The Holst State Forest is a 330 acre forest deeded to the Iowa Conservation Commission in 1939 by Mr. B. P. Holst, Sr., a prominent Boone businessman. In 1940 the Forestry Department at Iowa State accepted the responsibility of managing the forest as a demonstration forest for research and recreation. In 1947 the management was turned over to the Forestry Club where students could implement creative management experience. Since then management and student activity has been sporadic and during the 1960’s the forest has generally been neglected.