If you enjoy the outdoors, you will love Rathbun Lake. With more than 11,000 acres, eight parks, two marinas, and several restaurants and cultural activities nearby, the Rathbun Lake area is a vacation destination for everyone.

As the second largest lake in Iowa, Rathbun is nestled among forested lands, prairies and wetlands preserved to ensure the natural environment. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, songbirds and other wildlife are prevalent in the area. Rathbun is a flood protection lake managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Recreation facilities include boat ramps, camp grounds, picnic areas and playgrounds. The Corps has a Visitors Center that provides information about Rathbun Lake’s natural resources.

The Iowa DNR manages both Honey Creek Resort and the original 850-acre Honey Creek State Park. In the future, the DNR plans to link the two parks, which are separated by a cove, with a pedestrian bridge. Honey Creek State Park offers camping, camping cabins, heated shower facility, trails and a boat ramp.

Another DNR facility in the area is the Rathbun Fish Hatchery. The hatchery raises channel catfish, walleye, saugeye and largemouth bass, which are then stocked in other Iowa lakes. Visitors are welcome year-round, including large-group tours with an appointment.

Culture and Entertainment

Rathbun Lake is the centerpiece of Appanoose and Monroe counties, offering many restaurants, entertainment and cultural/historical activities nearby.

A few highlights include:

• Rathbun Country Music Theater
• Summer Splash at Rathbun Lake (last weekend in July)
• Nearby historic shops and downtown districts in Centerville and Albia
• Mormon Trail

Links

For more information on Rathbun Lake and area attractions:

Army Corps of Engineers

Albia Chamber of Commerce

Appanoose County

Centerville/Rathbun Lake Visitors Guide

Historic Hills Tourism

Rathbun Lake Association