DNR News Releases

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!

Wednesday, July 3

Pikes Peak State Park 

• Scavenger Hunt: 1 p.m. – Learn about the history of Pikes Peak during a scavenger hunt through the park! Meet along the Main Overlook to pick up a scavenger hunt page from the seasonal interpreter, and return by 4 p.m. to collect a prize. 
• Bedtime Story: The Lorax : 8pm – Join the seasonal interpreter for a reading of The Lorax and a discussion about the importance of trees in our ecosystem. Please bring blankets or lawn chairs. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet in the picnic area.

Thursday, July 4

Ledges State Park

• Independence Day Parade: 4 p.m. – Come in your most patriotic gear and deck out your bikes for a mini parade around the campground! Prizes will be awarded to the most decorated participants. The parade will start in the amphitheater parking lot.
• Nature's Fireworks: 9 p.m. – We may not be lighting fireworks in the park, but nature provides a natural light show every night! Learn about fireflies and stars under the light of the night sky. Meet at the Oak Woods Shelter.

Honey Creek Resort

• Honey Creek Free Concert Series: 6 p.m. – Casey Muessigmann will perform at Honey Creek's free live concert series, July 4. Please bring a chair or blanket. Outside food and drink, smoking and pets are not allowed.

Viking Lake State Park

• Fourth of July Craft: 6 p.m. – Make your own sparkle with a takeaway craft. Meet at the playground.

Lake Macbride

• Fireworks Display: 9 p.m. – Celebrate Fourth of July with fireworks at Lake Macbride! Fireworks can best be viewed from the beach area. This event is sponsored by the Cottage Reserve Corporation. 

Friday, July 5

Lake Darling State Park

• 20 Artists, 20 Parks Public Event: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. – Wood artist, Rob Wallace will hold a public demonstration and educational class of his wood turning work. The live demonstration includes shaping of wood into bowls, hollow vessels, vases and more. The event will be held at Lake Darling's Cottonwood Shelter. 

Prairie Rose State Park

• Canoeing: 10 a.m. – Join us for canoeing at Prairie Rose! All levels of experience are welcome. Meet on the east side of Country Road M47. Ten canoes, life jackets and paddles will be available. 
• Atlatls Program: 2 p.m. – Atlatls are tools that have been used for many years to help throw spears further and more accurately while hunting. Meet south of the main park entrance to give them a try during this program.
• Bald Eagles Program: 7 p.m. – Help celebrate the Fourth of July by learning about our national bird. This program will feature a live education Bald Eagle. Meet near the playground and shower house.
• Stargazing: 9:30 p.m. – Learn about our constellations and the stories behind them at our stargazing program. Meet by the trail near campsites 80-95. 

Ledges State Park

• Ice Cream in a Bag: 2 p.m. – It's National Ice Cream Month, and what better way to celebrate than to learn how to make the sweet treat yourself? Ingredients will be provided for making ice cream in a bag, but bring your own toppings if you want to mix it up! Meet at the Oak Woods Shelter.

Pikes Peak State Park

• Bats and Bugs Program: 8 p.m. – Join us for a program about the importance of bats in our ecosystem. This event features a live viewing of bats emerging from a bat box in the park. Meet at the kiosk and bring your own chairs and blankets to sit on. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Viking Lake State Park

• Night Hike: 8:30 p.m. – Join us for a hike to see what the park has to offer in the nighttime. Bring a flashlight and bug spray. Meet in the campground parking lot. 

Saturday, July 6

Viking Lake State Park

• Water Safety Program: 10 a.m. – Join us for a program on life jacket safety and boat safety. Meet at the campground boat ramp. 
• Kayaking: 10:30 a.m. – Join us for a kayaking clinic about the different types of kayaks and how to use them as part of our water safety program. Please bring your own life jacket if you have one. Meet at the campground boat ramp.

Yellow River State Forest

• Outdoor Photography: 6 p.m. – Join local photographer Scott Boylen for tips and tricks on taking better photos of nature! The class will cover the basics of getting the most out of your camera, as well as how to take better photos outdoors. Please bring a camera or your phone to take pictures. Meet at the park headquarters.

Enjoy the Fourth of July at Iowa State Parks!