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Southwest Iowa hidden treasure boasts nature

Southwest Iowa hidden treasure boasts nature

  • 7/10/2019 11:26:00 AM
  • View Count 4239
Hamburg, Iowa –Eli Slusher Wildlife Area, south of Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County, offers a wild and rugged get-away-from-it-all kind of experience.
Celebrate Fourth of July weekend at Iowa State Parks

Celebrate Fourth of July weekend at Iowa State Parks

  • 6/27/2019 8:58:00 AM
  • View Count 5501
Plenty of exciting activities are happening at state parks over Fourth of July weekend. Check out the list below to find a holiday activity near you and make your camping reservation today!
5 hidden surprises at Stone State Park

5 hidden surprises at Stone State Park

  • 5/23/2019 11:45:00 AM
  • View Count 10401
Nestled in the northern portion of Iowa’s Loess Hills overlooking the South Dakota and Iowa border, Stone State Park is rich in local history, diverse plant life and rugged terrain.
Geode State Park restoration project starts next phase

Geode State Park restoration project starts next phase

  • 4/23/2019 3:10:00 PM
  • View Count 2793
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

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

  • 4/19/2019 1:26:00 PM
  • View Count 13500
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

Get ready for camping kickoff weekend, May 3-5

  • 4/16/2019 2:52:00 PM
  • View Count 3137
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

Flooding causing closures at state parks

  • 3/14/2019 2:34:00 PM
  • View Count 5068
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

Make an Iowa State Park cabin your Spring Break destination

  • 3/6/2019 9:19:00 AM
  • View Count 7733
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

Trumpeter swan soiree returns to central Iowa

  • 1/10/2019 3:07:00 PM
  • View Count 3871
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

Outdoors skills classes offered at Olofson shooting range

  • 1/8/2019 12:34:00 PM
  • View Count 4165
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

Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

  • 12/18/2018 1:19:00 PM
  • View Count 6349
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.  
Join state park volunteers this weekend

Join state park volunteers this weekend

  • 9/18/2018 4:12:00 PM
  • View Count 3799
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.
8 hidden surprises at Maquoketa Caves

8 hidden surprises at Maquoketa Caves

  • 8/21/2018 2:08:00 PM
  • View Count 19842
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?
Maquoketa Caves State Park to re-open Aug. 24

Maquoketa Caves State Park to re-open Aug. 24

  • 8/14/2018 12:44:00 PM
  • View Count 14185
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

Flooding forces RAGBRAI to re-route around popular state park

  • 7/12/2018 2:15:00 PM
  • View Count 4346
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

Backbone State Park open, no flood damage

  • 7/9/2018 8:11:00 AM
  • View Count 4226
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 closure of state park

Flooding causes closure of state park

  • 6/10/2018 3:02:00 PM
  • View Count 3292
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

Storms cause park flooding, closures

  • 5/4/2018 3:18:00 PM
  • View Count 3413
Heavy rains overnight have forced the closure of George Wyth State Park and portions of Dolliver State Park.
Volunteers invited to state park spring clean-up events

Volunteers invited to state park spring clean-up events

  • 4/3/2018 1:09:00 PM
  • View Count 9055
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

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

  • 3/27/2018 11:51:00 AM
  • View Count 7054
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

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

  • 3/20/2018 12:53:00 PM
  • View Count 5729
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.
DNR to discuss construction projects at public meeting

DNR to discuss construction projects at public meeting

  • 1/12/2018 3:03:00 PM
  • View Count 4193
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

Trumpeter swan soiree returns to central Iowa

  • 1/9/2018 11:43:00 AM
  • View Count 8677
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

Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

  • 12/27/2017 11:20:00 AM
  • View Count 7970
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

Geode State Park restoration project underway

  • 12/27/2017 11:11:00 AM
  • View Count 4523
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

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

  • 12/12/2017 1:06:00 PM
  • View Count 6873
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

Public meeting to discuss bird conservation area near Ottumwa

  • 11/21/2017 11:43:00 AM
  • View Count 3947
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

Hiding Out in Union Grove

  • 11/7/2017 2:27:00 PM
  • View Count 10784
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 hidden surprises at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

  • 10/16/2017 3:32:00 PM
  • View Count 23821
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?
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