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DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: closureReturn

Dolliver Memorial State Park closed for road renovations

• 8/7/2024 7:25:00 AM
• View Count 4986

LEHIGH – The road through Dolliver Memorial State Park closed on Aug. 5 for a major road repaving project. The closure includes the campgrounds, cabins, lodges, shelters, and picnic areas. Additionally, boaters on the Des Moines River will not be able to access the boat ramp in the park as the road into the park is closed for repaving. The project is expected to last several weeks, depending on weather.

Storm damage and flooding impact some Iowa state parks for Memorial Day weekend

• 5/23/2024 10:41:00 AM
• View Count 3588

Several Iowa state parks have been impacted by recent heavy rains and storms, causing closures in some areas. Visitors are urged to plan in advance heading into the holiday weekend in case a park activity or location is affected.

Dry conditions delay campground opening at Pikes Peak State Park

• 6/13/2023 1:13:00 PM
• View Count 3400

MCGREGOR– An excessively dry start to the recreation season is delaying the opening of the newly renovated campground at Pikes Peak State Park.

Heavy rains delay opening at Lake Ahquabi State Park

• 6/6/2023 2:17:00 PM
• View Count 2871

INDIANOLA – Heavy rains last week caused washouts and erosion at Lake Ahquabi State Park, delaying reopening of the park until mid-July.

Red Haw State Park closed due to storm damage

• 3/6/2022 1:03:00 PM
• View Count 3182

CHARITON, Iowa -- Due to extensive damage from the storm on March 5th, Red Haw State Park in Chariton will be closed until further notice. Extensive damage was sustained to the campground, where there was one fatality and one injury. Additionally, there are significant damages to the beach area, including the boat docks, the Bait House, beach shelters and a storage building.

Heavy rainfall closes George Wyth State Park

• 6/25/2020 9:00:00 AM
• View Count 2770

WATERLOO, Iowa – Heavy rainfall the past several days has caused flooding issues forcing the closure of George Wyth State Park in Black Hawk County.

Reminder to check DNR website before visiting parks, campgrounds

• 5/11/2020 1:55:00 PM
• View Count 3016

DES MOINES, Iowa -- As campgrounds begin opening up today to walk-in, first come, first served, campers with self-contained restrooms, and visitors continue to take advantage of state parks, the DNR is encouraging everyone to check the DNR website for temporary closures before traveling to any of these areas.

Iowa state parks extend closures into May

• 4/24/2020 3:26:00 PM
• View Count 17257

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.

Heavy rains, flooding causing park closures across Iowa

• 5/26/2019 6:15:00 PM
• View Count 3824

DES MOINES, Iowa – Rising river levels caused by heavy rainfall lately is forcing some state parks to be closed this Memorial Day weekend.

Flooding causing closures at state parks

• 3/14/2019 2:34:00 PM
• View Count 5050

The current flooding impacting parts of Iowa is also causing some closures at state parks and recreational areas throughout the state.

Flooding causes more closures of state parks, trails and campgrounds

• 6/21/2018 4:12:00 PM
• View Count 8247

The recent heavy rainfall has caused major flooding concerns in northern and northwestern Iowa, which has led to closures of some state parks.

Main road through Maquoketa Caves State Park to close temporarily

• 4/10/2018 1:56:00 PM
• View Count 3255

Summer construction projects are about to begin at Maquoketa Caves State Park, forcing the closure of the main road through the park beginning on April 23, 2018.

Rains closing park and forest trails, damages Ledges State Park Road

• 4/18/2017 12:16:00 PM
• View Count 4748

While recent rains have cause minimal impact to state parks, people planning park visits are reminded to check current conditions before heading out.

State parks peak season winding down

• 9/27/2016 2:23:00 PM
• View Count 4419

Another busy year in Iowa’s state parks will be coming to an end and soon staff will be preparing for the first freezing temperatures of the fall.

Intense rainfall in northern Iowa creating a number of environmental issues, park closures

• 9/22/2016 4:15:00 PM
• View Count 7980

DES MOINES – People with private drinking wells in flooded areas are being urged by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to use caution before using water from those sources.

Temporary Trail Closure at Big Creek State Park

• 6/21/2016 11:35:00 AM
• View Count 3999

Des Moines – The Neal Smith Trail will be closed temporarily near mile marker 24 for repairs beginning Wednesday, June 22. The section of the trail is located near the Gannet Shelter and east boat ramp in Big Creek State Park. Repairs are expected to be completed June 24, weather permitting.

Beach Closing at Pleasant Creek State Rec Area

• 5/18/2016 4:00:00 PM
• View Count 4499

PALO -- The beach at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is officially closing today until shoreline restoration is completed and the lake refills.

Road Closures at Big Creek State Park

• 4/11/2016 9:40:00 AM
• View Count 4401

Des Moines – The main road into Big Creek State Park will be closed beginning Tuesday, April 12.

State Parks Impacted by Recent Unseasonable Rains

• 12/15/2015 7:26:00 AM
• View Count 4633

Visitors planning a trip to the following parks may want to double check conditions as recent unseasonable rains have had some impact.

Olofson Shooting Range to Close Dec 20 for Construction

• 12/1/2015 7:04:00 AM
• View Count 8319

POLK CITY - The Charles “Butch” Olofson shooting range at Big Creek State Park in Polk County will close on December 20 to allow contractors to remove the old structures and install a new registration and classroom facility, add new baffles, and conduct lead reclamation and berm maintenance.

Lost Grove Lake Main Boat Ramp Closes November 15

• 11/10/2015 5:34:00 AM
• View Count 5410

The Lost Grove Lake main boat ramp, six miles east of Eldridge, will be closed November 15 through April 1. Restrooms at the ramp will also be closed.