Facilities and Activities

Shelters and Enclosed Lodge
Three open shelters are available for picnics and may be reserved online through the park reservation system.

A stone lodge overlooking the lake may be reserved for a fee. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it is very popular for family reunions, weddings and other large gatherings. The lodge may be reserved online through the park reservation system.

Camping
The campground is located by the lakeshore. There are 141 campsites (85 with electrical hookups), modern rest rooms and showers and two trailer dump stations. Each campsite has a picnic table and fireplace. An organized youth group camping area is inside the main campground in the "non-electric" area. Advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis. A playground is located near the campground.

Trails
Hikers, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers can travel all the way around the lake on a beautiful gravel trail. Other scenic foot trails wind through the woods.

Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
A 115-acre man-made lake has a large sandy beach and offers unsupervised swimming. Boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats are available for rent through the concessionaire. Bait is also available through the concessionaire.

A modern boat ramp is located at the northern end of the park. Another ramp is located in the campground. Lake Ahquabi is popular with anglers. A number of fishing jetties and a handicapped accessible fishing pier provide great places for a day of shoreline fishing.

"Ahquabi" is a Sauk and Fox word meaning "resting place," and it is a fitting name for this scenic 770-acre park. The park site was recommended by "Ding" Darling, nationally known Iowa political cartoonist and conservationist, and was dedicated in 1936. Many of its structures were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's and remain available for the enjoyment of park visitors.

Nearby Towns
Indianola is six miles north, and is the home of Simpson College and the site of the annual hot air balloon races. Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is 22 miles north.

Contact Information
Lake Ahquabi State Park
1650 118th Avenue
Indianola, IA 50125
515/961-7101
fax: 515/962-9424

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