Iowa’s state parks are continually adding new programs and events. Check both the events calendar at the right and our special events calendar for activities that may interest you and your family or friends.
Annual park events to check out include:
Fort Atkinson Rendezvous Days – Last full weekend in September
Rendezvous Days, hosted at Ft. Atkinson Preserve every year since 1977, is a re-enactment of what the fort might have been like in the 1840s. Open to the public with events like primitive bow shooting and 1840s kids games, all ages are welcome. Learn more about weekend-long event hosted by the DNR, Fort Atkinson State Park Friend's Group, and local community on the City of Ft. Atkinson's website City of Ft. Atkinson's website.
Annual Statewide Volunteer Day
Give back to your local state park as part of a larger effort - Iowa Parks' Statewide Volunteer Day. Held every year in September at participating parks around the state, this event often correlates with "National Public Lands Day". This is a great opportunity to learn more about your favorite Iowa state park, enjoy the outdoors, and make new community connections. You never know who you might meet or what you might discover!
Halloween Celebrations
Check the events calendar and individual parks for exact dates/times. Like Christmas-in-July events, many of our state parks campers host Halloween celebrations, welcoming other visitors to check out their spooktacular costumes, decorations and treats.
First Day Hikes – January 1
Kick off the New Year with a little outdoor exercise on a First Day Hike. More than two dozen Iowa state parks annually host this event along with hundreds more state parks across the country.
Christmas in July – check the events calendar and individual parks for exact dates/times.
Campers in a number of Iowa state parks decorate their campsites and celebrate Christmas in July. Join in the fun or just visit these parks for a look at how creative our visitors can be.