DNR News Releases

Search for a News Release

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

DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: State ParkReturn

Iowa state parks Camping Kickoff is this weekend

• 4/30/2019 11:42:00 AM
• View Count 2261

Iowa state parks invite campers to visit this weekend and help celebrate Camping Kick-Off, May 3 – 5.

Ramsey Subaru donating $1,000 to Ledges State Park at April 24 ceremony

• 4/23/2019 3:16:00 PM
• View Count 2798

Madrid, Iowa – Ledges State Park is receiving a $1,000 donation from Ramsey Subaru, of Urbandale, that will be presented during a ceremony on Wed., April 24 at 11 a.m.

Geode State Park restoration project starts next phase

• 4/23/2019 3:10:00 PM
• View Count 2637

Danville, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will start another phase of work at Geode State Park to improve water quality at Lake Geode and enhance accessibility and recreational opportunities in the park.

Iowa Launches ‘20 Artists, 20 Parks’ to Commemorate State Park Centennial

• 4/19/2019 1:26:00 PM
• View Count 12781

DES MOINES – In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks in 2020, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources; the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs; and Iowa State University are bringing 20 artists to 20 state parks this summer.

Get ready for camping kickoff weekend, May 3-5

• 4/16/2019 2:52:00 PM
• View Count 2945

DES MOINES ⎯ As Iowans eagerly anticipate warmer temperatures, state park staff are preparing for the start of the 2019 camping season. The first weekend of May marks the official launch of the summer camping season with Iowa State Parks’ annual Camping Kickoff celebration.

Flooding causing closures at state parks

• 3/14/2019 2:34:00 PM
• View Count 4869

The current flooding impacting parts of Iowa is also causing some closures at state parks and recreational areas throughout the state.

Make an Iowa State Park cabin your Spring Break destination

• 3/6/2019 9:19:00 AM
• View Count 7207

With spring break quickly approaching, make sure you set your plans now for a getaway in one of Iowa’s state park cabins! While the season isn’t in full bloom yet, don’t let that stop you from enjoying a stay at one of 10 state parks with available spring cabins. It’s easy to make an Iowa state park cabin your spring break destination:

Trumpeter swan soiree returns to central Iowa

• 1/10/2019 3:07:00 PM
• View Count 3732

The public is invited to a Trumpeter Swan Soiree, celebrating North America’s largest waterfowl species, at Walnut Woods State Park from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., on Jan. 26.

Outdoors skills classes offered at Olofson shooting range

• 1/8/2019 12:34:00 PM
• View Count 3995

Polk City, Iowa - The Olofson Shooting Range, at Big Creek State Park, has scheduled more than 70 outdoor skills programs open to the public in 2019, including hunter education, hand gun basics, taxidermy, Dutch oven cooking, how to use a trail camera and more. Programs begin on Jan. 16 with a course on cleaning and storing guns.  

Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

• 12/18/2018 1:19:00 PM
• View Count 6068

DES MOINES – What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in one of 27 participating Iowa state parks! Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.  

Ledges State Park campground to reopen December 1

• 11/27/2018 11:45:00 AM
• View Count 3289

The Ledges State Park campground will reopen on Saturday, December 1, following a renovation project that has kept it closed for all of 2018 season.

Join state park volunteers this weekend

• 9/18/2018 4:12:00 PM
• View Count 3600

Statewide Park Volunteer Day is this Saturday, Sept. 22. Iowans can help out at more than 40 state parks with activities that may include litter pick-up, staining or painting buildings, planting trees, clearing trails and more.

One thousand volunteers expected at Iowa State Parks’ Volunteer Day, Sept. 22

• 9/11/2018 1:09:00 PM
• View Count 8353

Iowans can help make their park a better place on Sept. 22 as more than 40 state parks will participate in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) second annual statewide Volunteer Day.

Several state parks impacted by recent heavy rains, flash flooding

• 9/4/2018 1:14:00 PM
• View Count 5840

Several state parks are experiencing impacts from the recent heavy rainfall forcing closures of the parks and many trails

8 hidden surprises at Maquoketa Caves

• 8/21/2018 2:08:00 PM
• View Count 18811

Maquoketa Caves State Park may be known for its caves and gorgeous scenery, but do you know about these “hidden surprises” suggested by park staff?

Learn to Hunt series teaches waterfowl hunting basics at Butch Olofson

• 8/21/2018 12:45:00 PM
• View Count 5114

Polk City - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Capitol Callers Chapter of Delta Waterfowl are offering two classes teaching waterfowl hunting basics at the Butch Olofson Shooting Range, near Big Creek State Park.

Maquoketa Caves State Park to re-open Aug. 24

• 8/14/2018 12:44:00 PM
• View Count 13989

MAQUOKETA – Maquoketa Caves State Park will open for visitors, including campers, on Aug. 24, just in time for fall travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Flooding forces RAGBRAI to re-route around popular state park

• 7/12/2018 2:15:00 PM
• View Count 4173

MADRID, Iowa -- Recent high rainfall totals throughout central and northwest Iowa have led to flooding of the Des Moines River and high lake levels at Saylorville Reservoir. This flooding is having a significant impact on the lower areas of Ledges State Park, which is slated to host the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) on Tuesday, July 24th.

Backbone State Park open, no flood damage

• 7/9/2018 8:11:00 AM
• View Count 3970

DUNDEE, Iowa – Backbone State Park is open for park visitors and received no flood damage from the many recent rounds of severe weather.

Flooding causes more closures of state parks, trails and campgrounds

• 6/21/2018 4:12:00 PM
• View Count 8108

The recent heavy rainfall has caused major flooding concerns in northern and northwestern Iowa, which has led to closures of some state parks.

Backbone State Park voted top mom-approved place to fish and boat in Iowa

• 6/19/2018 1:29:00 PM
• View Count 3081

Backbone State Park, south of Strawberry Point, has been recognized among the Top 50 Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat, according to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF).

Two organizations to receive Governor’s Volunteer Awards for work in Iowa State Parks

• 6/19/2018 1:27:00 PM
• View Count 6304

Biolife Plasma Services of Ankeny and the Friends of Cedar Rock, from Quasqueton, are recipients of 2018 Governor’s Volunteer Awards.

Flooding causes closure of state park

• 6/10/2018 3:02:00 PM
• View Count 3071

WATERLOO, Iowa – Heavy rains from this weekend have caused flooding of the Cedar River; therefore, George Wyth State Park will be closing Sunday at 6:00 pm.

Storms cause park flooding, closures

• 5/4/2018 3:18:00 PM
• View Count 3263

Heavy rains overnight have forced the closure of George Wyth State Park and portions of Dolliver State Park.

Big Creek State Park to Host 6,000 Step Family Challenge Event

• 4/24/2018 12:16:00 PM
• View Count 2920

Big Creek State Park is hosting a 6,000-step challenge walk on April 29 from 1 to 4 p.m., encouraging people to be healthy outdoors.

Nine Iowa state parks to host University of Iowa Wildlife Camps

• 4/10/2018 1:53:00 PM
• View Count 4297

This summer, the University of Iowa is partnering with Iowa state parks to host Wildlife Camps for kids in nine state parks.  

Volunteers invited to state park spring clean-up events

• 4/3/2018 1:09:00 PM
• View Count 8873

Several Iowa state parks are hosting spring clean-up events to get ready for the summer season this April and May. Events will be tailored to each park’s needs and could include activities such as litter and branch pick-up, painting, trail work, and clipping back limbs and plants.

Iowa State Parks partnering with Farrell’s for defensive technique training

• 3/27/2018 11:51:00 AM
• View Count 6643

WAUKEE - About 70 Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks staff will take part in a hands-on tactical training hosted by Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping in Waukee, on March 28. The event is part of an overall training curriculum to help park staff hone safety, fitness and verbal compliance techniques.

Pilot Knob State Park Hosting “Back to Basics” Outdoor Skills Class

• 3/20/2018 12:53:00 PM
• View Count 5404

For those interested in learning outdoor skills that go “back to the basics,” join DNR Park Ranger Michael Strauser and volunteer instructors at a one-day class at Pilot Knob State Park near Forest City, on Sat., April 28 from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Public meeting to highlight successes of 2017 and projects for 2018 at Ledges State Park

• 1/16/2018 2:14:00 PM
• View Count 3761

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources at Ledges State Park will host an annual public meeting on Thursday, January 18th at the Boone City Hall auditorium (923 8th Street; Boone, IA 50036) to discuss upcoming projects of 2018

DNR to discuss construction projects at public meeting

• 1/12/2018 3:03:00 PM
• View Count 4041

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host an informational meeting on Tuesday, January 23, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Lab Mahan Hall in Wahpeton, IA to discuss construction plans in the Gull Point State Park Complex.

Trumpeter swan soiree returns to central Iowa

• 1/9/2018 11:43:00 AM
• View Count 8471

The public is invited to a Trumpeter Swan Soiree, celebrating North America’s largest waterfowl species, at Walnut Woods State Park from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., on Jan. 27.

Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

• 12/27/2017 11:20:00 AM
• View Count 7508

DES MOINES – What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in one of 27 participating Iowa state parks! Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.  

Geode State Park restoration project underway

• 12/27/2017 11:11:00 AM
• View Count 4377

DANVILLE – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin renovations at Geode State Park this winter to improve water quality at Lake Geode and enhance accessibility and recreational opportunities in the park.

Save the Date: Spend January 1st on a First Day Hike in a State Park

• 12/12/2017 1:06:00 PM
• View Count 6680

DES MOINES - Free, guided hikes will take place in 26 Iowa state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's First Day Hikes initiative. Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.  

Public meeting to discuss bird conservation area near Ottumwa

• 11/21/2017 11:43:00 AM
• View Count 3788

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will discuss the proposed designation of the region including Soap Creek, Fox Hills and Eldon Wildlife areas, Stephens State Forest, Lake Wapello State Park and Pioneer Ridge Nature Area as a state Bird Conservation Area (BCA) during a public meeting on Dec. 7. 

Hiding Out in Union Grove

• 11/7/2017 2:27:00 PM
• View Count 10224

Grab a backpack and discover this best-kept secret among Iowa’s state parks. Spend the day—or a season.

10 hidden surprises at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

• 10/16/2017 3:32:00 PM
• View Count 22958

Tucked away in the southeast corner of the state, Lacey-Keosauqua is a bit of a hidden surprise in itself. But do you know about these other hidden gems, as suggested by park manager Justin Pedretti?

Water level to drop at Geode State Park ahead of renovation

• 10/12/2017 8:30:00 AM
• View Count 3648

DANVILLE - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) started lowering lake levels at Geode State Park in Henry County on October 10 as a part of a lake restoration project to improve fishing opportunities.

Big Creek volunteer opportunity/meeting Sept. 12

• 9/7/2017 8:18:00 AM
• View Count 3688

DES MOINES -- Big Creek State Park will host a volunteer event and informational meeting Tuesday, Sept. 12

Congratulations Maquoketa Caves State Park

• 9/5/2017 1:02:00 PM
• View Count 7000

USA Today recently revealed their 2017 Readers’ Choice for Best Iowa Attractions, and the winner is . . . Maquoketa Caves State Park!

State parks looking for volunteers Sept. 30

• 9/5/2017 12:57:00 PM
• View Count 9253

Iowa’s state parks are looking for volunteers on Sept. 30 for Iowa’s first State Park Volunteer Day.  Volunteer activities will take place in 32 state parks.

Campers ready for Labor Day weekend

• 8/29/2017 1:15:00 PM
• View Count 3786

The unofficial end of the summer holiday remains one of the more popular weekends during the peak camping season.  Most of the campsites with electricity in Iowa state parks have been snapped up for weeks ahead of the Labor Day weekend.

Iowa's most Instagrammed state parks

• 8/22/2017 10:07:00 AM
• View Count 20895

For many, when they step outside to enjoy Iowa’s state parks, snapping some pictures is a natural part of the journey. Explore parks all over the state by hiking, biking, relaxing lake side and experiencing extraordinary views – you can start with these 10, which are the parks posted about the most by Iowans on Instagram

Iowa will be touched by the total eclipse

• 8/17/2017 8:13:00 AM
• View Count 7682

FREMONT COUNTY, Iowa -- On Monday, millions of Americans and visitors from around the world will flock to a 70-mile wide path, stretching from Portland, Ore., to Charleston, S.C. They will be there to witness, for what most will be, a once-in-a-lifetime event – a total eclipse of the sun.

Page 4 of 6 FirstPrevious 23[4]56 NextLast