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Archive by tag: Iowa State ParksReturn

Two popular state parks to host centennial celebrations this fall

• 8/27/2024 11:51:00 AM
• View Count 5736

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.

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

• 5/28/2024 2:26:00 PM
• View Count 2671

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.

Visitors expected to fill parks over Memorial Day weekend

• 5/21/2024 3:25:00 PM
• View Count 2061

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

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

• 3/30/2023 2:45:00 PM
• View Count 5027

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.

5 more of Iowa's best winter hikes

• 1/23/2023 1:05:00 PM
• View Count 13248

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 16746

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. 

Paddle Iowa Waters. Catch Fish. Win Prizes.

• 5/24/2022 3:30:00 PM
• View Count 2618

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 7889

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.

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

• 9/15/2020 3:03:00 PM
• View Count 4958

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 4097

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 13522

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:

State Parks continue to assess damage, some closed indefinitely following Monday’s storm

• 8/13/2020 5:19:00 PM
• View Count 8956

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 7076

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:

Modern restrooms, cabins will open Memorial Day weekend in Iowa state parks

• 5/20/2020 11:47:00 AM
• View Count 15155

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 5995

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 10634

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 15289

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 4693

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

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 5259

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 5499

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!

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

• 4/19/2019 1:26:00 PM
• View Count 13498

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 3136

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 7732

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:

Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

• 12/18/2018 1:19:00 PM
• View Count 6347

DES MOINES – What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in one of 27 participating Iowa state parks! Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.  

One thousand volunteers expected at Iowa State Parks’ Volunteer Day, Sept. 22

• 9/11/2018 1:09:00 PM
• View Count 8735

Iowans can help make their park a better place on Sept. 22 as more than 40 state parks will participate in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) second annual statewide Volunteer Day.

8 hidden surprises at Maquoketa Caves

• 8/21/2018 2:08:00 PM
• View Count 19840

Maquoketa Caves State Park may be known for its caves and gorgeous scenery, but do you know about these “hidden surprises” suggested by park staff?

Two organizations to receive Governor’s Volunteer Awards for work in Iowa State Parks

• 6/19/2018 1:27:00 PM
• View Count 6770

Biolife Plasma Services of Ankeny and the Friends of Cedar Rock, from Quasqueton, are recipients of 2018 Governor’s Volunteer Awards.

Nine Iowa state parks to host University of Iowa Wildlife Camps

• 4/10/2018 1:53:00 PM
• View Count 4448

This summer, the University of Iowa is partnering with Iowa state parks to host Wildlife Camps for kids in nine state parks.  

Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

• 12/27/2017 11:20:00 AM
• View Count 7966

DES MOINES – What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in one of 27 participating Iowa state parks! Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.  

Save the Date: Spend January 1st on a First Day Hike in a State Park

• 12/12/2017 1:06:00 PM
• View Count 6872

DES MOINES - Free, guided hikes will take place in 26 Iowa state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's First Day Hikes initiative. Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.  

Iowa's most Instagrammed state parks

• 8/22/2017 10:07:00 AM
• View Count 21549

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

Time is running out to register for popular wildlife camps at six state parks

• 5/30/2017 2:17:00 PM
• View Count 3955

Six Iowa state parks are proud to host the popular University of Iowa Wildlife Camps for local families, but enrollment is limited and registration will end soon for the June camps.

Iowa State University to host exhibit on early Iowa state parks system

• 5/18/2017 8:31:00 AM
• View Count 3734

The Iowa State University Library Special Collections and University Archives is hosting an exhibition entitled “This movement for a more beautiful Iowa”: The Early Years of Iowa’s State Park System. The exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of Iowa's State Parks Act, signed into law on April 12, 1917.

Time to register for popular U of Iowa wildlife camps at six state parks

• 5/2/2017 12:11:00 PM
• View Count 5809

Looking for a fun, enriching adventure for the kids this summer? Six Iowa state parks will host the popular University of Iowa Wildlife Camps for local families. The conservation education day-camp program will be offered at Maquoketa Caves, Mines of Spain, George Wyth, Springbrook, Viking Lake and Ledges state parks.

4th of July weekend campsite reservations open soon

• 3/21/2017 11:55:00 AM
• View Count 3321

Campers anxious to reserve spots for the Fourth of July weekend should mark March 31 on their calendars, when reservations for a Friday arrival open.

Five reasons to rent an Iowa State Parks cabin in the off-season

• 3/10/2017 1:13:00 PM
• View Count 23312

Have you ever considered staying in a cabin in Iowa state parks? We offer more than 90 cabins in 19 parks across the state. Here are five reasons why you might want to book now and stay in a cabin before Memorial Day:

Memorial Weekend campsites soon available for reservation

• 2/21/2017 3:11:00 PM
• View Count 7152

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.

Include Iowa state parks in your vacation plans this year

• 1/31/2017 1:56:00 PM
• View Count 7207

Today is National Plan For Vacation Day and Iowa’s state parks are encouraging all Iowans to include them in their vacation plans.

Take a winter retreat at Lake of Three Fires

• 12/8/2016 4:22:00 PM
• View Count 18267

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

• 12/7/2016 10:23:00 AM
• View Count 5311

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.

Make an Iowa State Park cabin your hunting basecamp

• 12/1/2016 2:25:00 PM
• View Count 8603

Hunters, are you looking for a basecamp for your upcoming deer hunt or weekend pheasant hunt?

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

• 11/4/2016 3:31:00 PM
• View Count 49410

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. 

Looking for a place to host your holiday gathering?

• 10/18/2016 12:27:00 PM
• View Count 3929

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

• 9/29/2016 3:39:00 PM
• View Count 68360

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

• 9/27/2016 2:23:00 PM
• View Count 4442

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.

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