Attention Photographers: Showcase your pictures and Iowa state parks in national contest 9/15/2020 1:33:00 PM View Count 4098 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.
Busy Labor Day weekend expected on Iowa waters and at state parks 9/2/2020 12:37:00 PM View Count 4239 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 4734 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 3571 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 13526 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 8958 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.
Backbone State Park celebrates 100 years with dedication ceremony, sign unveiling 7/28/2020 12:29:00 PM View Count 2942 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 4226 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 7078 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:
Road construction project to begin at Big Creek State Park 6/16/2020 1:45:00 PM View Count 2570 A new road construction project at Big Creek State Park will begin this week, according to DNR park staff.
Take a walk in Iowa State Parks: 20 Walks in 2020 6/2/2020 11:46:00 AM View Count 7632 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 4771 DES MOINES, IA – This week, more facilities are open in Iowa state parks according to the Governor’s proclamation.
DNR investigating death at Palisades-Kepler State Park 5/24/2020 12:34:00 PM View Count 3330 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 4644 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 15156 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 2395 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 5997 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 17285 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 2905 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 18700 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 10636 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 9697 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 5392 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 15291 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 2695 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.
Iowa artists help celebrate state parks centennial 2/11/2020 1:54:00 PM View Count 4694 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 2538 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.
Trumpeter swan soiree returns to central Iowa 1/2/2020 6:58:00 AM View Count 4707 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.
DNR conservation officer assists with ice rescue 12/30/2019 9:24:00 AM View Count 4272 WARREN COUNTY, Iowa – On December 27, around 3:15pm, Warren County Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a call came of two people that had gone through the ice at Summerset State Park and were yelling for help.
DNR to host public meeting on timber harvest at McIntosh Woods 12/26/2019 10:23:00 AM View Count 2353 VENTURA, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting on Monday, January 6, 2020 at 6:30pm at the Ventura Community Center, 4 N. Weimer Street, to discuss salvage timber harvest at McIntosh Woods State Park.
Ring in the New Year with a First Day Hike celebrating the Iowa State Park Centennial 12/26/2019 10:18:00 AM View Count 3491 DES MOINES – To start off the New Year, 49 state parks are hosting First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2020. The outdoor hikes launch the Iowa state park centennial in 2020.
Lodge at Palisades Kepler State Park vandalized 12/26/2019 10:15:00 AM View Count 2539 LINN COUNTY -- DNR staff discovered the Palisades Kepler State Park lodge was vandalized sometime in the overnight hours of Sunday, December 23, 2019.
Iowa DNR receives $650,000 grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust 12/12/2019 1:09:00 PM View Count 3093 DUNDEE, Iowa -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has been awarded $650,000 from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to be used at Backbone State Park for infrastructure updating in coordination with the rededication of the park during the centennial celebration year coined, Parks 2020.
Save the Date: State park centennial kicks off with First Day Hikes on January 1, 2020 12/3/2019 2:21:00 PM View Count 5260 Des Moines – Iowa state parks will launch the New Year, which also is the start of the state park centennial year, with outdoor hikes across Iowa. First Day Hikes are being organized at 49 parks, the most to participate since the statewide event began nine years ago.
DNR to host open house on future planning at Dolliver Memorial State Park 11/13/2019 11:37:00 AM View Count 2179 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau will be hosting an open house to collect comments on future planning for the group camp at Dolliver Memorial State Park.
Ramsey Subaru donates bike racks to five Iowa state parks 10/22/2019 3:54:00 PM View Count 2048 DES MOINES – Ramsey Subaru of Des Moines has donated $2,500 to purchase bike racks at five Iowa state parks. The dealership will present the check at a small ceremony at Big Creek State Park on Friday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.
DNR to host open house on site of former Camp Aldersgate 10/22/2019 3:52:00 PM View Count 3111 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau will be hosting an open house to collect comments on future planning for the building site at the former Camp Aldersgate.
DNR investigating fish kill in Backbone State Park trout streams 9/30/2019 11:48:00 AM View Count 2498 DUNDEE – DNR staff investigated a fish kill in Backbone State Park Sept. 28 after trout anglers reported seeing dead fish in Richmond Springs and Fenchel Creek.
Governor Reynolds, Iowa DNR commemorates Volunteer Day 9/27/2019 4:12:00 PM View Count 3645 DES MOINES - Earlier this week, Governor Reynolds shared her commitment to volunteerism at her weekly press conference to develop a state employee volunteer policy encouraging workers to give back to communities and causes that benefit our state. This weekend several DNR employees, along with any interested Iowans, have the opportunity to do just that by participating in the DNR’s third annual statewide Volunteer Day on September 28.
State Parks prep for 100th Anniversary at Sept. 28 Volunteer Day 9/24/2019 12:50:00 PM View Count 3084 Iowans can lend a hand at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ third annual statewide Volunteer Day on Sept. 28.
Nonresident annual permit for Lake Manawa and Waubonsie state parks available online September 18 9/17/2019 1:34:00 PM View Count 2501 Nonresidents now have another option to purchase the annual vehicle permit for Lake Manawa and Waubonsie state parks.
DNR removes no-wake speed restriction at Blue Lake 9/10/2019 2:27:00 PM View Count 2787 MONONA COUNTY, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has lifted the no-wake speed restriction, which equates to roughly 5 mph, for boating on Blue Lake at Lewis and Clark State Park.
Red Haw State Park to Host Dedication Ceremony for Donation of New ADA-Accessible Dock 9/10/2019 2:26:00 PM View Count 2379 CHARITON, Iowa – Red Haw State Park will host a dedication ceremony Friday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. for a new ADA-accessible dock donated by the Clarence Ormond Landrum Trust.
Save the date: statewide Volunteer Day is Sept. 28 9/3/2019 12:16:00 PM View Count 2394 Iowa state parks have set Saturday, Sept. 28 as annual Volunteer Day, when Iowans are invited to lend a hand at more than 40 parks hosting clean-up events.
Non-resident user fee pilot project underway at Lake Manawa, Waubonsie state parks 8/27/2019 11:53:00 AM View Count 2736 Council Bluffs, Iowa - With Labor Day Weekend just a few days away, nonresidents visiting Lake Manawa State Park or Waubonsie State Park are reminded of a new nonresident vehicle fee requirement that began on Aug. 15.