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

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

  • 9/24/2024 2:42:00 PM
  • View Count 4817
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.
Save the Date: Statewide Volunteer Day is Sept. 28

Save the Date: Statewide Volunteer Day is Sept. 28

  • 9/10/2024 12:19:00 PM
  • View Count 4588
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

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.
DNR shares tips for a safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

DNR shares tips for a safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

  • 6/25/2024 11:33:00 AM
  • View Count 3032
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.
Attention Photographers: Showcase your pictures and Iowa state parks in national contest

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

  • 5/28/2024 2:26:00 PM
  • View Count 2669
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.
Kick off summer in Iowa State Parks, June 9-11

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

  • 5/9/2023 2:02:00 PM
  • View Count 2314
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.
Celebrate the Civilian Conservation Corps’ 90th Anniversary at these parks

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

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

6 of Iowa's best winter hikes

  • 1/19/2023 11:45:00 AM
  • View Count 16744
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. 
State park campgrounds getting ready for winter

State park campgrounds getting ready for winter

  • 10/25/2022 11:46:00 AM
  • View Count 3208
Another busy camping year in Iowa state parks is coming to an end and staff are winterizing their facilities, including shutting off water in the campgrounds and closing shower houses.
Paddle Iowa Waters. Catch Fish. Win Prizes.

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

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.
Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

  • 1/26/2021 12:07:00 PM
  • View Count 6456
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season.
Iowa DNR plants more than 100,000 trees on public lands in 2020

Iowa DNR plants more than 100,000 trees on public lands in 2020

  • 12/29/2020 11:39:00 AM
  • View Count 2766
The Iowa DNR reached a milestone goal to plant at least 100,000 trees on state-managed lands in 2020. The tree plantings commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Association of State Foresters, as well as the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks.
It's almost New Year's! Join the First Day Hike Challenge

It's almost New Year's! Join the First Day Hike Challenge

  • 12/29/2020 11:37:00 AM
  • View Count 3246
It’s time to start 2021 the right way – in an Iowa state park! Join the 2021 First Day Hike Challenge through the digital State Park Passport. The challenge takes the place of traditional guided hikes due to COVID-19.
6 ways to safely "Take It Outside" this holiday season

6 ways to safely "Take It Outside" this holiday season

  • 11/24/2020 3:00:00 PM
  • View Count 4945
With the holiday season starting, the Iowa DNR is encouraging families to find safe ways to spend time outdoors this winter. Please be sure to keep your group small, social distance, and wear a mask when visiting places where social distancing is not possible.
Attention Photographers: Showcase your pictures and Iowa state parks in national contest

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. 
DNR, IDPH and Polk County Health partner to share tips for safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

DNR, IDPH and Polk County Health partner to share tips for safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

  • 7/1/2020 12:26:00 PM
  • View Count 4224
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. The DNR along with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Polk County Health Department are partnering to share some safety tips to help keep you safe this holiday weekend.
Are you loving Iowa state parks? 6 ways to show you care when you visit

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

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.
Iowa state parks reduce some amenities as part of COVID-19 response

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

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. 
Governor Reynolds, Iowa DNR commemorates Volunteer Day

Governor Reynolds, Iowa DNR commemorates Volunteer Day

  • 9/27/2019 4:12:00 PM
  • View Count 3644
DES MOINES - Earlier this week, Governor Reynolds shared her commitment to volunteerism at her weekly press conference to develop a state employee volunteer policy encouraging workers to give back to communities and causes that benefit our state. This weekend several DNR employees, along with any interested Iowans, have the opportunity to do just that by participating in the DNR’s third annual statewide Volunteer Day on September 28.
Celebrate Fourth of July weekend at Iowa State Parks

Celebrate Fourth of July weekend at Iowa State Parks

  • 6/27/2019 8:58:00 AM
  • View Count 5498
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

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

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.
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