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Archive by tag: Iowa StateReturn

Two popular state parks to host centennial celebrations this fall

• 8/27/2024 11:51:00 AM
• View Count 5738

2024 marks the 100th anniversary of both Pilot Knob State Park, Forest City, and Ledges State Park, Boone. Local community organizations are hosting September celebrations at each park to commemorate these special milestones.

Iowa DNR unveils new courtyard buildings, innovative landscaping at the 2024 Iowa state fair

• 8/7/2024 7:11:00 AM
• View Count 5208

DES MOINES - Visitors to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) building at the 2024 Iowa State Fair will notice several exciting upgrades and renovations to the open-air courtyard on the west side. Upgrades include a new covered stage, a shooting range building, and a rainscape garden, all designed to provide fairgoers with more connections to the outdoors.

Happy 80th Birthday, Smokey Bear

• 8/2/2024 3:47:00 PM
• View Count 5086

Smokey Bear turns 80 on August 9. Smokey Bear started helping the US Forest Service in 1944 to inform and remind the public about the importance of fire safety.

Iowa’s Scholastic Action Shooting Program crowns youth rifle & pistol champions

• 6/25/2024 12:23:00 PM
• View Count 2619

The Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) held the Iowa State Championship match June 22-23, at the Olofson Shooting Range, near Polk City.

Attention Photographers: Showcase your pictures and Iowa state parks in national contest

• 5/28/2024 2:26:00 PM
• View Count 2674

DES MOINES -- If you enjoy photographing Iowa state parks, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources invites you to enter your photos in the America’s State Parks 2024 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.

Iowa DNR seeking chronic wasting disease ambassadors in southern Iowa

• 5/21/2024 3:32:00 PM
• View Count 2248

Chronic Wasting Disease Ambassadors is a collaborative education program between the Iowa DNR and Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach that seeks to help Iowans address the challenge of chronic wasting disease.

Visitors expected to fill parks over Memorial Day weekend

• 5/21/2024 3:25:00 PM
• View Count 2063

Iowa state parks and forests are gearing up for a busy Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the outdoor summer recreation season. 

State archery tournament returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines March 1-3

• 2/20/2024 12:23:00 PM
• View Count 2909

An estimated 2,300 students from more than 140 schools from across Iowa will be in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center and the 4H Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on March 1-3, to participate in the 18th National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament. This is the largest youth archery tournament in Iowa.

Book a state park cabin in January or February, get 20% off your stay!

• 12/8/2023 10:44:00 AM
• View Count 4223

Are you ready for a cozy getaway in an Iowa State Park cabin?

How Do You Outdoors? Visit the Iowa DNR building at the Iowa State Fair for a chance to win prizes and more

• 8/9/2023 7:26:00 AM
• View Count 2940

DES MOINES - Visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) building at the Iowa State Fair, August 10 - 20, for a chance to win prizes, talk to DNR experts, attend an outdoor-themed presentation, and more.

See You at the Iowa State Fair!

• 8/7/2023 4:11:00 PM
• View Count 3100

Visit the DNR Building at the Iowa State Fair for a chance to win prizes, enjoy the popular fish aquariums, talk to DNR experts, attend an outdoor-themed presentation and more! 

Celebrate the Civilian Conservation Corps’ 90th Anniversary at these parks

• 3/30/2023 2:45:00 PM
• View Count 5031

From atop an observation tower to an overlook by a lake and even the steps beneath your feet, the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps touched many significant structures in Iowa’s State Parks. Celebrate the CCC’s 90th anniversary, March 31, by visiting these stand-out examples of CCC projects in Iowa.

Results from 2023 state archery tournament

• 3/14/2023 1:30:00 PM
• View Count 3305

DES MOINES, Iowa - The 2023 Iowa Archery in the Schools Program season culminated with the state tournament March 4-5 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, where nearly 1,800 archers competed for scholarships and awards in bullseye targets and 780 archers competed for scholarships and awards 3D targets.

Iowa State Fairgrounds host state archery tournament March 4-5

• 2/14/2023 12:03:00 PM
• View Count 6577

An estimated 2,200 students from more than 125 schools from across Iowa will be in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center (Bullseye) and the 4H Building (3D) at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines March 4-5, to participate in the 17th National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament. This is the largest youth archery tournament in Iowa.

5 more of Iowa's best winter hikes

• 1/23/2023 1:05:00 PM
• View Count 13252

We couldn’t stop at just six awesome winter hikes - here are five more Iowa State Parks that offer awesome winter experiences from hikes and beyond.

6 of Iowa's best winter hikes

• 1/19/2023 11:45:00 AM
• View Count 16751

As cozy as it is sitting inside and watching the snow fall, getting outdoors can be even more fun. Here are a few Iowa state parks that make bundling up worth it for the memories made. 

It’s almost New Years! Join the First Day Hike Challenge at Iowa state parks

• 12/27/2022 12:51:00 PM
• View Count 9586

DES MOINES – It’s almost time to start 2023 the right way – in an Iowa state park! Join the 2023 First Day Hike Challenge through the digital State Park Passport. You can also join one of several guided hikes with park or forest staff across the state.

How Do You Outdoors? Visit the Iowa DNR building at the Iowa State Fair for a chance to win prizes and more

• 8/9/2022 2:16:00 PM
• View Count 3740

DES MOINES - Visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) building at the Iowa State Fair, August 11 - 21, for a chance to win prizes, talk to DNR experts, attend an outdoor-themed presentation, and more.

Scholastic Action Shooting Program State Championship brings out some of the nation’s fastest shooters

• 6/7/2022 1:58:00 PM
• View Count 2014

More than 90 athletes ranging from grade school through high school competed in the Scholastic Action Shooting Program Iowa State Championship match, June 4 and 5, at the Olofson Shooting Range, near Polk City.

Paddle Iowa Waters. Catch Fish. Win Prizes.

• 5/24/2022 3:30:00 PM
• View Count 2620

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is excited to launch a new digital passport modeled after the successful State Park Passport created in 2020 to mark the 100th anniversary of Iowa State Parks.

7 hidden surprises at Wildcat Den State Park

• 10/13/2021 10:43:00 AM
• View Count 7892

Packed with historical, geological and natural wonders, Wildcat Den State Park near Muscatine has surprises around every bend. Here are the can’t-miss features and some finds you may not know about from park staff.

How Do You Outdoors? Visit the DNR Building at the Iowa State Fair for a Chance to Win Prizes and More!

• 8/10/2021 1:10:00 PM
• View Count 2224

DES MOINES, Iowa – Visit the DNR Building at the Iowa State Fair, August 12-22, for a chance to win prizes, talk to DNR experts, attend outdoor-themed presentations, and more!

Iowa’s Scholastic Clay Target Program hosts largest youth trap shooting championship in Iowa

• 6/23/2021 7:03:00 AM
• View Count 2008

Athletes from 113 teams across Iowa converged on the Iowa State Trapshooting Home Grounds north of Cedar Falls for the 2021 Scholastic Clay Target Program State Trap Shooting Championship held June 8-13. More than 2,600 athletes from 4th grade through high school competed in three different competitions; singles trap, doubles trap, and handicap trap.

Scholastic Action Shooting Program prepares for State Championship competition

• 6/1/2021 12:33:00 PM
• View Count 2460

The Scholastic Action Shooting Program will hold their Iowa State Championship match on June 5 and 6, at the Olofson Shooting Range, near Polk City. More than 80 athletes ranging from grade school through high school will compete.

2021 Iowa State Park Passport Offers Open Road, Endless Adventures

• 5/27/2021 9:25:00 AM
• View Count 5644

Des Moines, Iowa – The Iowa Tourism Office and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources today announced updates to the popular Iowa State Park Passport to give consumers a fun and engaging way to track their visits to state parks. The launch follows 2020’s successful centennial anniversary, with nearly 30,000 check-ins at parks across the state.

Statewide Volunteer Day on Sept. 26 continues 100th anniversary celebration for Iowa State Parks

• 9/15/2020 3:03:00 PM
• View Count 4960

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 4099

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. 

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:

Iowa Outdoors magazine AND a t-shirt for just $20!

• 8/19/2020 6:47:00 AM
• View Count 2933

Since we won't see you at the Iowa State Fair this year, we're bringing the popular "state fair" magazine special to your door!

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.

Are you loving Iowa state parks? 6 ways to show you care when you visit

• 6/30/2020 2:17:00 PM
• View Count 7079

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:

5 cool things you should know about Iowa State Forests

• 5/21/2020 2:28:00 PM
• View Count 13521

As some of Iowa’s most remote and peaceful areas, state forests are different from parks because their primary goal is management of woodland resources. Forests can be overlooked recreation destinations because of their rustic amenities, but nature lovers who visit will find countless opportunities for outdoor fun. Iowa forests offer hundreds of miles of hiking trails, bird watching, fishing, hunting and even primitive camping. 

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.

Get Ready for “Camp-In Kickoff,” May 1-3

• 4/28/2020 3:23:00 PM
• View Count 5999

DES MOINES ⎯ Iowa state parks invite you to celebrate Camp-In Kickoff by enjoying the outdoors your way this weekend.

Iowa state parks reduce some amenities as part of COVID-19 response

• 3/28/2020 1:42:00 PM
• View Count 10637

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.

A message about Iowa State Parks' response to COVID-19

• 3/18/2020 3:25:00 PM
• View Count 15292

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. 

Iowa artists help celebrate state parks centennial

• 2/11/2020 1:54:00 PM
• View Count 4695

DES MOINES – Iowa’s state parks have inspired visitors ever since the first site, Backbone State Park, opened in Delaware County in 1920.

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 3492

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.

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 5261

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.

Celebrate Fourth of July weekend at Iowa State Parks

• 6/27/2019 8:58:00 AM
• View Count 5502

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!

Olofson Shooting Range hosted 2019 Iowa State Scholastic Action Sports competition

• 6/4/2019 2:10:00 PM
• View Count 3637

Polk City, Iowa - More than 65 athletes from across Iowa and Wisconsin traveled to the Olofson Shooting Range, in Polk City this weekend to compete in the 2019 Iowa State Scholastic Action Sports Program.

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

• 4/19/2019 1:26:00 PM
• View Count 13501

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 3138

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.

Make an Iowa State Park cabin your Spring Break destination

• 3/6/2019 9:19:00 AM
• View Count 7734

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:

State archery tournament begins March 9 in Des Moines

• 3/5/2019 12:47:00 PM
• View Count 3059

An estimated 1,900 Iowa students from fourth through 12th grade will be at the Iowa State Fairgrounds March 9-10 competing in the Iowa State Archery Tournament.

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