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Memorial Weekend campsites soon available for reservation

Memorial Weekend campsites soon available for reservation

  • 2/21/2017 3:11:00 PM
  • View Count 7101
The three-month window to reserve a state park campsite for a Friday arrival on Memorial Day weekend opens this Sunday, Feb. 26. More than a few campers will plan their arrival for the weekend before Memorial Day and stay through the holiday, which means their window is open now.
Central Iowa trumpeter swan soiree

Central Iowa trumpeter swan soiree

  • 1/17/2017 1:02:00 PM
  • View Count 8106
The public is invited to a Trumpeter Swan Soiree, celebrating North America’s largest waterfowl species at the Blank Park Zoo Friday, Jan. 27 from 6-8 p.m., and at Walnut Woods State Park on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 10:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike in an Iowa State Park

Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike in an Iowa State Park

  • 12/13/2016 2:18:00 PM
  • View Count 9954
Free, guided hikes will take place in 25 Iowa state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative. All 50 states will participate in the sixth annual national event that encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with a guided outdoor exploration.
Take a winter retreat at Lake of Three Fires

Take a winter retreat at Lake of Three Fires

  • 12/8/2016 4:22:00 PM
  • View Count 18026
For a weekend getaway with friends, where nothing will interrupt relaxation or quiet connecting, this southern Iowa park, 25 miles east of Clarinda, is ideal.
Iowa State Parks offer great winter cabin getaways

Iowa State Parks offer great winter cabin getaways

  • 12/7/2016 10:23:00 AM
  • View Count 5226
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 trails for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling and wildlife watching. And many of the parks have great ice fishing lakes.
Meet Wapsipinicon, one of Iowa's most unique state parks

Meet Wapsipinicon, one of Iowa's most unique state parks

  • 11/4/2016 3:31:00 PM
  • View Count 49081
Thus endures one of the many stories, myths, legends and even proven historical facts about Horse Thief Cave, a well-known feature of what is now Wapsipinicon State Park, and, though its tale-inspiring caves are definitely a main draw, Wapsipinicon is so much more. 
DNR seeks public comment on rule changes

DNR seeks public comment on rule changes

  • 10/25/2016 12:30:00 PM
  • View Count 4277
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau is seeking public input on possible changes to the minimum-stay requirements for all state park campgrounds and at the multi-family cabin at Springbrook State Park for the Fourth of July holiday. The public is also being asked for comments regarding the proposed rental fee pricing for a large open-air picnic shelter scheduled to be built and opened in 2017 at Lake Manawa State Park.
Looking for a place to host your holiday gathering?

Looking for a place to host your holiday gathering?

  • 10/18/2016 12:27:00 PM
  • View Count 3875
Are you responsible for planning your holiday get-together or company party? Need a place to host it? You might want to check out several state park lodges open year-round.
7 must-see waterfalls in Iowa State Parks

7 must-see waterfalls in Iowa State Parks

  • 9/29/2016 3:39:00 PM
  • View Count 67702
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.
State parks peak season winding down

State parks peak season winding down

  • 9/27/2016 2:23:00 PM
  • View Count 4375
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.
Water level to drop at Central Park Lake ahead of renovation

Water level to drop at Central Park Lake ahead of renovation

  • 9/20/2016 1:08:00 PM
  • View Count 4120
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Jones County Conservation Board plans to begin drawing down Central Park Lake near Center Junction in Jones County as early as September 26th a part of a lake restoration project to improve fishing opportunities.
Bike Your Park on Sept 24

Bike Your Park on Sept 24

  • 9/13/2016 1:00:00 PM
  • View Count 4636
Thousands of people across the country are expected to participate in the inaugural Bike Your Park Day on Saturday, Sept. 24. This new national event promotes exploration of parks and public lands by bicycle.
Blank Park Zoo Monarch Festival

Blank Park Zoo Monarch Festival

  • 9/6/2016 1:30:00 PM
  • View Count 4968
Come celebrate the monarch’s journey from Canada, through Iowa, to Mexico at the 2016 Monarch Festival on Sunday, September 18 from 12-4 p.m. at Blank Park Zoo, in Des Moines.
Fishing Regulations to be Relaxed at Central Park Lake

Fishing Regulations to be Relaxed at Central Park Lake

  • 8/31/2016 3:35:00 PM
  • View Count 5207
CENTER JUNCTION - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will relax fishing regulations at Central Park Lake in Jones County starting on September 3, to allow anglers to more freely harvest game fish before the lake is renovated this fall.
State Parks Ready for Labor Day Weekend

State Parks Ready for Labor Day Weekend

  • 8/30/2016 1:56:00 PM
  • View Count 4121
Recent rains leading up to the Labor Day weekend have had very little impact on the camping situation at Iowa’s state parks and recreation areas. Many campgrounds have sites available for walk-in campers and some still have sites to reserve.
Public Meeting to Discuss Central Park Lake's Improvement Plan

Public Meeting to Discuss Central Park Lake's Improvement Plan

  • 8/30/2016 1:52:00 PM
  • View Count 4249
Center Junction – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Jones County Conservation Board will host a public meeting at 6:30 p.m., September 13, at the Central Park Nature Center, to discuss plans for improving water quality and recreational opportunities at Central Park Lake, in Jones County.
New Lake Darling Year-Round Cabins to Open Next Week

New Lake Darling Year-Round Cabins to Open Next Week

  • 8/9/2016 1:14:00 PM
  • View Count 4869
The public is invited to check out Iowa’s latest state park cabins at a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, August 16 at 6 p.m. The six brand new year-round cabins are located at Lake Darling State Park in Washington County.
State Parks Impacted by Recent Rains

State Parks Impacted by Recent Rains

  • 7/19/2016 12:45:00 PM
  • View Count 9008
People planning park visits in the near future are reminded to check on current conditions before heading out. Several Iowa state parks have been impacted by recent heavy rainfalls.
Central Park Lake Improvement Project Moves to In-lake Restoration Phase in Fall 2016

Central Park Lake Improvement Project Moves to In-lake Restoration Phase in Fall 2016

  • 7/5/2016 12:30:00 PM
  • View Count 4980
For over 50 years the lake at Central Park has been the hub of Jones County Conservation’s recreational opportunities.  Located in the heart of Jones County, residents have benefited from its presence by swimming, fishing, paddling or strolling along its shoreline, in addition to its annual $7.84 million positive economic impact. 
Temporary Trail Closure at Big Creek State Park

Temporary Trail Closure at Big Creek State Park

  • 6/21/2016 11:35:00 AM
  • View Count 3967
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.
Meet Sparky, a Bison Lucky to Be Alive

Meet Sparky, a Bison Lucky to Be Alive

  • 5/17/2016 11:15:00 AM
  • View Count 24787
In rare cases, an animal can survive a lightning strike, like a bison struck in 2013 at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge near Prairie City. This bison earned his new nickname “Sparky” the hard way.
Don't Wait for Memorial Day Weekend

Don't Wait for Memorial Day Weekend

  • 4/12/2016 7:29:00 AM
  • View Count 6702
Don’t wait until the first big holiday of the season to get out and enjoy an Iowa State Park. There are some really cool things to see and do happening right now, before the end of April! Here are five to inspire a trip outdoors, sooner rather than later.
Family Trout Fishing Event This Saturday at Banner Lake

Family Trout Fishing Event This Saturday at Banner Lake

  • 4/4/2016 11:30:00 AM
  • View Count 4544
INDIANOLA – A family trout fishing event will be held at Banner Lake South at Summerset Park, north of Indianola, this Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release 1,400 rainbow trout around noon.
Meeting Set to Discuss Proposed Bird Conservation Area in Loess Hills

Meeting Set to Discuss Proposed Bird Conservation Area in Loess Hills

  • 3/1/2016 9:31:00 AM
  • View Count 4510
PISGAH, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will discuss the proposed designation of the region including Loess Hills State Forest, Preparation Canyon State Park, and Loess Hills Wildlife Management Area as a state Bird Conservation Area (BCA) at a public meeting on March 16. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Loess Hills State Forest Visitor Center in Pisgah, two blocks west of State Hwy. 183, at 206 Polk Street.
Iowa State Parks Featured in America's Top Family Fishing and Boating Spots

Iowa State Parks Featured in America's Top Family Fishing and Boating Spots

  • 2/23/2016 6:33:00 AM
  • View Count 4857
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is searching for the top 100 family fishing and boating spots across the nation, and four Iowa state parks are among those being considered. Iowans participating in the vote can ensure their favorite places to boat and fish are recognized nationally.
Iowa's First Day Hikes a Success

Iowa's First Day Hikes a Success

  • 1/5/2016 9:28:00 AM
  • View Count 5103
Des Moines – Iowa’s Fifth Annual First Day Hikes were a great success according to DNR staff reports. More than 600 people began 2016 with a hike in an Iowa state park, logging more than 1,100 total miles on New Year’s Day.
Darling is Back! Premiers This Saturday and Sunday

Darling is Back! Premiers This Saturday and Sunday

  • 12/8/2015 7:10:00 AM
  • View Count 4585
Lake Darling State Park will be the site of the premier showing of “Darling is Back!: The Restoration of Lake Darling,” Dec. 12 and 13, at 3 p.m. and lasts about two hours.
Olofson Shooting Range to Close Dec 20 for Construction

Olofson Shooting Range to Close Dec 20 for Construction

  • 12/1/2015 7:04:00 AM
  • View Count 8293
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.
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