Closure Information

Construction/Park Lake Levels/Weather Related/Other Closures

Big Creek State Park - Polk County

Lake levels have returned to pool elevation. Boat ramp construction has been completed and courtesy docks are in place. Reservations for beach shelters will be accepted after May 28. The beach area has been newly constructed, users should keep in mind that rainfall will create areas of mud until the new grass seeding takes hold. For updated information, please contact the park office at 515-984-6473. (updated 5/16/2013)

The drought of 2012 has caused Black Hawk Lake to be more than 2 feet below normal pool. These low water conditions prompted the DNR Fisheries Bureau to begin work on renovating the lake. In September 2012, the lake was open to commercial fishing and promiscuous fishing. Game fish was relocated to the Black Hawk Pits. Restocking of Black Hawk Lake will begin in the Spring 2013. Lake level will depend on the weather so please plan accordingly. For more information contact the park office at 712-657-8712. (Updated 4/10/2013)
Please do not help the DNR by stocking fish in the lake. Depending on the fish species, anglers should expect to see catchable size fish in 2 to 4 years. Black Hawk Pits and Arrowhead Lake will continue to provide quality fishing opportunities. Expected benefits of this project include an increase in water quality and clarity, submergent vegetation establishment, consistent quality sport fishing and fewer and less severe algae blooms. For further questions on this renovation contact: Ben Wallace, Fisheries Biologist at 712-657-2638. For Park questions contact park staff at 712-657-8712. (updated 4/10/2013)

The campground at Emerson Bay State Recreation Area remains closed due to renovation of the camping facilities. Campers can expect the area to re-open once temperatures increase and newly seeded grass is established in the camp area. The area will not be launched on the reservation system until it is ready to be opened. The boat ramp at Emerson Bay remains open to use. Questions may be directed to the Gull Point State Park office at 712-337-3211. (Posted 04/09/13)

George Wyth State Park - Black Hawk County

The park will be closing at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 due to flooding of the Cedar River. It is anticipated the park will reopen Saturday morning, May 25, 2013. For updated information contact the park office at 563-556-0620. (posted 5/21/2013)

Lake Darling State Park is currently open for day use only. A major renovation project is underway and the park will close when the renovations begin. It is anticipated to be closed the summer of 2013 and will remain closed until renovation of the lake, parking lots, and roads are completed either late fall of 2013 or spring of 2014. For updated information please contact the park office at 319-694-2323. (posted 5/1/2013)

The caves are open. Visitor’s to Maquoketa Caves State Park will once again have the opportunity to explore the remarkable cave features of the park. There is a short program that will help to prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome by humans. Attendance at the program is required for those who plan to enter the caves. The caves will be closed October 15 for the hibernation period. For additional information contact the park office at 563-652-5833 (posted 4/15/2013)

Campground 2 is currently undergoing renovations and will be closed for use until early to mid June. For additional information contact the park office at 319-436-7716. (posted 5/14/2013)

Lake restoration - began capturing water last fall, but due to drought conditions, the lake has been slow to fill. At this time there is very little water in the lake. There is NO access to boat ramps or any swimming. How fast the lake fills will be dependent on rainfall amounts. For further information and current lake levels contact the park office at 712-773-2701. (posted 3/14/2013)

Wilson Island is open for day use only at this time. We anticipate closing the park completely when construction begins. Please visit this page in the future for updates on closing information. for updated information contact the park office at 712-642-2069. (updated 3/18/2013)