DNR News Releases

DNR shares tips for a safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

6/25/2024 11:33:00 AM
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DES MOINES, Iowa – As the Fourth of July holiday weekend quickly approaches the forecast predicts very warm weather which will draw thousands of people to state parks, beaches, lakes and rivers.

New Track Chair at Big Creek State Park opens doors to the outdoors

6/18/2024 12:04:00 PM
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POLK CITY – Big Creek State Park has a new way to explore the outdoors through the addition of an Action Trackchair®.

Attention Photographers: Showcase your pictures and Iowa state parks in national contest

5/28/2024 2:26:00 PM
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DES MOINES -- If you enjoy photographing Iowa state parks, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources invites you to enter your photos in the America’s State Parks 2024 Photo Contest, hosted by the National Association of State Park Directors. Photos will feature state parks from Iowa and other states, and could be included in calendars and other publications.

Get inspired at Cedar Rock: Now open for the summer season

5/28/2024 2:23:00 PM
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QUASQUETON, IA -- Visitors to Cedar Rock State Park will come away inspired and fascinated by this Frank Lloyd Wright designed home in Buchanan County. Located above a limestone bluff along the banks of the Wapsipinicon River, the park is open for the season from May 22 through Oct. 6.

Your passport to adventure this summer in Iowa state parks

5/28/2024 2:13:00 PM
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The Iowa State Park Passport is back in 2024 and better than ever. With more than 60 state parks and forests featured on the Passport, visitors will love discovering hidden gems in the state park system.

Visitors expected to fill parks over Memorial Day weekend

5/21/2024 3:25:00 PM
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Iowa state parks and forests are gearing up for a busy Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the outdoor summer recreation season.

DNR investigates tree and fire vandalism at Big Creek State Park

3/26/2024 11:46:00 AM
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POLK CITY, IA – On March 15 around 10:30 p.m. several local law enforcement agencies were called to Big Creek State Park to extinguish an illegal bonfire at the east boat ramp, which was allegedly set by a party of youths. When officials arrived on scene, the youths dispersed. No arrests have been made.

McIntosh Woods State Park to install new docks

3/12/2024 11:41:00 AM
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VENTURA – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be installing four new docks at McIntosh Woods State Park this spring, providing boaters improved access for the upcoming recreation season. Installation is expected to be completed by the end of April.

Gull Point State Park lodge and shelter to open for 2024

3/12/2024 11:39:00 AM
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OKOBOJI – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is opening the Gull Point State Park lodge and shelter for reservations, starting March 20. The facilities were initially closed for the 2024 season due to a planned renovation project, including upgrades to roads and campsite infrastructure. That project is on hold due to construction delays.

Shoreline stabilization project underway at Silver Lake to improve water quality

3/5/2024 12:09:00 PM
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LAKE PARK, Iowa - Work is underway to stabilize the shoreline on the northwest section of Silver Lake, in Dickinson County.

Iowa’s largest sycamore tree severely damaged by suspicious fire at Geode State Park

2/23/2024 8:53:00 AM
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DANVILLE, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is asking the public for any information as to the cause of a suspicious fire at Geode State Park on Sunday, Feb. 18.

Ledges State Park 100th anniversary kickoff event Dec. 21

12/12/2023 12:02:00 PM
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BOONE, Iowa – 2024 will mark the 100th anniversary of the dedication of Ledges State Park. Iowa DNR staff and members of Friends of the Ledges will host a 100th anniversary kick-off event on Dec. 21, at the Boone City Hall Auditorium, 923 8th Street, in Boone. Doors open at 6 p.m., with a short presentation at 6:30. The event is free to attend.

Book a state park cabin in January or February, get 20% off your stay!

12/8/2023 10:44:00 AM
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Are you ready for a cozy getaway in an Iowa State Park cabin?

Iowa DNR to host open house on Backbone State Park forest stewardship plans

11/7/2023 11:58:00 AM
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MANCHESTER -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to discuss forest stewardship plans for Backbone State Park and Forest, from 6 to 7 p.m., Nov. 15, at the Environmental Field Office, in Manchester. The public is invited to attend.

Iowa DNR to host open house on Lake Keomah improvement plans

10/17/2023 11:54:00 AM
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OSKALOOSA -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to discuss renovation and improvement plans for Lake Keomah State Park, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. on Nov. 1, at the Lake Keomah Lodge. The public is invited to attend.

Iowa DNR to host open house on Red Haw State Park improvement plans

10/3/2023 12:59:00 PM
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CHARITON -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to discuss renovation and improvement plans for Red Haw State Park. The public is invited to attend.

Fishing regulations to be relaxed at Casey Lake in Tama County

10/3/2023 12:56:00 PM
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TAMA COUNTY - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will relax the fishing regulations at Casey Lake in Hickory Hills Park starting October 4 to allow anglers to more freely harvest fish before the lake is renovated.

Derecho-damaged trees focus of salvage timber sale at Pilot Knob State Park

9/26/2023 1:02:00 PM
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FOREST CITY – A portion of Pilot Knob State Park will close Sept. 26 to allow for removal of trees in the southeast portion of the park. Visitors are asked to avoid the area east of the tower and south of the road, which will be closed for public use.

Cedar Valley Lakes Trail Reopening Ribbon Cutting Event

9/19/2023 1:47:00 PM
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WATERLOO - On Wednesday, Sept. 20, the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership and the Iowa DNR will host a celebration and ribbon cutting for the newly paved section of the Cedar Valley Lakes Trail from Krieg's Crossing to the George Wyth State Park Lodge

Iowa DNR to host open house on Clear Lake State Park improvement plans

9/5/2023 1:11:00 PM
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CLEAR LAKE -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to discuss renovation and improvement plans for Clear Lake State Park, at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 11, at Clear Lake State Park Lodge. The public is invited to attend.

Iowa DNR to host open house on Gull Point State Park improvement plans

8/9/2023 7:33:00 AM
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Milford -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to discuss renovation and improvement plans for Gull Point State Park, at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 22, at Gull Point State Park Lodge. The public is invited to attend.

Lake Keomah State Park restoration being planned

7/25/2023 11:48:00 AM
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OSKALOOSA – Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other project partners are planning a lake restoration project at Lake Keomah State Park to improve water quality and recreational opportunities.

Pikes Peak State Park campground to open July 27

7/25/2023 11:44:00 AM
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MCGREGOR – The Iowa DNR is re-opening the newly renovated Pikes Peak State Park campground on July 27. Campers will enjoy upgraded camping amenities, along with the ability to make same-day reservations at all campsites.

Diverse and unique, Dugout Creek-Yager Slough wildlife area packs a lot into 1,600 acres

7/25/2023 11:40:00 AM
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Dugout Creek-Yager Slough wildlife areas south of Lake Park, in western Dickinson County, is home to an array of marshes plus two unique and rare habitat types in the state - one of the largest and highest quality wetland fen complexes in Iowa and high-quality remnant prairie.

DNR Creating Plans to Improve Amenities at Gull Point State Park

7/21/2023 4:40:00 PM
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MILFORD -- The Iowa DNR is in the early planning stages of a renovation plan at Gull Point State Park to re-pave park roads, upgrade the campground, install a new flush bathroom and improve accessibility.

Lake Ahquabi State Park campground to open July 20

7/18/2023 11:35:00 AM
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INDIANOLA – The Iowa DNR is re-opening the newly renovated Lake Ahquabi State Park campground on July 20. Campers will enjoy upgraded camping amenities, along with the ability to make same-day reservations at all campsites.

DNR and Black Hawk County Conservation to host open house to discuss lake restoration plans for Casey Lake, located in Hickory Hills Park

6/27/2023 4:44:00 PM
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La Porte City – Black Hawk County Conservation (BHCC), Shive-Hattery, Inc., and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public meeting at 6 p.m., July 10, at the Lakeview lodge at Hickory Hills Park located at 3338 Hickory Hills Road, near La Porte City, to discuss ongoing lake restoration efforts at the park, slated for the fall of 2023 through early spring of 2025.

Dry conditions delay campground opening at Pikes Peak State Park

6/13/2023 1:13:00 PM
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MCGREGOR– An excessively dry start to the recreation season is delaying the opening of the newly renovated campground at Pikes Peak State Park.

Drought conditions continue to impact water levels at Blue Lake in Lewis and Clark State Park

6/6/2023 2:19:00 PM
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ONAWA – Blue Lake, located within Lewis and Clark State Park, continues to experience abnormally low water levels that may impact recreation opportunities. Launching boats is not recommended with the current low water levels.

Heavy rains delay opening at Lake Ahquabi State Park

6/6/2023 2:17:00 PM
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INDIANOLA – Heavy rains last week caused washouts and erosion at Lake Ahquabi State Park, delaying reopening of the park until mid-July.

Join us this weekend! Kick off summer in Iowa State Parks, June 9-11

6/6/2023 2:11:00 PM
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DES MOINES ⎯ Several state parks and forests will be hosting family-friendly programming and activities as part of Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) new Summer Kick-Off event, June 9-11.

Discover Hidden Gems with the 2023 State Park Passport

5/30/2023 11:45:00 AM
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The Iowa State Park Passport is back in 2023 and better than ever.

Visitors expected to fill parks over Memorial Day weekend

5/16/2023 1:42:00 PM
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Iowa state parks and forests are gearing up for a busy Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the outdoor summer recreation season.

Kick off summer in Iowa State Parks, June 9-11

5/9/2023 2:02:00 PM
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DES MOINES ⎯ Several state parks and forests will be hosting family-friendly programming and activities as part of Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) new Summer Kick-Off event, June 9-11.

Renovations at Geode State Park to close beach area in 2023

4/4/2023 11:52:00 AM
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GEODE, Iowa – The beach and surrounding facilities at Geode State Park will be closed for the 2023 recreational season beginning in late April due to a major road and parking lot construction project.

Celebrate the Civilian Conservation Corps’ 90th Anniversary at these parks

3/30/2023 2:45:00 PM
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From atop an observation tower to an overlook by a lake and even the steps beneath your feet, the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps touched many significant structures in Iowa’s State Parks. Celebrate the CCC’s 90th anniversary, March 31, by visiting these stand-out examples of CCC projects in Iowa.

Summer seasonal positions available in Iowa state parks

3/28/2023 11:42:00 AM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) State Parks Bureau is looking for job applicants for seasonal park officer and employee openings in 24 parks around the state.

Volunteer Clean-up event planned for Red Haw State Park on March 12

3/7/2023 12:18:00 PM
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CHARITON – Red Haw State Park is hosting a volunteer clean-up event on March 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. Volunteers should meet at the Stone Shelter at the south end of the park.

As one-year anniversary of tornado approaches, cleanup continues at Red Haw State Park

2/28/2023 1:29:00 PM
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CHARITON, Iowa -- Nearly one year ago, an EF 3 tornado cut an 11-mile swath of destruction through Lucas County causing extensive damage to Red Haw State Park, and claimed one life.

5 more of Iowa's best winter hikes

1/23/2023 1:05:00 PM
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We couldn’t stop at just six awesome winter hikes - here are five more Iowa State Parks that offer awesome winter experiences from hikes and beyond.

6 of Iowa's best winter hikes

1/19/2023 11:45:00 AM
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As cozy as it is sitting inside and watching the snow fall, getting outdoors can be even more fun. Here are a few Iowa state parks that make bundling up worth it for the memories made.

Summer seasonal positions open in state parks, forests and preserves

12/27/2022 1:02:00 PM
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The DNR Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau has openings for recreational aides and seasonal patrol officers for the summer 2023 season across the state park system.

It’s almost New Years! Join the First Day Hike Challenge at Iowa state parks

12/27/2022 12:51:00 PM
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DES MOINES – It’s almost time to start 2023 the right way – in an Iowa state park! Join the 2023 First Day Hike Challenge through the digital State Park Passport. You can also join one of several guided hikes with park or forest staff across the state.