"All conservation of wildness is self-defeating, for to cherish we must see and fondle, and when enough have seen and fondled, there is no wilderness left to cherish." — Aldo Leopold

Aldo 52601

A guide to sites around Burlington, Iowa, connected to Aldo Leopold and his family.

Historical marker & home site

The Aldo Leopold home site is located at 101 Clay Street in Burlington, Iowa. A historical marker lies at the end of the street and is accessible to the public. The home is privately owned and visitors to the marker are asked to please respect private property. For information on the possibility of arranging a tour of the grounds for your group or organization, go to the Our Initiatives page.

Click on the photos for larger views.

Gravesite

Aldo Leopold was buried in Burlington's Aspen Grove Cemetery after his untimely death from a heart attack suffered while helping a neighbor battle a brush fire. The grave marker is tucked behind the Starker family vault, at the edge of a knoll above the cemetery's frog pond. Please consult the map below for directions to the site. Click on the photos for larger views.

    

Natural sites

Aldo Leopold's idea of "thinking like a mountain," had its roots in his exploration of the natural world in and around his hometown of Burlington, Iowa. You can tramp in some of those same places still today, at places like Starr's Cave Park and Preserve north of the city, or the river bluffs and ravines of Crapo and Dankwardt parks on Burlington's south side.

    

Aldo Leopold Middle School

Burlington's newest school building, Aldo Leopold Middle School, is located along Sunnyside Avenue on the north side of the city. It opened in August 2010 and replaced Oak Street Middle School.