Two beautiful open picnic shelters, one located on
the lakeshore near the beach, may be reserved online
through the park reservation system. Picnic areas have tables, grills,
water and restroom facilities.
The large campground has 120 campsites (81 with electrical hook-ups). Modern showers and restrooms, a trailer dump
station, fireplaces and tables are available. Advance campsite reservations can be made through the
park reservation system. Half of the campsites are available on a
first-come, first-serve basis.
Great hiking trails totally 12 miles lead to the heart of Springbrook. You are almost guaranteed to see deer when
taking an evening or morning stroll on the nature trail which winds around the lake. In winter, snowmobiling is allowed
on four miles of designated trails.
The Central State Park Bike Route is a 91 mile route which connects Springbrook State Park,
Ledges State Park , and Big Creek State Park .
It is relatively flat, with a few 'challenging' hills as you make your way across the valleys of the Des Moines and Raccoon
Rivers.
Carry your own gear and "rough it" in the campgrounds or take comfort in a local bed and breakfast or
motel along the route. Some bed and breakfasts and park concessionaires offer a shuttle service for gear or luggage for
a nominal fee. Reservations for gear shuttle must be made in advance. Detailed route brochures available from the DNR.
(swimming, boating, fishing)
There is a sandy beach for sunbathing and unsupervised swimming. A stone and log
open shelter with restrooms, located at the beach may
be reserved online through the park reservation system.
A boat ramp on the lake provides convenient access for anglers seeking crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish,
bullhead and catfish. Ice fishing is enjoyed in the winter. Three fishing jetties are located along the lake trail.
Boats using the lake may only use electric motors. A boat ramp is located on the Middle Raccoon River. A trail also
takes anglers to a fishing riffle.
Hunting is allowed, in season, on certain portions of the northeast and southwest area of Springbrook as posted. A
controlled deer hunt is held periodically in certain areas of the recreation area. Contact the ranger for details.
The rolling hills of beautiful Springbrook State Recreation Area abound with deer, red and gray fox, coyote,
raccoon, beaver, muskrat and wild turkey. Almost every kind of bird that visits Iowa can be found here. Trails lead
through 920 acres of prairie and woodland, near small ponds, the Middle Raccoon River and the beautiful spring-fed
17-acre, artificial lake. The state acquired the park in 1926 and most of the buildings were constructed by the
Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Springbrook truly offers "something for everyone!"
Guthrie Center is seven miles from the park and has a golf course, Laundromat and churches. Panora is 12 miles from
the park and offers river fishing and a golf course. Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is a one-hour drive to the
east. Bagley is eight miles north.
2437 160th Road
Guthrie Center, IA 50115
ph. 641/747-3591
fax 641/747-8401
E-mail address: Springbrook@dnr.iowa.gov
| 
