
  • 3,880 acres; 183 owned by the State of Iowa


  • ASLA Honor Award, 2018
  • ASLA Wisconsin Chapter, Merit Award, 2016
  • National Historic Landmark

The Iowa Blood Run Cultural Landscape Master Plan provides a comprehensive framework for a bi-state, 3,880-acre park that respects, protects, and emphasizes unique heritage of the place; strengthens appreciation of the tribal traditions, local history, the current community, and natural resources; and fosters understanding and enjoyment through interpretation and compatible recreation. The plan guides the use and management of a complex cultural landscape with ties to the Oneota tradition and five other tribes.

The project process involved extensive engagement with tribal representatives and stakeholders through meetings at tribal lands, on-site tours, open house presentations, workshops, and web conferencesPitted boulders and earthen mounds are visible on the landscape. Below ground is an astonishingly well-preserved archaeological record.The study area is located in northwestern Iowa near Sioux Falls, South Dakota.It includes the Iowa portion of the National Historic Landmark and land outside the NHL boundary with a high potential to include significant resources.

The Cultural Landscape Master Plan recommends protection of sacred and significant sites, areas for sacred activities, interpretive and hiking trails, connections to South Dakota, a bio-reserve and possible bison herd, an educational and curatorial facility, outdoor education area, and facilities for group gatherings, picnics, day use, research, camping, and maintenance/administration. 
Locations of facilities and trails take advantage of landscape features, sheltered within the viewshed defined by the site’s topography. The project team worked with a diverse group of planners, archaeologists, and tribal representatives to ensure that new trails and facilities avoid impacting sensitive resources.