Facilities and Activities

Park Notice
Special deer hunt December 5, 2009 through December 6, 2009. Cabins are open for renting, but rest of park is closed including trails and trout fishing. (posted 12/3/09)

Due to winter weather conditions, the north, east, and west gates are locked until approximately April 1, 2010. Those park roads are left unplowed to become part of the snowmobile trails. The south gate remains open for park users. Main road in the southern part of the park are plowed. (posted 12/3/09)

Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
Backbone is a beautiful place for a family picnic. Several open shelters and the auditorium may be reserved online through the park reservation system.

Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the stone lodge overlooking the lake may be rented for a number of events including family reunions, weddings and other large gatherings. The lodge may be rented online at park reservation system. Backbone Concessions handles the lodge operation. Contact Kelly Peterman at 563/933-2273 if you have any questions.

Cabins
The modern two-bedroom cabins and renovated one-bedroom cabins are available and are equipped with heating and air conditioning. The two-bedroom cabins are available year round. The one-bedroom style cabins are available April through October. Renters must provide their own bedding and dinnerware. The cabins can be reserved for a fee online through the park reservation system.

New year-round cabin at Backbone State Park. Inside view.

Camping
There are 125 camp sites located in two campgrounds. The South Lake Campground contains 49 non-electric sites, 49 electric sites, 2 shower buildings, a playground and a dump station. The Six Pine Campground, near the west entrance of the park, contains 27 non-electric sites and provides pit latrines. Advance campsite reservations can be made through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Bicyclists can pedal through scenic splendor and explore the park on these designated trails; Barred Owl, Bluebird, East Lake and West Lake. Mountain bikes must stay on the trails.

Bicycling
The Northeast State Park Bike Route is a 130 mile route which connects Backbone State Park, Wapsipinicon State Park , and Pikes Peak State Park utilizing county highways.

Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
Backbone Lake is an impoundment of the Maquoketa River created by the CCC. Recreation on the lake includes swimming, boating, fishing and a concession stand for refreshments. A boat ramp is located near the southwest end of the lake. Motors are limited to electric only. A boathouse for renting boats, a swimming beach and concession stand are located near the southeast end of the lake. Anglers casting their lines in the lake may catch a variety of fish such as bass and catfish.

Trout Fishing
Backbone is well known for trout fishing in its cold, clear, quick-flowing stream. Richmond Springs, the source that feeds the stream, pumps out over 2,000 gallons per minute and is located near the north end of the park. Anglers can explore the stream through a variety of shady and easy accessible trails, portions of which are paved.

Climbing
Climbers and rappellers will find many challenging cliffs of rugged dolomite limestone throughout the park. The most popular rock escarpments to climb are located near the Backbone Trail. Climbers and rappellers must register at the park office.

Backbone State Park was dedicated in 1920. It was Iowa's first state park and remains one of the most significant. Backbone is named for its narrow and steep ridge of bedrock carved by a loop of the Maquoketa River. Folklore named this high ridge of rock the "Devil's Backbone". Nearly a hundred years ago, State Geologist Samuel Calvin wrote these words about "The Backbone":

"Its sides are in places precipitous, the rocky cliffs rising sheer for more than 80 feet. Erosion and secular decay have carved the rocks into picturesque columns, towers, castles, battlements and flying buttresses. "

Backbone consists of 2,001 acres and is heavily wooded with a variety of tree species, predominantly oak and maple. This woodland serves as a valuable refuge for a variety of wildlife including deer, raccoon, fox, turkeys, ruffed grouse and many species of songbirds.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was established in April, 1933 as part of the New Deal program of President Roosevelt as an effort to provide work for unemployed Americans during the Great Depression. Many of Backbone's buildings were constructed by the CCC from 1933 to 1941. Among the projects completed at Backbone were the dams on the Maquoketa River forming Backbone Lake, a cluster of rustic family cabins, beach and boat house, an auditorium, bridges, roads, picnic shelters, rest rooms and trails. Some of these structures are currently being restored and the effort is continuing.

Iowa Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
The Iowa Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum opened in 1990 and is located just within the park's west gate. It provides visitors with an interesting and informative look at the work of the CCC in Iowa state parks. Backbone was the site of 2 CCC camps and contains many buildings and structures built by the CCC. The museum is open on weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day and by special arrangement through the park office.

Nearby Towns
Backbone State Park is located 3 miles south of Strawberry Point in northwestern Delaware County. Dundee lies one mile to the south and Lamont 5 miles to the west.

Contact Information
Backbone State Park
1347 129th Street
Dundee, IA 52038
ph. 563/924-2527
fax: 563/924-2827

E-mail address: backbone@dnr.iowa.gov