Iowa State Parks

Whether you have a boat for boating and fishing in any of the many Iowa State Parks, or are looking for a relaxing get-away, you'll discover our Iowa State Park listings as the place to find just the right park for you and your family.  We have compiled all the state parks into one place for your convenience.

Iowa State Parks has something for everyone: Boating, Fishing, Bicycling, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming or just good relaxation.  Click on any of the links below to find the specific information on boat launching fees, camp reservations and information about the park.

All state parks are controlled and maintained by the State of Iowa. They are clean, safe and well maintained by the state.


Listings

  • Ambrose A. Call State Park

    The authentic log cabin is constructed of elm logs, some exceeding 18 inches in diameter, which is typical of cabins built by the original settlers in the area. Four men were needed to put the logs in place. The cabin in the park is located in the approximate location of the first log cabin in Kossuth County. It was moved from the August Zahlten homestead to the park.

  • Backbone State Park

    Backbone consists of 2,001 acres and is heavily wooded with a variety of tree species, predominantly oak and maple. This woodland serves as a valuable refuge for a variety of wildlife including deer, raccoon, fox, turkeys, ruffed grouse and many species of songbirds.

  • Badger Creek State Recreation Area

    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 catfish are the main sought after species. There are no motor restrictions, but all boats must operate at a "no wake" speed.

  • Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park

    Banner Lakes provide fishing enthusiasts excellent fishing and boating opportunities. The south lake is central Iowa’s only trout fishery, from October through May. Trout ranging from 1/2 pound to 10 pounds in size are stocked each year. Iowa residents and nonresidents must pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Other species in both lakes include channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. A number of shoreline fishing opportunities are located on the south lake and both lakes have new single-lane boat ramps and associated parking. Motor regulations are any size motor at no wake speed.

  • Beed's Lake State Park

    The beautiful lake, fed by Spring Creek, is a popular destination for anglers, year-round. Bass, catfish, and panfish are available to challenge anglers. Several fishing jetties and docks are located on the south shore of the lake and are accessible to mobility impaired visitors.

  • Bellevue State Park Jackson

    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 Bellevue State Park so special. Located just south of the picturesque town of Bellevue, the park offers spectacular views of the river, the wildlife, and the unique butterfly garden.

  • Big Creek State Park

    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 project but also offers a wide variety of recreation. Big Creek State Park and the adjoining public hunting areas provide recreation for visitors of all ages and interests. The focal point of the 3,550-acre complex is the lake.

  • Black Hawk State Park

    Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing). Angling is a popular pursuit at Black Hawk Lake. Channel catfish, crappies, walleyes, bluegills, sunfish and several types of bass abound and provide a challenge to anglers of all ages. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources provides boat launching ramps on the lake. Three are located within Black Hawk State Park. Swimming is allowed only in designated areas.

  • Brushy Creek State Recreation

    Fishing is also a popular activity at Brushy Creek. The creek and Des Moines River have always provided not only scenic beauty but also a challenge to the angler with smallmouth bass and panfish as favorite catches. Several boat ramps and fishing jetties are located around the 690 acre lake. A fishing pier is located on the west side of the lake, north of the beach area. There are fishing tournaments occurring almost every weekend out on the lake.

  • Cedar Rock

    The Walter Residence and the Visitor Center are open to the public Memorial Day Weekend through October 31, Thursday through Sunday. Guided tours of the house depart the Visitor Center on the hour from 11:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. We request you please reserve your party's tour. All tour requests need size of party, with desired date and time. Include a contact name and telephone number so that we may confirm your selection or possibly reschedule. The park telephone number is 319-934-3572. Walk-ins are accepted only as space permits. School group tours are available, please contact the park for further information.

  • Clear Lake State Park

    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 size, it offers a tremendous diversity of outdoor recreation opportunities due to its location on the lake as well as its natural beauty. The park is characterized by gently rolling ground with open, mature groves of oak trees. Several small draws and thickets provide habitat for owls, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, rabbits, many species of songbirds and an occasional deer. Scenic Woodford Island is a 3-acre island managed primarily for wildlife habitat and is an excellent spot for fishing.

  • Dolliver Memorial State Park

    Bluffs, canyons, the Des Moines River, Prairie Creek and Indian mounds are all part of the natural and cultural history that make Dolliver State Park so valuable to the people of Iowa. Purchased for $38,500, the 457-acre park was dedicated in 1925. During the dedication ceremonies, a memorial plaque, the work of noted sculptor Laredo Taft, was unveiled before a crowd of 13,500 people.

  • Elinor Bedell State Park

    Elinor Bedell State Park will promote appreciation and enjoyment of prairies, wetlands, and oak savanna landscapes once commonly found along the shores of Iowa's Great lakes. An extensive trail system will link these restored landscapes providing the public with recreational opportunities. By re-creating these natural landscapes, wildlife habitat will be improved and will provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • Elk Rock State Park Marion

    Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing). Lake Red Rock and the Des Moines River provide great fishing opportunities. Elk Rock has two boat ramps, one located near the main park entrance and other is located by the park office. Bass, catfish, walleye and crappie are the most common fish caught in this area.

  • Emerson Bay State Recreation Area

    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 other water bodies truly provides wonderful opportunities for outdoor recreation. The focal point for state parks and recreation areas in this region is beautiful Gull Point State Park, established in 1933. Gull Point provides a pleasing, shaded setting on West Okoboji Lake and offers a well-rounded variety of outdoor recreation facilities.

  • Fairport State Recreation Area

    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 Mississippi River and offers 42 campsites, all of which have electrical hook-ups. Modern shower and rest room facilities and a trailer dump station are available at the Fairport Campground. Advance campsite reservations can be made online through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Camping is also available at Wildcat Den State Park.

  • Fort Atkinson State Preserve

    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 made within its walls. In this way, the story of Fort Atkinson is like that of most of the army posts in the upper Mississippi Valley.

  • Fort Defiance State Park

    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 place to relax. Its lush cover of vegetation includes hawthorn, plum, locust and many species of the state tree - the oak. In the spring, the slopes are speckled with trillium, bloodroot, hepatica and violets. A small prairie with native grasses and flowers, including the endangered prairie bush clover, thrives on a secluded knoll.

  • Geode State Park

    The geode stone for which this park is named brings "rock hounds" to the area in search of this elusive prize. A display of geodes, with mysterious crystal formations in their hollow cavities, can be seen at the park office. Please remember that it is illegal to remove geodes and other natural materials from state parks, except for mushrooms, nuts, fruits and berries.

  • George Wyth State Park

    Carry your own gear and "rough it" in the campgrounds or take comfort in a local bed and breakfast or motel along the route. Some bed and breakfasts and park concessionaires offer a shuttle service of gear or luggage for a nominal fee. Reservations for this service must be made in advance. Detailed route brochures available through the DNR.

  • Green Valley State Park

    Green Valley Lake is used for all types of boating; water skiing is allowed in a designated area. For safety reasons, there are special regulations governing water skiing. All other boats must keep out of the general traffic pattern of boats pulling skiers and must not operate at speeds greater than five miles per hour when within 50 feet of another craft or person. All water skiers, including those using surfboard-type devices, must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life-saving jackets. No boat is allowed to be operated within 100 feet of shore at speeds greater than five miles per hour. Boats must also maintain a "no wake" speed when outside the ski zone. Four boat ramps on Green Valley Lake provide convenient lake access.

  • Gull Point State Park

    Lake Activities (boating, fishing). Gull Point's beach provides a fine place for young and old to sunbathe and splash in the crystal clear water. West Okoboji and the many other lakes are some of the prime fishing spots in Iowa. Anglers will find challenging sport pursuing a variety of game fish, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, white bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish and bullheads. Boating is also very popular on the lakes using everything from canoes to sailboats and ski rigs.

  • Honey Creek State Park

    Visitors to Honey Creek State Park return often to enjoy the beautiful setting of 828 acres of rolling, timbered hills against a background of beautiful Lake Rathbun, Iowa's largest lake. In 1954, Congress authorized the construction of Rathbun Lake because the Chariton River Valley in south central Iowa was susceptible to flood and drought problems. The dam was completed in 1969 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Rathbun Lake provides flood protection for 149,300 acres of land along the Chariton River.

  • Lacey Keosauqua State Park

    Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing) The picturesque 30-acre lake is a favorite spot for swimmers during the summer. There is a bathhouse restroom at the beach, but no lifeguards are provided and swimming is at your own risk within the beach ropes. Boating is limited to electric motors only. The lake is popular with fishermen as is the scenic Des Moines River which runs the length of the park.

  • Lake Ahquabi State Park

    A modern boat ramp is located at the northern end of the park. Another ramp is located in the campground. Lake Ahquabi is popular with anglers. A number of fishing jetties and a handicapped accessible fishing pier provide great places for a day of shoreline fishing.

  • Lake Anita State Park

    Lake Anita State Park, dedicated in 1961, 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 by creating a dam on a branch of the Nishnabotna River. Lake Anita State Park truly has something for everyone; from hiking on a quiet trail to splashing on the beach, Lake Anita is a great place to enjoy yourself in the great outdoors.

  • Lake Darling State Park

    Lake Darling State Park was dedicated on September 17, 1950. J. N. "Ding" Darling, for whom the park was named, "set the gate," a ceremony in which an honored guest closes the valve on the spillway, completing the impoundment process. Ding Darling was the editorial cartoonist of the Des Moines Register and was a champion of conservation during the early part of this century. Through his efforts, the conservation movement was fostered in Iowa. In recognition of his contributions, Lake Darling State Park was named in his honor.

  • Lake Keomah State Park

    During the summer the open water, grasslands, deep woods and marshy areas provide habitat for all types of wildlife. Hikers along the park's scenic hiking and nature trails may catch a glimpse of bullfrogs blowing and puffing bass solos, a great blue heron wading the shallows in search of minnows, or a covey of quail rising at the approach of human footsteps. In the fall, the lake is surrounded by a mass of color from a variety of trees and shrubs.

  • Lake Macbride State Park

    Lake Macbride is an angler's delight! Good catches of walleyes, channel catfish, crappies and bluegill await the angler in the 812-acre artificial lake. Walleyes, channel catfish and muskies are stocked annually. Lake Macbride may be the only lake in Iowa in which the prized Kentucky spotted bass can be caught. Good lake access is available for both shoreline and boat fishing.

  • Lake Manawa State Park

    Lake Manawa is the premier boating spot in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. Boat motors of any size may be operated on the lake. Modern boat ramps are located on the north, south and west sides of the lake. Paddle boats and canoes are available for rent at the beach area from the concessionaire. A Missouri River boat ramp also provides boaters acess to the river.

  • Lake Wapello State Park

    Lake Wapello's beach offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Refreshments are available at the beautiful stone and timber bathhouse. Boats may be rented at the concession area. Any size of boat motors may be operated at "no wake" speeds on the lake.

  • Lake of Three Fires State Park

    The 85-acre Lake of Three Fires is nearly a mile long and a half-mile wide, with scenic inlets ideal for fishing and boating. Surrounding the lake are 691 acres of picturesque woodlands. Although summer is the most popular season, any nice spring or fall day will draw hundreds of picnickers, hikers, photographers and fishermen. There are eight miles of marked trails for hikers, horseback riders, and snowmobilers. Playgrounds are located in the picnic area and at the beach area. There are horseshoe pitching areas at the beach area near the lodge, the camp area and the picnic area.

  • Ledges State Park

    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 to around 4,000 years ago. At the time of European settlement, the Ledges area was inhabited by the Sauk, Fox (now the Mesqwakie) and Sioux. Native American mounds in the vicinity contain artifacts acting as silent reminders of the area's past inhabitants.

  • Lewis and Clark State Park

    On August 10, 1804, the expedition arrived at the site where Lewis and Clark State Park now lies. They spent some time there exploring the region and making observations on the geographical conditions, plants and animals in the area. Today, thousands of people visit the park every year for outdoor recreation and to learn a little bit more about the Lewis and Clark expedition. The park has been designated as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail by the National Park Service.

  • Lower Gar State Recreation Area

    Lower Gar is one of the five lakes connected in the Iowa Great Lakes chain along with West Okoboji, East Okoboji, Minnewashta, and Upper Gar. Lower Gar State Recreation Area also offers the user a boat ramp to launch a boat, and several areas to fish along the shoreline.

  • Maquoketa Caves State Park

    Artifacts such as pottery, as well as tools and projectile points made of stone have been found in the caves and surrounding area. These discoveries tell us that the Maquoketa Caves area has been a popular spot for hundreds of years, perhaps thousands of years. Early recorded history tells of the Native Americans in the area, and that they were likely visitors to the Raccoon Creek valleys. From the discovery of the caves in the 1830's by settlers until the present, the park has been a place to view the special beauty that nature has to offer.

  • Marble Beach State Recreation Area

    Spirit Lake is the largest natural lake in Iowa and provides some of the best fishing in the state. Anglers will find challenging sport pursuing a variety of game fish, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunges, smallmouth bass, white bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish, and bullheads.

  • McIntosh Woods State Park

    McIntosh Woods State Park is located on the northwest shore of beautiful 3,684-acre Clear Lake. The 60-acre park, purchased in 1943, is an oasis of nature in an area of residential, commercial and agricultural land.

  • Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center

    Dubuque is credited as being the first European to settle on what is now Iowa soil in 1788. In 1796, Dubuque received a land grant from the Governor of Spain who resided in New Orleans at the time. The grant gave permission for Julien Dubuque to work the land which was owned by Spain, and specified the 189-square mile area to be names as "Mines of Spain". Dubuque eventually married Potosa, daughter of the Mesquakie Indian Chief, Peosta. Dubuque died March 24, 1810.

  • Mini-Wakan State Park

    Located on the north side of Big Spirit Lake, Mini-Wakan State park offers the user a boat ramp to launch a boat, and several areas to fish along the shoreline. Mini-Wakan also borders the area commonly referred to as "the grade", which provides great access for the shoreline fisherman.

  • Nine Eagles State Park

    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 of bridle trails and nine miles of hiking trails, swimming at the sandy beach, pleasant camping areas and shaded picnic spots with tables and fireplaces scattered throughout the 1,100-acre park.

  • Okamanpedan State Park

    Located on Tuttle Lake in Emmet County, Okamanpedan offers the user several areas to fish along the shoreline, as well as river fishing on the East Fork of the Des Moines River. Anglers will find challenging sport pursuing a variety of game fish, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, white bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish, and bullheads.

  • Palisades-Kepler State Park

    Palisades-Kepler State Park lies along the beautiful Cedar River in Linn County. The 840-acre park has dramatic river bluffs, deep ravines, majestic hardwood trees, a large variety of wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife. Palisades-Kepler State Park is also important for its prehistoric past. A molar tooth of a mammoth was once found here and the exposed rocks along the Cedar River are laden with fossils of millions of years of history. The presence of Indian mounds reminds us that this was a favorite haunt of Native Americans hundreds of years ago.

  • Pikes Peak State Park

    Pikes Peak State Park is located in the "Paleozoic Plateau" that was missed by the glaciers that flattened and molded so much of Iowa. This area, often called the "Driftless" region, is noted for its natural beauty. Its hills and valleys offer great vistas, large timbered tracts, spring-fed streams and a natural beauty unique to northeast Iowa.

  • Pikes Point State Park

    Pikes Point State Park is situated on West Lake Okoboji and is home to one of the most popular swim beaches in the area. Pikes Point's beach also has a very popular swim platform located within the swimming area for users to sun bathe or play on.

  • Pilot Knob State Park

    Hidden within the 700-acre park and enclosed by abrupt banks is Dead Man's Lake, a four-acre floating sphagnum bog, the only one of its kind in Iowa. This is a botanist's delight, bordered by native trees, shrubs and flowering plants. Waterfowl feed and breed in the tall grasses. Three species of pond lilies grow here, one found nowhere else in Iowa. Trees native to the Pilot Knob area include walnut, ash, basswood, wild cherry, burr oak, aspen, white oak and red oak. Pilot Knob's natural features are so significant, the majority of the park has been dedicated as a state preserve.

  • Pine Lake State Park

    Pine Lake State Park provides a pleasing mix of woodland, river and lake in the midst of rolling farmland. The 585-acre park encompasses two lakes: 50-acre Lower Pine Lake and 69-acre Upper Pine Lake. Of special appeal to nature enthusiasts are the ancient white pine, the white-barked birch trees and the rare ferns found along the Iowa River. The pine-scented air of the campgrounds and picnic areas is a pleasing rarity in Iowa.

  • Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

    The idea for a state recreation area at Pleasant Creek originated in the early 1960s when the Iowa Conservation Commission (now the Iowa Department of Natural Resources) began investigating the possibility of a large lake to serve the outdoor recreation needs of a multi-county region of northeast Iowa. Today, a 410-acre lake and more than 1,500 acres of land are available to visitors conveniently close to the cities of Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Palo and Waterloo/Cedar Falls. The lake offers a variety of fishing, boating and swimming opportunities. Trails offer visitors scenic views of wooded hills, marshy areas and meadows. The area is open year-round and provides a maximum of outdoor recreation activities.

  • Prairie Rose State Park

    The lake is the real focal point of the park. The Prairie Rose beach provides swimming and sunbathing fun for young and old. A play-ground area is located near the beach and another one in the campground area.

  • Preparation Canyon State Park

    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 leader and elder led 50 to 60 Mormon families to Kanesville, now Council Bluffs. Upon much searching, Thompson and a few select men chose the area called "Monona," an Indian name meaning "Peaceful Valley." Here they organized the town of Preparation, complete with houses and schools and started Monona County's first newspaper which Thompson owned and operated.

  • Red Haw State Park

    No matter what the season, the trees make Red Haw a beautiful place to visit. The 649-acre park is filled with hawthorns, oaks, maples and pine trees. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming and boating. In the winter, visitors can enjoy ice skating, sledding, skiing and snowmobiling. Hiking trails wind through the park and around the sparkling clear 72- acre lake.

  • Rice Lake State Park

    Rice Lake is a 1200 acre lake that provides many activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Any size motor is allowed and boaters like to water ski, jet ski, and fish. The species of fish in Rice Lake include bass, bluegill, walleye, perch, norther, crappie and bullheads. Make sure you check the current length limits and possession limits for any fish caught out of Rice Lake.

  • Rock Creek State Park

    The beach provides an ideal spot to sunbathe and swim. The lake's 15 miles of shoreline gives anglers a chance to try their hand at catching bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, saugeye and bullhead. The deepest water is approximately 18 feet and the average depth is about nine feet. The lake is excellent for trolling or casting. Ice fishing offers anglers a chance to catch king-sized bluegill and crappie.

  • Shimek State Forest

    The Farmington Unit contains Bitternut Lake campground with 8 sites, available on a first come first-serve policy, and a boatShimek Pond ramp. The Farmington Unit also has Black Oak Lake with a handicapped accessible picnic area, fishing dock, parking area, and restrooms. There is walk-in fishing access at White Oak Lake, also on the Farmington Unit. The unit has 18.9 miles of hiking trails.

  • Springbrook State Park

    A boat ramp on the lake provides convenient access for anglers seeking crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, bullhead and catfish. Ice fishing is enjoyed in the winter. Three fishing jetties are located along the lake trail. Boats using the lake may only use electric motors. A boat ramp is located on the Middle Raccoon River. A trail also takes anglers to a fishing riffle.

  • Stephens State Forest

    Stephens State Forest is located in south-central Iowa and is divided into seven units totaling over 15,000 acres. The forest is dispersed over five counties: Lucas, Clarke, Monroe, Appanoose, and Davis.

  • Stone State Park

    A visit to Stone Park would not be complete without a visit to the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. The center features a variety of interpretive displays, including a "walk-under" prairie, a 400-gallon aquarium of native fish, and natural history dioramas. A children's discovery area provides opportunity to handle furs, antlers, fossils, and other artifacts. Two miles of hiking trails exist around the nature center.

  • Templar State Recreation Area

    Located on the west side of Big Spirit Lake, Templar Park offers the user a boat ramp to launch their boat and several areas to fish along the shoreline. Templar Park's boat ramp is one of the most popular on Big Spirit Lake because it is situated on a lagoon that allows users to launch their boats on the windiest of days.

  • Trapper's Bay State Park

    Located on silver Lake, Trapper's Bay offers a boat ramp to launch a boat, and several areas to fish along the shoreline. Trapper's Bay also has excellent fishing. Anglers will find challenging sport pursuing a variety of game fish, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, white bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish, and bullheads.

  • Twin Lakes State Park

    North Twin Lakes is a 453 acre natural lake. There is no restriction on boat motor size and there are two state boat ramps on the south shore of the lake. Major fish species include bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and walleye. All areas of Twin Lakes State Park are day use only, no camping is available. The main area on the east side of North Twin Lake is open to fishing only, 24 hours a day and has a modern restroom. Both the east and west areas offer a sandy beach swimming area and modern playground.

  • Union Grove State Park

    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 and the attractive parklands provide a pleasing contrast to the nearby residential and agricultural areas. Union Grove State Park truly offers outdoor recreation fun for everyone.

  • Viking Lake State Park

    The 137-acre lake was constructed in 1957 and is 44 feet at its deepest point with many bays and projecting points on its four and one-half mile shoreline. Viking Lake is well stocked with crappies, bluegills, bass, bullheads and catfish. A sandy beach is located on the west shore with unsupervised swimming.

  • Volga River State Recreation Area

    In addition to the Volga River, beautiful Frog Hollow Lake provides abundant fishing opportunities. The river contains smallmouth bass, rock bass, channel catfish and white suckers. The lake offers bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish, among others.

  • Walnut Woods State Park

    The popular lodge is an outstanding feature of the park. It is a beautiful setting for weddings, family reunions, holiday parties and business meetings. The lodge was built in the 1930s of limestone brought in from an eastern Iowa quarry and rough-cut hand-filled lumber. The lodge is available for rental on a reservation basis. The lodge may reserved online through the park reservation system.

  • Wapsipinicon State Park

    The Wapsi River has long been famous for its channel and flathead catfish, spring crappies, bullheads and smallmouth bass, especially below the dam near the park entrance. Dutch Creek meanders through the park and empties into the Wapsi. At its mouth, fishing is good almost anytime. This is also a feeding area for walleye and northern, providing anglers with a great challenge.

  • Waubonsie State Park

    Five camping cabins are also available, two are year-round and are quite spacious. The 1400 square-foot (ADA accessible) Windy Knoll[6] camping cabin sleeps 10, and the 800 square-foot Chinquapin[5] camping cabin sleeps 4. Amenities include full heating and air conditioning, a kitchenette (microwave & refrigerator - no running water - water available outside), comfortable furniture, wood fireplaces, beautiful hardwood floors, outdoor fire rings and grills. Three other smaller camping cabins (Administration[4], Hide Away[9], and Cook's Cabin[8]) are also available but only through the normal recreation season. They have air-conditioning but no heat. Restroom and shower facilities for all camping cabins are available in the Waubonsie campground; quaint outhouses also accompany each camping cabin. All of these cabins can be reserved online through the park reservation system. In the future, two more cabins are slated to be remodeled as modern family cabins with full restroom facilities.

  • Wildcat Den State Park

    One of the focal points of the park is the Pine Creek Grist Mill located in the eastern part of the park on Pine Creek. The mill was built in 1848 by Benjamin Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers who also built the county's first store and post office in 1838. The Pine Creek Grist Mill is one of the finest examples of mid nineteenth century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Friends of Pine Creek Grist Mill and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working to restore the mill to its original condition. The "turn of the century" Melpine Schoolhouse is located near the mill and offers park visitors another glimpse of Iowa's past.

  • Wilson Island State Recreation Area

    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 stands. Seclusion is one of the area's greatest assets and spacious shady campsites, hiking trails and picnic spots provide a welcome retreat.

  • Yellow River State Forest

    The Paint Creek Unit is of primary interest to the recreationist. It has the Big Paint Creek, Little Paint Creek and equestrian campgrounds with capacities of 48, 80 and 40 sites respectively. It also contains 6 miles of trout stream stocked from April through October and a marsh from which bass and panfish may be taken