Official State of Iowa Website Here is how you know

DNR News Releases

  About DNR   >   DNR News Releases

Search for a News Release


Press/Media inquiries: PIO@dnr.iowa.gov


DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: parkReturn
RSS
Iowa State Parks offer great winter cabin getaways

Iowa State Parks offer great winter cabin getaways

  • 12/7/2016 10:23:00 AM
  • View Count 5118
The quiet solitude that makes a perfect winter getaway is waiting for you in beautiful, comfortable year-round cabins at several Iowa state parks. It’s a great time to take advantage of trails for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling and wildlife watching. And many of the parks have great ice fishing lakes.
Meet Wapsipinicon, one of Iowa's most unique state parks

Meet Wapsipinicon, one of Iowa's most unique state parks

  • 11/4/2016 3:31:00 PM
  • View Count 48608
Thus endures one of the many stories, myths, legends and even proven historical facts about Horse Thief Cave, a well-known feature of what is now Wapsipinicon State Park, and, though its tale-inspiring caves are definitely a main draw, Wapsipinicon is so much more. 
DNR seeks public comment on rule changes

DNR seeks public comment on rule changes

  • 10/25/2016 12:30:00 PM
  • View Count 4123
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau is seeking public input on possible changes to the minimum-stay requirements for all state park campgrounds and at the multi-family cabin at Springbrook State Park for the Fourth of July holiday. The public is also being asked for comments regarding the proposed rental fee pricing for a large open-air picnic shelter scheduled to be built and opened in 2017 at Lake Manawa State Park.
Looking for a place to host your holiday gathering?

Looking for a place to host your holiday gathering?

  • 10/18/2016 12:27:00 PM
  • View Count 3781
Are you responsible for planning your holiday get-together or company party? Need a place to host it? You might want to check out several state park lodges open year-round.
7 must-see waterfalls in Iowa State Parks

7 must-see waterfalls in Iowa State Parks

  • 9/29/2016 3:39:00 PM
  • View Count 66676
From nature's splendor to man-made spillways, these water features are definitely wonderful. Below, get the full list of Iowa's waterfalls, how to get to each one, and ideas on other things to do in the area while on your waterfall tour.
State parks peak season winding down

State parks peak season winding down

  • 9/27/2016 2:23:00 PM
  • View Count 4279
Another busy year in Iowa’s state parks will be coming to an end and soon staff will be preparing for the first freezing temperatures of the fall.
Water level to drop at Central Park Lake ahead of renovation

Water level to drop at Central Park Lake ahead of renovation

  • 9/20/2016 1:08:00 PM
  • View Count 4040
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Jones County Conservation Board plans to begin drawing down Central Park Lake near Center Junction in Jones County as early as September 26th a part of a lake restoration project to improve fishing opportunities.
Bike Your Park on Sept 24

Bike Your Park on Sept 24

  • 9/13/2016 1:00:00 PM
  • View Count 4490
Thousands of people across the country are expected to participate in the inaugural Bike Your Park Day on Saturday, Sept. 24. This new national event promotes exploration of parks and public lands by bicycle.
Blank Park Zoo Monarch Festival

Blank Park Zoo Monarch Festival

  • 9/6/2016 1:30:00 PM
  • View Count 4813
Come celebrate the monarch’s journey from Canada, through Iowa, to Mexico at the 2016 Monarch Festival on Sunday, September 18 from 12-4 p.m. at Blank Park Zoo, in Des Moines.
Fishing Regulations to be Relaxed at Central Park Lake

Fishing Regulations to be Relaxed at Central Park Lake

  • 8/31/2016 3:35:00 PM
  • View Count 5075
CENTER JUNCTION - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will relax fishing regulations at Central Park Lake in Jones County starting on September 3, to allow anglers to more freely harvest game fish before the lake is renovated this fall.
State Parks Ready for Labor Day Weekend

State Parks Ready for Labor Day Weekend

  • 8/30/2016 1:56:00 PM
  • View Count 4045
Recent rains leading up to the Labor Day weekend have had very little impact on the camping situation at Iowa’s state parks and recreation areas. Many campgrounds have sites available for walk-in campers and some still have sites to reserve.
Public Meeting to Discuss Central Park Lake's Improvement Plan

Public Meeting to Discuss Central Park Lake's Improvement Plan

  • 8/30/2016 1:52:00 PM
  • View Count 4131
Center Junction – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Jones County Conservation Board will host a public meeting at 6:30 p.m., September 13, at the Central Park Nature Center, to discuss plans for improving water quality and recreational opportunities at Central Park Lake, in Jones County.
New Lake Darling Year-Round Cabins to Open Next Week

New Lake Darling Year-Round Cabins to Open Next Week

  • 8/9/2016 1:14:00 PM
  • View Count 4776
The public is invited to check out Iowa’s latest state park cabins at a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, August 16 at 6 p.m. The six brand new year-round cabins are located at Lake Darling State Park in Washington County.
State Parks Impacted by Recent Rains

State Parks Impacted by Recent Rains

  • 7/19/2016 12:45:00 PM
  • View Count 8903
People planning park visits in the near future are reminded to check on current conditions before heading out. Several Iowa state parks have been impacted by recent heavy rainfalls.
Central Park Lake Improvement Project Moves to In-lake Restoration Phase in Fall 2016

Central Park Lake Improvement Project Moves to In-lake Restoration Phase in Fall 2016

  • 7/5/2016 12:30:00 PM
  • View Count 4857
For over 50 years the lake at Central Park has been the hub of Jones County Conservation’s recreational opportunities.  Located in the heart of Jones County, residents have benefited from its presence by swimming, fishing, paddling or strolling along its shoreline, in addition to its annual $7.84 million positive economic impact. 
Temporary Trail Closure at Big Creek State Park

Temporary Trail Closure at Big Creek State Park

  • 6/21/2016 11:35:00 AM
  • View Count 3873
Des Moines – The Neal Smith Trail will be closed temporarily near mile marker 24 for repairs beginning Wednesday, June 22. The section of the trail is located near the Gannet Shelter and east boat ramp in Big Creek State Park. Repairs are expected to be completed June 24, weather permitting.
Meet Sparky, a Bison Lucky to Be Alive

Meet Sparky, a Bison Lucky to Be Alive

  • 5/17/2016 11:15:00 AM
  • View Count 24467
In rare cases, an animal can survive a lightning strike, like a bison struck in 2013 at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge near Prairie City. This bison earned his new nickname “Sparky” the hard way.
Don't Wait for Memorial Day Weekend

Don't Wait for Memorial Day Weekend

  • 4/12/2016 7:29:00 AM
  • View Count 6614
Don’t wait until the first big holiday of the season to get out and enjoy an Iowa State Park. There are some really cool things to see and do happening right now, before the end of April! Here are five to inspire a trip outdoors, sooner rather than later.
Family Trout Fishing Event This Saturday at Banner Lake

Family Trout Fishing Event This Saturday at Banner Lake

  • 4/4/2016 11:30:00 AM
  • View Count 4461
INDIANOLA – A family trout fishing event will be held at Banner Lake South at Summerset Park, north of Indianola, this Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release 1,400 rainbow trout around noon.
Meeting Set to Discuss Proposed Bird Conservation Area in Loess Hills

Meeting Set to Discuss Proposed Bird Conservation Area in Loess Hills

  • 3/1/2016 9:31:00 AM
  • View Count 4409
PISGAH, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will discuss the proposed designation of the region including Loess Hills State Forest, Preparation Canyon State Park, and Loess Hills Wildlife Management Area as a state Bird Conservation Area (BCA) at a public meeting on March 16. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Loess Hills State Forest Visitor Center in Pisgah, two blocks west of State Hwy. 183, at 206 Polk Street.
Iowa State Parks Featured in America's Top Family Fishing and Boating Spots

Iowa State Parks Featured in America's Top Family Fishing and Boating Spots

  • 2/23/2016 6:33:00 AM
  • View Count 4782
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is searching for the top 100 family fishing and boating spots across the nation, and four Iowa state parks are among those being considered. Iowans participating in the vote can ensure their favorite places to boat and fish are recognized nationally.
Iowa's First Day Hikes a Success

Iowa's First Day Hikes a Success

  • 1/5/2016 9:28:00 AM
  • View Count 4927
Des Moines – Iowa’s Fifth Annual First Day Hikes were a great success according to DNR staff reports. More than 600 people began 2016 with a hike in an Iowa state park, logging more than 1,100 total miles on New Year’s Day.
Darling is Back! Premiers This Saturday and Sunday

Darling is Back! Premiers This Saturday and Sunday

  • 12/8/2015 7:10:00 AM
  • View Count 4502
Lake Darling State Park will be the site of the premier showing of “Darling is Back!: The Restoration of Lake Darling,” Dec. 12 and 13, at 3 p.m. and lasts about two hours.
Olofson Shooting Range to Close Dec 20 for Construction

Olofson Shooting Range to Close Dec 20 for Construction

  • 12/1/2015 7:04:00 AM
  • View Count 8213
POLK CITY - The Charles “Butch” Olofson shooting range at Big Creek State Park in Polk County will close on December 20 to allow contractors to remove the old structures and install a new registration and classroom facility, add new baffles, and conduct lead reclamation and berm maintenance.
Nine State Parks Extend Overnight Opportunities

Nine State Parks Extend Overnight Opportunities

  • 11/3/2015 7:54:00 AM
  • View Count 4934
Although Iowa’s beautiful fall has lingered longer than usual this year, camping season will come to a close very soon for most people, if it hasn’t already. But don’t let the changing seasons limit your enjoyment of Iowa’s state parks, or the chance to stay overnight, reminds State Park Bureau Chief Todd Coffelt.
7 Stunning Iowa State Park Views for Fall

7 Stunning Iowa State Park Views for Fall

  • 10/8/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 25941
While looks aren’t everything, they certainly don’t hurt when you’re talking about parks. If you haven’t seen the views below for yourself, put these state parks on your list of destinations to hit this autumn. Changing leaves make fall one of Iowa’s most picturesque seasons, so take plenty of photos when you stop to admire the view.
Iowa's Best Hikes for Fall

Iowa's Best Hikes for Fall

  • 9/10/2015 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 95807
Whether you’re looking to get away from civilization for a weekend or just take in some beautiful scenery for an hour or two with the family, Iowa – yes, Iowa – offers some incredible hikes in our state parks and forests, especially in fall. One of the best places to take in Iowa's gorgeous fall colors is in our state parks and forests!
Explore This Iowan Urban Sanctuary

Explore This Iowan Urban Sanctuary

  • 7/10/2015 10:51:00 AM
  • View Count 7436
By Jennifer Wilson From the July/August 2014 issue of Iowa Outdoors magazine Ask park manager Lori Eberhard what George Wyth Memorial State Park has to offer travelers, and you’d better settle in for a long answer.
Quick Weekend Cabin Getaways Available

Quick Weekend Cabin Getaways Available

  • 7/8/2015 9:30:00 AM
  • View Count 8622
Currently, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park has five family studio cabins available this weekend for a two-day minimum stay, $50 per day each.
Page 7 of 8 [7]