Iowa DNR plants more than 100,000 trees on public lands in 2020 12/29/2020 11:39:00 AM View Count 2589 The Iowa DNR reached a milestone goal to plant at least 100,000 trees on state-managed lands in 2020. The tree plantings commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Association of State Foresters, as well as the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks.
It's almost New Year's! Join the First Day Hike Challenge 12/29/2020 11:37:00 AM View Count 3091 It’s time to start 2021 the right way – in an Iowa state park! Join the 2021 First Day Hike Challenge through the digital State Park Passport. The challenge takes the place of traditional guided hikes due to COVID-19.
State Park Passport recognized by America’s State Parks national organization 12/22/2020 1:32:00 PM View Count 2009 RALEIGH, N.C. – The National Association of State Park’s Directors (NASPD) has recognized the Iowa State Park Passport for extraordinary achievement among people, projects and programs in managing state park systems.
Join the First Day Hike Challenge in Iowa State Parks 12/17/2020 1:45:00 PM View Count 4620 DES MOINES – The Iowa DNR and Travel Iowa invite Iowans to participate in the 2021 First Day Hike Challenge to ring in the New Year through the digital State Park Passport. The challenge takes the place of traditional guided hikes due to COVID-19.
Newly launched State Park Passport wraps up successful year 12/1/2020 12:09:00 PM View Count 3300 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Tourism Office are wrapping up a successful introduction of the new State Park Passport by announcing grand prize winners to the 2020 promotion.
6 ways to safely "Take It Outside" this holiday season 11/24/2020 3:00:00 PM View Count 4315 With the holiday season starting, the Iowa DNR is encouraging families to find safe ways to spend time outdoors this winter. Please be sure to keep your group small, social distance, and wear a mask when visiting places where social distancing is not possible.
DNR to hold virtual public meeting for timber sale at Wapsipinicon State Park 10/20/2020 1:04:00 PM View Count 1856 ANAMOSA, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold a virtual public meeting on Thursday, October 22 at 10:00am to discuss a timber sale at Wapsipinicon State Park.
Public Meeting scheduled for timber sale at Lake Wapello State Park 10/13/2020 12:49:00 PM View Count 1902 DRAKESVILLE, Iowa -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting on October 28, 2020 at 5:00pm at the Lake Wapello State Park Lodge, next to the beach area.
Some facilities at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area reopen following derecho 9/24/2020 9:05:00 AM View Count 1797 LINN COUNTY, Iowa -- Campgrounds, cabins and shelters are now open at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area following the derecho in early August. The trails and the beach remain closed as well as the lodge as DNR staff continue to work diligently to clean up damage left behind by August’s derecho.
Lake Manawa State Park to Host Groundbreaking Ceremony on Sept. 24 9/22/2020 2:07:00 PM View Count 2336 COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and local community groups will host a groundbreaking ceremony for a new campground at Lake Manawa State Park at 1 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2020.
Statewide Volunteer Day on Sept. 26 continues 100th anniversary celebration for Iowa State Parks 9/15/2020 3:03:00 PM View Count 4769 In celebration of the Iowa state park centennial in 2020, Iowans are invited to lend a hand at several volunteer events on Saturday, Sept. 26. More than 30 parks across Iowa are hosting events.
Attention Photographers: Showcase your pictures and Iowa state parks in national contest 9/15/2020 1:33:00 PM View Count 3884 DES MOINES -- If you enjoy photographing Iowa state parks, the Iowa DNR invites you to enter your photos in the America’s State Parks 2020 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.
Fishing regulations relaxed at Pioneer Park Pond 9/10/2020 4:04:00 PM View Count 2101 Clarinda - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has relaxed the fishing regulations at Pioneer Park Pond in Page County to allow anglers to more freely harvest fish before the pond is renovated this fall.
Busy Labor Day weekend expected on Iowa waters and at state parks 9/2/2020 12:37:00 PM View Count 4036 DES MOINES, Iowa – The unofficial end to summer this weekend is expected to draw thousands of Iowans out to their state parks and waterways.
DNR state parks making progress with derecho damage 9/1/2020 1:20:00 PM View Count 4558 Three weeks after a devastating derecho tore through a large portion of Iowa, and left major damage to residential neighborhoods, farms and cities, state parks across Iowa continue their clean-up efforts.
Four state parks remain closed through August following derecho 8/21/2020 1:28:00 PM View Count 3398 DES MOINES, Iowa – Four state parks will remain closed until at least August 31, 2020 following the derecho that left major storm damage across much of the state on August 10.
Best Iowa State Parks for hiking, adventuring and more 8/20/2020 3:59:00 PM View Count 12343 Are you looking for fun ways to spend time active outdoors? Here are some of our top picks for things to do in Iowa's state parks:
State Parks continue to assess damage, some closed indefinitely following Monday’s storm 8/13/2020 5:19:00 PM View Count 8597 The derecho that hit a large portion of Iowa on Monday, August 10 left several state parks with significant damage forcing some closures due to unsafe conditions.
Storm knocks out power to Timber Ridge Mobile Home Park causing bypass 8/11/2020 7:47:00 PM View Count 1697 SHELLSBURG, Iowa - Monday’s strong thunderstorm knocked out power at Timber Ridge Mobile Home Park, in eastern Benton County, and caused structural damage to most of the homes in the park.
Backbone State Park celebrates 100 years with dedication ceremony, sign unveiling 7/28/2020 12:29:00 PM View Count 2799 DUNDEE, IA – With the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks in full swing, Backbone State Park celebrated its centennial with a re-dedication ceremony on Friday, July 24. Local community members joined Governor Kim Reynolds, DNR Director Kayla Lyon and park staff for the ceremony, which took place in front of the park’s newly renovated Beach Lodge.
DNR, IDPH and Polk County Health partner to share tips for safe Fourth of July holiday weekend 7/1/2020 12:26:00 PM View Count 4031 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. The DNR along with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Polk County Health Department are partnering to share some safety tips to help keep you safe this holiday weekend.
Are you loving Iowa state parks? 6 ways to show you care when you visit 6/30/2020 2:17:00 PM View Count 6428 This summer, Iowans are flocking to state parks in record numbers and enjoying their outdoor amenities and natural spaces. With extra visitors, state parks need more help to stay beautiful, ensure people are safe, and take care of natural resources. Here’s 6 easy ways you can help care for Iowa state parks when you visit:
DNR investigating petroleum sheen on Raccoon River in Des Moines 6/23/2020 7:45:00 PM View Count 1737 DES MOINES—The DNR and city of Des Moines are investigating the source of an ongoing petroleum discharge near Principal Ballpark in Des Moines.
Road construction project to begin at Big Creek State Park 6/16/2020 1:45:00 PM View Count 2458 A new road construction project at Big Creek State Park will begin this week, according to DNR park staff.
DNR conservation officer and park ranger help rescue stranded boaters at Big Creek 6/16/2020 1:30:00 PM View Count 2518 POLK CITY, Iowa – On Sunday, June 14, a DNR conservation officer and a DNR park ranger responded to a group of three stranded boaters at Big Creek.
DNR officers help overturned personal watercraft on Lake Manawa 6/16/2020 1:28:00 PM View Count 2061 COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The DNR and Council Bluffs Fire Department were notified of a personal watercraft that had overturned on Lake Manawa, Sunday, June 14.
Take a walk in Iowa State Parks: 20 Walks in 2020 6/2/2020 11:46:00 AM View Count 7406 To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources DNR partnered with three organizations, the Iowa Walking Club, the Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers, and Iowa Parklands, to create 5k and 10k walking routes in 20 Iowa state parks.
Iowa State Parks open more facilities across the state 6/2/2020 11:43:00 AM View Count 4604 DES MOINES, IA – This week, more facilities are open in Iowa state parks according to the Governor’s proclamation.
Fogle Lake Wildlife Area is Southern Iowa’s outdoor recreation secret 5/26/2020 1:11:00 PM View Count 7067 Diagonal, Iowa - Tucked away on the northwest corner of the small town of Diagonal, sits a nearly 400-acre recreation destination that is part lake, part park and a whole lot of wildlife area.
DNR investigating death at Palisades-Kepler State Park 5/24/2020 12:34:00 PM View Count 3039 MOUNT VERNON, Iowa - On Friday, May 22, around 3:45pm, the DNR was notified of a person who had fallen on a trail at Palisades-Kepler State Park and had lacerations to his head.
DNR encourages safety for those planning to enjoy Iowa’s natural resources this holiday weekend 5/21/2020 11:02:00 AM View Count 4376 DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Memorial Day holiday weekend is fast approaching and is expected to be a busy one, despite Covid-19.
Modern restrooms, cabins will open Memorial Day weekend in Iowa state parks 5/20/2020 11:47:00 AM View Count 14901 DES MOINES, IA -- Iowa state parks will open modern restrooms, shower buildings and cabins starting Friday, May 22 in time for Memorial Day weekend. This means campgrounds will be open for all campers, including RVs, pop-ups and tent camping. Youth group campsites will remain closed.
Boil Advisory in place for far southwest Polk County 5/4/2020 4:05:00 PM View Count 2146 WEST DES MOINES—The Southwest Polk Water Service has issued a boil advisory for an area near Walnut Woods State Park in southwest Polk County after a power loss caused a drop in water pressure Saturday night.
Get Ready for “Camp-In Kickoff,” May 1-3 4/28/2020 3:23:00 PM View Count 5754 DES MOINES ⎯ Iowa state parks invite you to celebrate Camp-In Kickoff by enjoying the outdoors your way this weekend.
Iowa state parks extend closures into May 4/24/2020 3:26:00 PM View Count 17089 The DNR is extending closures of campgrounds and other park facilities through May 14, 2020 to help protect the health of visitors and staff during the COVID-19 health emergency. State parks and forests remain open for day-use opportunities, but visitors are reminded to strictly abide the social distancing rules and not gather in groups.
Caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park to remain closed through at least April 30 4/14/2020 2:16:00 PM View Count 2755 MAQUOKETA - The caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park will remain closed through April 30, in accordance with Governor Reynolds’ social distancing efforts. The trail system for the park’s most popular caves involves narrow boardwalks and handrails, making it difficult for visitors to maintain physical distances of at least six feet. Visitors can access the rest of the park while the caves are closed.
New changes for Iowa state parks due to COVID-19; campgrounds close 4/7/2020 2:05:00 PM View Count 18513 With the latest closures by Governor Reynolds to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Iowa, we are announcing new changes to park operations, including the closing of campgrounds for recreational use through April 30, 2020.
Iowa state parks reduce some amenities as part of COVID-19 response 3/28/2020 1:42:00 PM View Count 10413 Iowa state parks are continuing to look at ways to help protect the health of visitors and staff during the COVID-19 health emergency. Iowa state parks are still open. However, please be aware of the following operational changes, effectively immediately, before visiting a state park.
Planning underway for renovations at Lake Ahquabi State Park, and Lake Ahquabi and Hooper Lake beginning fall of 2021 3/24/2020 12:13:00 PM View Count 9510 Indianola - Lake Ahquabi State Park and lake are in the early planning stages of a major overhaul to improve park roads, upgrade the campground, fix the lake’s water outlet structure and eliminate the gizzard shad population.
Caves closed seasonally for bat hibernation at Maquoketa Caves State Park 3/24/2020 12:05:00 PM View Count 4667 MAQUOKETA - The caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park will reopen to the public after bat hibernation season on April 15. The popular caves are closed annually from Oct. 15 to April 15 to protect hibernating bats. Visitors have access to the rest of the park while the caves are closed.
A message about Iowa State Parks' response to COVID-19 3/18/2020 3:25:00 PM View Count 15037 We greatly appreciate your support and trust. In accordance with CDC guidelines and state recommendations pertaining to COVID-19, we want to share with you important information about Iowa state parks.
DNR to close Olofson, Banner shooting ranges 3/18/2020 2:45:00 PM View Count 2574 Des Moines, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has closed the Olofson shooting range, near Big Creek State Park, and the Banner shooting range at Summerset State Park, through March 31.
INHF to host State Park Centennial volunteer events at 3 state parks 3/3/2020 12:07:00 PM View Count 2387 Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), the Iowa Parks Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will kick off INHF's 2020 volunteer season and celebrate the Iowa State Parks Centennial with three volunteer events at Iowa state parks on Saturday, March 21.
Iowa artists help celebrate state parks centennial 2/11/2020 1:54:00 PM View Count 4511 DES MOINES – Iowa’s state parks have inspired visitors ever since the first site, Backbone State Park, opened in Delaware County in 1920.
Trumpeter swan soiree returns to central Iowa Feb. 15 2/9/2020 2:05:00 PM View Count 2365 West Des Moines, Iowa - The public is invited to a Trumpeter Swan Soiree, celebrating North America’s largest waterfowl species, on Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Walnut Woods State Park, in West Des Moines.