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State Parks Impacted by Recent Unseasonable Rains

  • 12/15/2015 7:26:00 AM
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Visitors planning a trip to the following parks may want to double check conditions as recent unseasonable rains have had some impact.

Dolliver Memorial State Park
The main road through Dolliver is flooded, preventing the public from driving thorough the park. Facilities can be reached by coming in from either the north or south entrance.  The south entrance (west of Lehigh) will provide access to the shop/office/group camp and south lodge, however, the lodge and group camp are closed for the season. The north entrance will give the public access to the north shelter and pit vault latrine and campground (open for primitive camping). The cabins are closed for the season. Flood waters are estimated to be off the main road by tomorrow. Park Office phone: 515-359-2539 

George Wyth State Park
Staff may have to close the park at noon tomorrow due to flooding, but will likely re-open Friday morning.Park Office Phone:  319-232-5505 

Ledges State Park
The Canyon Drive is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to flash flooding.  Park visitors are welcome to hike into the canyon area but are advised not to enter the stream on foot as it is running at a dangerously high level.  The Lower Ledges Road is projected to be flooded by the nearby Des Moines River sometime today.  High pool levels on the Saylorville Reservoir downstream is expected to keep the road flooded for the next week or so. Park Office phone:  515-432-1852

Pine Lake State Park
The Iowa River gauge at Steamboat Rock indicates that the Iowa River water level is dropping.  The only facility affected by the high water at Pine Lake is the Wildcat Trail which runs north of the cabins.  All other facilities are available for normal winter use. The Wildcat Trail is expected to re-open tomorrow. Park Office phone: 641-858-5832

Springbrook State Park
The park is closed to vehicular traffic due to a road construction project and flood waters are over the main road.  The Sherburne Cabin can still be accessed from the west and the park office is still accessible from the east.  The Education Center is unaffected by the flooding. Park Office phone: 641-747-3591; Ed Center Phone: 641-747-8383 

Summerset State Park
The road around the lake at the park is closed due to water over the road. Park Office phone:  515-961-7101 

Walnut Woods State Park
The park closed at dusk yesterday. Park staff is currently evaluating flood damage and timing of reopening. Park Office phone:  515-285-7476

Wapsipinicon State Park
The lower roads will be closed due to high water over the roads and will remain closed until the water recedes and the Iowa Department of Transportation completes as inspection. It may be a week or longer. Park Office phone:  319-462-2761 

Because conditions can change rapidly in flood conditions, state park visitors are encouraged to check for closures posted the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/parks or the parks reservation site at http://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by contacting individual park offices directly.

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