DNR News Releases

Search for a News Release

Press/Media inquiries: PIO@dnr.iowa.gov

DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: BackboneReturn

Iowa DNR to host open house on Backbone State Park forest stewardship plans

• 11/7/2023 11:58:00 AM
• View Count 4221

MANCHESTER -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to discuss forest stewardship plans for Backbone State Park and Forest, from 6 to 7 p.m., Nov. 15, at the Environmental Field Office, in Manchester. The public is invited to attend.

Backbone State Park celebrates 100 years with dedication ceremony, sign unveiling

• 7/28/2020 12:29:00 PM
• View Count 2996

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. 

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 3131

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.

DNR investigating fish kill in Backbone State Park trout streams

• 9/30/2019 11:48:00 AM
• View Count 2523

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.

Several state parks impacted by recent heavy rains, flash flooding

• 9/4/2018 1:14:00 PM
• View Count 6071

Several state parks are experiencing impacts from the recent heavy rainfall forcing closures of the parks and many trails

Backbone State Park open, no flood damage

• 7/9/2018 8:11:00 AM
• View Count 4248

DUNDEE, Iowa – Backbone State Park is open for park visitors and received no flood damage from the many recent rounds of severe weather.

Backbone State Park voted top mom-approved place to fish and boat in Iowa

• 6/19/2018 1:29:00 PM
• View Count 3274

Backbone State Park, south of Strawberry Point, has been recognized among the Top 50 Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat, according to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF).

Iowa's most Instagrammed state parks

• 8/22/2017 10:07:00 AM
• View Count 21684

For many, when they step outside to enjoy Iowa’s state parks, snapping some pictures is a natural part of the journey. Explore parks all over the state by hiking, biking, relaxing lake side and experiencing extraordinary views – you can start with these 10, which are the parks posted about the most by Iowans on Instagram

Girl injured in fall at Backbone State Park

• 5/29/2017 11:30:00 AM
• View Count 4325

BACKBONE STATE PARK -- The Iowa DNR is investigating a fall at Backbone State Park that left a girl injured on Sunday, May 28, 2017.

7 must-see waterfalls in Iowa State Parks

• 9/29/2016 3:39:00 PM
• View Count 68600

From nature's splendor to man-made spillways, these water features are definitely wonderful. Below, get the full list of Iowa's waterfalls, how to get to each one, and ideas on other things to do in the area while on your waterfall tour.

One Family, Five Generations of Backbone Camping

• 6/30/2016 2:03:00 PM
• View Count 11561

One family. Five generations. Five decades camping at Backbone State Park.

Cabin Fever: Backbone State Park

• 1/19/2016 7:11:00 AM
• View Count 16114

In Iowa’s oldest state park, old man winter won’t slow you down–he’s just part of the scenery.

11 Great Winter Cabin Getaways in Iowa State Parks

• 12/30/2015 8:26:00 AM
• View Count 88725

The quiet solitude that makes a perfect winter getaway is waiting for you in beautiful, comfortable year-round cabins at several Iowa state parks. It’s a great time to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds galore), fishing and more.

Top Iowa Cabin Fall Getaways

• 11/6/2015 9:53:00 AM
• View Count 86119

Enjoy an overnight stay and the beautiful changing seasons in Iowa’s state parks.

Go Cave Exploring in Iowa

• 8/20/2015 9:34:00 AM
• View Count 33946

You might not expect it, but Iowa has caves of various sizes and shapes on both private and public land. And since some of them can be explored, it’s time to go spelunking! (That’s cave exploring, for those in the know.)

9 Hidden Surprises at Backbone State Park

• 8/20/2015 9:23:00 AM
• View Count 88785

Backbone is one of Iowa’s largest state parks, checking in at just more than 2,000 acres. Even if you’ve been to the park before, do you really know all the surprises it has to offer? To test your knowledge and find new destinations at the park, check out the featured facts and attractions below from park manager Mary Shea.

7 Best Iowa State Parks for Adventurers

• 7/29/2015 10:18:00 AM
• View Count 18773

Are you hearty, healthy and raring for some fun? Check out these state forests, recreation areas and parks for some challenging and rewarding adventure ideas right here in Iowa.

7 More of Iowa's Best Hikes

• 7/16/2015 11:22:00 AM
• View Count 40660

Whether you’re looking to get away from civilization for a weekend or just take in some beautiful scenery for an hour or two with the family, Iowa – yes, Iowa – offers some incredible hikes in our state parks and forests.

7 Things to Do in Iowa’s State Parks This Summer

• 7/2/2015 6:45:00 AM
• View Count 15925

Whether you're interested in just relaxing or getting adventurous, Iowa State Parks have something for everyone this summer.

7 Things To Do in Iowa's Outdoors This Week

• 5/15/2015 10:01:00 AM
• View Count 7478

While the cool weather forecasted for this week doesn’t seem to herald in the unofficial start of summer, it’s still a great time to get outside. If you’re looking for some new or different ideas to explore Iowa’s outdoors, we have a suggestion for each day of the holiday week:

Eight Historical CCC Parks in Iowa

• 3/31/2015 11:26:00 AM
• View Count 53833

From the iconic boathouse at Backbone, to the spillway at Beeds Lake, to the varied and beautiful stone lodges and shelters within so many of our parks, we owe a debt of gratitude to the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Celebrate the CCC’s anniversary, March 31, by learning about these stand-out examples of CCC projects in Iowa.

Take a Winter Getaway in an Iowa State Park Cabin

• 12/5/2014 9:11:00 AM
• View Count 7110

From November through April, you can rent cabins at state parks for two-day minimums (instead of the week-long requirement during peak season). And you’ll still get to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds aplenty!), ice fishing and more.

Take a Winter Getaway in an Iowa State Park Cabin

• 12/5/2014 5:16:00 AM
• View Count 11592

From November through April, you can rent cabins at state parks for two-day minimums (instead of the week-long requirement during peak season). And you’ll still get to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds aplenty!), ice fishing and more.