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DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: State ParkReturn

State park campgrounds getting ready for winter

• 10/15/2024 1:19:00 PM
• View Count 4347

Another busy camping year in Iowa state parks is coming to an end and staff are preparing for the first freezing temperatures of the fall.

DNR to host public meeting on hazardous tree removal at Lewis and Clark State Park

• 10/8/2024 11:52:00 AM
• View Count 4559

ONAWA, IA – The Iowa DNR is hosting an open house at the Lewis and Clark State Park Visitor Center on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. regarding tree removal and a timber sale at the park. The tree removal plan addresses several hazardous cottonwood trees near the campground. The open house will take place in a come-and-go format with DNR forestry staff on hand to answer questions.

Lend a hand in a state park at Statewide Volunteer Day on Sept. 28

• 9/24/2024 2:42:00 PM
• View Count 4821

Iowans are invited to lend a hand at the DNR’s eighth annual statewide Volunteer Day on Saturday, Sept. 28. Several parks across the state will be hosting volunteer events to help spruce up trails, buildings and other park amenities.

Low key Tuttle Lake Wildlife Area offers a little bit of everything for the outdoors

• 9/24/2024 2:35:00 PM
• View Count 4781

Tuttle Lake Wildlife Area is an out-of-the-way kind of place known locally for its pheasant hunting and, recently, sneaky good walleye fishing. Its 1,500 plus acres is part lake, part wetland, part prairie, part floodplain, and part small savanna on the Iowa Minnesota border in Emmet County.

Save the Date: Statewide Volunteer Day is Sept. 28

• 9/10/2024 12:19:00 PM
• View Count 4589

Iowa state parks have set Saturday, Sept. 28, as annual Volunteer Day, when Iowans are invited to lend a hand at several state parks and forests hosting volunteer events. Join park staff to help care for Iowa’s natural areas, freshen up campgrounds and facilities, and spend time outdoors.

Two popular state parks to host centennial celebrations this fall

• 8/27/2024 11:51:00 AM
• View Count 5738

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.

Dolliver Memorial State Park closed for road renovations

• 8/7/2024 7:25:00 AM
• View Count 5058

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.

DNR shares tips for a safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

• 6/25/2024 11:33:00 AM
• View Count 3034

DES MOINES, Iowa – As the Fourth of July holiday weekend quickly approaches the forecast predicts very warm weather which will draw thousands of people to state parks, beaches, lakes and rivers.

New Track Chair at Big Creek State Park opens doors to the outdoors

• 6/18/2024 12:04:00 PM
• View Count 2505

POLK CITY – Big Creek State Park has a new way to explore the outdoors through the addition of an Action Trackchair®.

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

• 5/28/2024 2:26:00 PM
• View Count 2674

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.

Get inspired at Cedar Rock: Now open for the summer season

• 5/28/2024 2:23:00 PM
• View Count 2907

QUASQUETON, IA -- Visitors to Cedar Rock State Park will come away inspired and fascinated by this Frank Lloyd Wright designed home in Buchanan County. Located above a limestone bluff along the banks of the Wapsipinicon River, the park is open for the season from May 22 through Oct. 6.

Your passport to adventure this summer in Iowa state parks

• 5/28/2024 2:13:00 PM
• View Count 2851

The Iowa State Park Passport is back in 2024 and better than ever. With more than 60 state parks and forests featured on the Passport, visitors will love discovering hidden gems in the state park system.

Visitors expected to fill parks over Memorial Day weekend

• 5/21/2024 3:25:00 PM
• View Count 2063

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

DNR investigates tree and fire vandalism at Big Creek State Park

• 3/26/2024 11:46:00 AM
• View Count 2874

POLK CITY, IA – On March 15 around 10:30 p.m. several local law enforcement agencies were called to Big Creek State Park to extinguish an illegal bonfire at the east boat ramp, which was allegedly set by a party of youths. When officials arrived on scene, the youths dispersed. No arrests have been made.

McIntosh Woods State Park to install new docks

• 3/12/2024 11:41:00 AM
• View Count 2323

VENTURA – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be installing four new docks at McIntosh Woods State Park this spring, providing boaters improved access for the upcoming recreation season. Installation is expected to be completed by the end of April.

Gull Point State Park lodge and shelter to open for 2024

• 3/12/2024 11:39:00 AM
• View Count 2754

OKOBOJI – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is opening the Gull Point State Park lodge and shelter for reservations, starting March 20. The facilities were initially closed for the 2024 season due to a planned renovation project, including upgrades to roads and campsite infrastructure. That project is on hold due to construction delays.

Shoreline stabilization project underway at Silver Lake to improve water quality

• 3/5/2024 12:09:00 PM
• View Count 2803

LAKE PARK, Iowa - Work is underway to stabilize the shoreline on the northwest section of Silver Lake, in Dickinson County.

Iowa’s largest sycamore tree severely damaged by suspicious fire at Geode State Park

• 2/23/2024 8:53:00 AM
• View Count 3359

DANVILLE, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is asking the public for any information as to the cause of a suspicious fire at Geode State Park on Sunday, Feb. 18. 

Ledges State Park 100th anniversary kickoff event Dec. 21

• 12/12/2023 12:02:00 PM
• View Count 5562

BOONE, Iowa – 2024 will mark the 100th anniversary of the dedication of Ledges State Park. Iowa DNR staff and members of Friends of the Ledges will host a 100th anniversary kick-off event on Dec. 21, at the Boone City Hall Auditorium, 923 8th Street, in Boone. Doors open at 6 p.m., with a short presentation at 6:30. The event is free to attend.

Book a state park cabin in January or February, get 20% off your stay!

• 12/8/2023 10:44:00 AM
• View Count 4223

Are you ready for a cozy getaway in an Iowa State Park cabin?

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

• 11/7/2023 11:58:00 AM
• View Count 4192

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.

Iowa DNR to host open house on Lake Keomah improvement plans

• 10/17/2023 11:54:00 AM
• View Count 4999

OSKALOOSA -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to discuss renovation and improvement plans for Lake Keomah State Park, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. on Nov. 1, at the Lake Keomah Lodge. The public is invited to attend.

Iowa DNR to host open house on Red Haw State Park improvement plans

• 10/3/2023 12:59:00 PM
• View Count 4431

CHARITON -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to discuss renovation and improvement plans for Red Haw State Park. The public is invited to attend.

Derecho-damaged trees focus of salvage timber sale at Pilot Knob State Park

• 9/26/2023 1:02:00 PM
• View Count 3866

FOREST CITY – A portion of Pilot Knob State Park will close Sept. 26 to allow for removal of trees in the southeast portion of the park. Visitors are asked to avoid the area east of the tower and south of the road, which will be closed for public use.

Cedar Valley Lakes Trail Reopening Ribbon Cutting Event

• 9/19/2023 1:47:00 PM
• View Count 3191

WATERLOO - On Wednesday, Sept. 20, the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership and the Iowa DNR will host a celebration and ribbon cutting for the newly paved section of the Cedar Valley Lakes Trail from Krieg's Crossing to the George Wyth State Park Lodge

Iowa DNR to host open house on Clear Lake State Park improvement plans

• 9/5/2023 1:11:00 PM
• View Count 3453

CLEAR LAKE -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to discuss renovation and improvement plans for Clear Lake State Park, at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 11, at Clear Lake State Park Lodge. The public is invited to attend.

Iowa DNR to host open house on Gull Point State Park improvement plans

• 8/9/2023 7:33:00 AM
• View Count 2903

Milford -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to discuss renovation and improvement plans for Gull Point State Park, at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 22, at Gull Point State Park Lodge. The public is invited to attend.

Lake Keomah State Park restoration being planned

• 7/25/2023 11:48:00 AM
• View Count 3505

OSKALOOSA – Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other project partners are planning a lake restoration project at Lake Keomah State Park to improve water quality and recreational opportunities.

Pikes Peak State Park campground to open July 27

• 7/25/2023 11:44:00 AM
• View Count 3238

MCGREGOR – The Iowa DNR is re-opening the newly renovated Pikes Peak State Park campground on July 27. Campers will enjoy upgraded camping amenities, along with the ability to make same-day reservations at all campsites.

DNR Creating Plans to Improve Amenities at Gull Point State Park

• 7/21/2023 4:40:00 PM
• View Count 4127

MILFORD -- The Iowa DNR is in the early planning stages of a renovation plan at Gull Point State Park to re-pave park roads, upgrade the campground, install a new flush bathroom and improve accessibility.

Lake Ahquabi State Park campground to open July 20

• 7/18/2023 11:35:00 AM
• View Count 4587

INDIANOLA – The Iowa DNR is re-opening the newly renovated Lake Ahquabi State Park campground on July 20. Campers will enjoy upgraded camping amenities, along with the ability to make same-day reservations at all campsites.

Dry conditions delay campground opening at Pikes Peak State Park

• 6/13/2023 1:13:00 PM
• View Count 3441

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

Drought conditions continue to impact water levels at Blue Lake in Lewis and Clark State Park

• 6/6/2023 2:19:00 PM
• View Count 3313

ONAWA – Blue Lake, located within Lewis and Clark State Park, continues to experience abnormally low water levels that may impact recreation opportunities. Launching boats is not recommended with the current low water levels.

Heavy rains delay opening at Lake Ahquabi State Park

• 6/6/2023 2:17:00 PM
• View Count 2905

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

Join us this weekend! Kick off summer in Iowa State Parks, June 9-11

• 6/6/2023 2:11:00 PM
• View Count 2329

DES MOINES ⎯ Several state parks and forests will be hosting family-friendly programming and activities as part of Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) new Summer Kick-Off event, June 9-11.

Discover Hidden Gems with the 2023 State Park Passport

• 5/30/2023 11:45:00 AM
• View Count 7870

The Iowa State Park Passport is back in 2023 and better than ever.

Visitors expected to fill parks over Memorial Day weekend

• 5/16/2023 1:42:00 PM
• View Count 2344

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

Kick off summer in Iowa State Parks, June 9-11

• 5/9/2023 2:02:00 PM
• View Count 2316

DES MOINES ⎯ Several state parks and forests will be hosting family-friendly programming and activities as part of Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) new Summer Kick-Off event, June 9-11.

Renovations at Geode State Park to close beach area in 2023

• 4/4/2023 11:52:00 AM
• View Count 4088

GEODE, Iowa – The beach and surrounding facilities at Geode State Park will be closed for the 2023 recreational season beginning in late April due to a major road and parking lot construction project.

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

• 3/30/2023 2:45:00 PM
• View Count 5032

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.

Volunteer Clean-up event planned for Red Haw State Park on March 12

• 3/7/2023 12:18:00 PM
• View Count 1922

CHARITON – Red Haw State Park is hosting a volunteer clean-up event on March 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. Volunteers should meet at the Stone Shelter at the south end of the park.

As one-year anniversary of tornado approaches, cleanup continues at Red Haw State Park

• 2/28/2023 1:29:00 PM
• View Count 3598

CHARITON, Iowa -- Nearly one year ago, an EF 3 tornado cut an 11-mile swath of destruction through Lucas County causing extensive damage to Red Haw State Park, and claimed one life.

5 more of Iowa's best winter hikes

• 1/23/2023 1:05:00 PM
• View Count 13252

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 16752

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. 

Summer seasonal positions open in state parks, forests and preserves

• 12/27/2022 1:02:00 PM
• View Count 9129

The DNR Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau has openings for recreational aides and seasonal patrol officers for the summer 2023 season across the state park system.

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