A log cabin-style lodge built in 1928 provides an excellent setting for such group activities as wedding receptions, family reunions, and community get-togethers. Lodge reservations can be made online
Backbone State Park is Iowa's oldest state park, dedicated in 1919. Located in the valley of the Maquoketa River, it is approximately three miles south of Strawberry Point in Delaware County.
The lake at Badger Creek is by far the most popular natural resource, and thus fishing is the most popular form of recreation. The lake comprises 276 acres. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and cat
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park, Iowa’s newest state park, is nestled in the rolling landscape between Des Moines and Indianola on Highway 65/69, within minutes of the state’s largest metro area.
Beed's Lake State Park has provided visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities since 1934. One unique feature of the park is the causeway that crosses the lake near the lodge. It provides m
High bluffs with scenic views of the Mississippi River, 770 acres with timbered walking trails, a unique butterfly sanctuary and an enclosed nature center are just some of the features that make Belle
Big Creek State Lake was created as part of the Saylorville project to protect Polk City from floods. A diversion dam which forms the 866-acre Big Creek Lake was primarily developed as a flood control
Black Hawk Lake lies off the southeast tip of the town of Lake View in Sac County, Iowa. Black Hawk Lake was formed many thousands of years ago by glacial action. In fact, it is the southern-most glac
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is a state park in Webster County, Iowa in the United States. With an area encompassing over 6,000 acres, the facility is one of Iowa's largest public outdoor recrea
When Iowa businessman Lowell Walter died in August of 1981, he and his wife, Agnes, left their dream home, Cedar Rock, to the Iowa Conservation Commission and the people of Iowa. Designed by the famed
Clear Lake State Park is located on the southeast shore of beautiful 3,643-acre Clear Lake, one of the major outdoor recreation features of northern Iowa. Although the state park is only 55 acres in s
Dolliver Memorial State Park is a state park of Iowa, US, featuring high bluffs and deep ravines on the Des Moines River. The park is located 10 miles south of Fort Dodge and 3 miles northwest of Lehi
Elinor Bedell State Park is one of Iowa's newer (1998) state parks. It is located on the shores of East Lake Okoboji and represents one of the last remaining open spaces in a region that is among Iowa
Elk Rock State Park is located on Lake Red Rock, one of Iowa's large impoundments. The area had been inhabited by Native Americans dating back more than five thousand years to the Archaic Culture. In
The "lakes area" of northwest Iowa offers a tremendous array of outdoor recreation opportunities, year-round. The unique setting of beautiful and clear Lakes East and West Okoboji, Big Spirit Lake and
For a different type of camping experience, why not try the Fairport Recreation Area Campground located 6 miles away from Wildcat Den State Park on Highway 22. Fairport is located right on the Mississ
The story of Fort Atkinson is not the stuff of which legends are made. No famous battles were fought here. No glorious victories or ignoble defeats occurred in its vicinity. No great decisions were ma
Fort Defiance State Park's 191 acres of rugged woodland provide a beautiful contrast to the gently rolling surrounding farmlands. The park's trails, picnic areas and scenic overlooks provide a great p
"Hey! Come on, we're going out to Geode!" This is repeated time after time in southeast Iowa as families and friends pack picnic baskets and swimsuits and head for a fun day in the sun at one of south
The Cedar Valley Paddlers Trail is the first trail to open under the DNR Water Trail Grant and the first looped trail. It starts at Fisher Lake in George Wyth. All four lakes in George Wyth, Cedar Riv
Green Valley State Park is a state park in Iowa in the United States. The park is composed of Green Valley Lake and land around it, approximately 2 miles north of the town of Creston.
The "lakes area" of northwest Iowa offers a tremendous array of outdoor recreation opportunities, year-round. The unique setting of beautiful and clear Lakes East and West Okoboji, Big Spirit Lake and
Honey Creek Resort State Park is a premier destination resort, offering quality accommodations, vacation amenities and a beautiful natural setting. Located on the shore of Rathbun Lake in south- ce
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is located southwest of Keosauqua, Iowa, United States. Located along the Des Moines River in Van Buren County, it was dedicated in 1921. It is the largest state park in siz
"Ahquabi" is a Sauk and Fox word meaning "resting place," and it is a fitting name for this scenic 770-acre park. The park site was recommended by "Ding" Darling, nationally known Iowa political carto
Lake Anita State Park, dedicated in 1969, is one of the most popular outdoor recreation facilities in southwest Iowa. The 1,062-acre park features a beautiful 171-acre artificial lake which was formed
Lake Darling State Park is a state park of Iowa, US. It is in Washington County and the park is approximately 3 miles west of Brighton; 6 miles east of Richland; and 3 miles north-west of Pleasant Pla
Lake Keomah State Park is 366 acres of beautiful woods and water. Lovely shaded picnic areas are nestled between the arms of the 83 acre man-made lake.
During the summer the open water, grasslands, d
Lake Macbride State Park's 2,180 acres offer much to the outdoor enthusiast: fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking, camping, boating and lots more. The park is located in two units. The northern unit
Lake Manawa State Park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation facilities in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area. The park's 1,529 acres encompass a beautiful 772-acre lake. Lake Manawa w
The Pottawattomi tribe, a large group of Native Americans known as the "Fire Nation," once roamed the prairies of southwest Iowa and northwest Missouri. According to legend, two other tribes joined th
Lake Wapello's 1,150 acres could easily be called the "country club" of Iowa's state parks. The beautiful wooded hillsides, shaded picnic areas and lake provide a quiet elegance which makes Lake Wapel
The wildlife and plant communities are interwoven with the human history of Ledges. Humans have appreciated this unique area for thousands of years. Archeological evidence found within the park dates
Lewis and Clark State Park lies on the shores of Blue Lake, an "oxbow" formed by the meanderings of the picturesque Missouri River many years ago.
The park is named for Meriwether Lewis, secretary to
Lower Gar State Recreation Area is a great place for a family picnic. There are several picnic tables located throughout this nicely shaded area with a great view of Lower Gar Lake.
Trails
Lower Gar
Maquoketa Caves is probably Iowa's most unique state park. Its caves, limestone formations and rugged bluffs provide visitors a chance to "step back" into geological time thousands of years. Caves var
The "lakes area" of northwest Iowa offers a tremendous array of outdoor recreation opportunities year-round. The unique setting of beautiful and clear lakes East and West Okoboji, Big Spirit Lake and
The earliest known inhabitants of the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area during historical times were the Mesquakie Indians. Their village was located just south of where the Julien Dubuque Monument
The newly renovated CCC lodge is an excellent setting for family picnics and cookouts. It can be reserved through the park reservation system.
Located on the north side of Big Spirit Lake, Mini-Waka
Rugged wooded hills and valleys abundant with oak trees makes Nine Eagles one of southern Iowa's most scenic parks. The park has some trees which are more than 300 years old. Visitors enjoy six miles
Okamanpedan has several picnic tables in a shaded lakeside area which provides an excellent setting for family picnics and cookouts.
A shelter is available on a first come/first serve basis.
Lake Ac
In the late 1890s, James Sherman Minott acquired 160 acres of timberland on the Cedar River and built a spacious inn for the accommodation of visitors. He also established a boat rental and sold lots
In this area, Native Americans of the Woodland Culture of 800 to 1200 A.D. sculpted earthen "effigy" mounds on ridge tops, in the shapes of animals, to celebrate their oneness with Mother Earth. Many
Pikes Point is a great place for a family picnic. There are several picnic tables located throughout this nicely shaded area with a great view of West Lake Okoboji. There is also a CCC stone shelter t
Pilot Knob State Park is one of the oldest units in the state park system. It was dedicated on September 11, 1924. Standing atop the tower on "Pilot Knob," visitors have a spectacular view. From the t
Pleasant Creek is a great place for a family picnic. Picnic areas are located on the northeast and southeast shores. Several open shelters and the day-use lodge may reserved online through the park re
Prairie Rose State Park is one of the most attractive outdoor recreation areas in western Iowa. The 422-acre park lies in a region of scenic hills, six miles east and three miles south of Harlan.
The
The 344 acre the park encompasses what was once the town of Preparation. In 1853, Charles B. Thompson broke from the Mormon wagon train to Utah after receiving a message from the "Spirit." The Mormon
Picnic areas offer a splendid view of the lake and are equipped with grills. There are many tables by the water's edge and the whole area is carpeted with mowed grass. A rustic open picnic shelter, lo
The park is 15 acres and a beautiful area for having a picnic, family gathering, or wedding. There is a stone shelter that was built by the CCC in 1934. The shelter can be reserved online through the
Rock Creek is one of central Iowa's major state parks and was officially dedicated on August 24, 1952. The 602-acre Rock Creek lake is the third largest state operated artificial impoundment. Rock Cre
Two beautiful open picnic shelters, one located on the lakeshore near the beach, may be reserved online through the park reservation system. Picnic areas have tables, grills, water and restroom facili
Native Americans were the first humans to inhabit the area now known as Stone Park. Although little is known specifically about their activities in Stone Park, the area would certainly have been used
Templar Park has an open picnic shelter available on a first come/first serve basis which provides an excellent setting for family picnics and cookouts. Templar Park also has another open picnic shelt
Trappers Bay has a stone CCC picnic shelter available on a first come/first serve basis which provides an excellent setting for family picnics and cookouts.
Lake Activities(boating and fishing)
Locat
Two open shelters, one a large stone CCC shelter and the other a smaller shelter, are available on a first come/first serve basis at no fee in the main area on the east side of Twin Lakes. On the west
Union Grove State Park, located in northwest Tama County, is a very popular outdoor recreation area. The park was established in 1938. Its focal point is beautiful 110-acre Union Grove Lake. The lake
Viking Lake is one of the most popular state parks in southwest Iowa due to its accessibility and variety of recreational opportunities. A large portion of the 1,000-acre park has been left in its nat
The Volga River Recreation Area is located in one of the most scenic parts of the state. Northeast Iowa is often referred to as "Little Switzerland" because of its rugged topography, geologic features
Walnut Woods encompasses 260 acres of wooded bottomland along the Raccoon River. Within the park lies a large surviving natural stand of black walnut trees. More than 90 species of birds have been ide
Wapsipinicon State Park, dedicated in 1923, was one of Iowa's first state parks. It lies just south of Anamosa on the Wapsipinicon River (locally referred to as the Wapsi). The sandstone and limestone
Waubonsie is located in the unique "Loess Hills," a landform found only along the Missouri River in Iowa and Missouri and in China. As glaciers melted 14,000 to 28,000 years ago, the Missouri River be
Wildcat Den State Park is one of the most unique in Iowa, combining natural beauty and solitude, preservation of historical structures, trails, camping and picnic areas for recreational use.
One of t
Wilson Island, named after former Governor George Wilson, came into existence as an island sandbar around 1900. Today, Wilson Island State Recreation Area encompasses 544 acres of dense cottonwood sta
