Even with school back in session and Labor Day heralding in the unofficial end to summer, that doesn’t mean you need to hole up inside until next summer. Enjoy this holiday week with new ideas each day on how to get out and enjoy Iowa’s outdoors.
Tuesday
Cruise along the Mississippi River with Blue Heron Eco Cruises for a special Mussel Beach Cruise, whvere you’ll learn about the 15 freshwater mussel species that call the river home. You’ll get a chance to get your feet wet, too. Launches from Rock Creek Marina and Campground in Clinton County at 6 p.m. Call 563-259-1876 for reservations. More information at mycountyparks.com.
Wednesday
Run away to the woods for a quick mid-week getaway before the holiday weekend. During the peak reservation season (Memorial Day – Labor Day) most state park cabins rent for a minimum one-week stay (Friday to Friday). However, when they are unreserved the Monday prior, they are released for two-day minimum stays. At this point, cabins cannot be reserved through the state park reservation system or through the call center, but are available on a first-come, first-served basis through the park office only. If you are interested in this opportunity please call the respective park office right away. If there is no answer, please leave a number where you can be reached.
Thursday
Find a new fishing hole to explore with our interactive Fishing Atlas. If you’re looking for trout, be sure to check the stocking schedule before you go.
Friday
If you’ve wanted to learn how to canoe or kayak but didn’t know how tvo start, meet up with the Black Hawk County Conservation Board at Big Woods Lake near Cedar Falls for some simple instruction, then explore the lake on your own. More at mycountyparks.com.
Saturday
Lend a hand to our winged pollinator friends by taking part in a monarch tagging event. Instructors will show you how to tag butterflies, and the data will be used to help researchers track monarch butterflies as they migrate to Mexico. Call your local county conservation board for upcoming events, or join scheduled ones today at Lake Red Rock (South Tailwater Recreation Area, 10 a.m.) or atFife’s Grove Park in Ringgold County at 10 a.m.
Sunday
Join the Lake View Rock and Run and race along the shoreline of Black Hawk Lake in a kids run, 8K race or a two-mile fun run/walk. Stick around after the race to enjoy the lake and the Stone Pier Summer Concert Series. Consider making a weekend of it by camping at Black Hawk State Park, too.
Monday
With seasons open for dove (opens Sept. 1), rabbit , squirrel and teal (open Sept. 5), now’s a great time to get out in the field. Be sure to buy your license and brush up on Iowa regulations for hunting small game and migratory birdsbefore you go.