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Some facilities at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area reopen following derecho

Some facilities at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area reopen following derecho

  • 9/24/2020 9:05:00 AM
  • View Count 1700
LINN COUNTY, Iowa -- Campgrounds, cabins and shelters are now open at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area following the derecho in early August. The trails and the beach remain closed as well as the lodge as DNR staff continue to work diligently to clean up damage left behind by August’s derecho.
Attention Photographers: Showcase your pictures and Iowa state parks in national contest

Attention Photographers: Showcase your pictures and Iowa state parks in national contest

  • 9/15/2020 1:33:00 PM
  • View Count 3783
DES MOINES -- If you enjoy photographing Iowa state parks, the Iowa DNR invites you to enter your photos in the America’s State Parks 2020 Photo Contest, hosted by the National Association of State Park Directors. Photos will feature state parks from Iowa and other states, and could be included in calendars and other publications. 
Landscapes, views set Upper Iowa River Chimney Rocks Wildlife Area apart

Landscapes, views set Upper Iowa River Chimney Rocks Wildlife Area apart

  • 9/15/2020 1:26:00 PM
  • View Count 2421
DECORAH - Nestled in the heart of Bluff Country in Winneshiek County, the Upper Iowa River Chimney Rocks Wildlife Area offers visitors scenic views of its namesake chimney rocks, reconstructed prairie and a high-quality trout stream emptying into the legendary Upper Iowa River.
DNR state parks making progress with derecho damage

DNR state parks making progress with derecho damage

  • 9/1/2020 1:20:00 PM
  • View Count 4438
Three weeks after a devastating derecho tore through a large portion of Iowa, and left major damage to residential neighborhoods, farms and cities, state parks across Iowa continue their clean-up efforts.
Virtual Outdoor Cooking Series

Virtual Outdoor Cooking Series

  • 8/19/2020 7:07:00 AM
  • View Count 2333
The Iowa Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Program is hosting three outdoor cooking classes virtually where participants are encouraged to cook along with the instructors. Classes will be held Sept. 14, Oct. 5 and 19 and there is no fee to participate.
Iowa offers She Goes Outdoors subscription boxes

Iowa offers She Goes Outdoors subscription boxes

  • 8/4/2020 11:42:00 AM
  • View Count 2713
A project between natural resources agencies in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas, Becoming an Outdoors Women, and Women in the Outdoors have created an opportunity for ladies to purchase outdoor subscription boxes.
Wilson Island to remain closed through 2020

Wilson Island to remain closed through 2020

  • 7/28/2020 12:39:00 PM
  • View Count 2423
MISSOURI VALLEY, Iowa - Wilson Island State Recreation area will remain closed through 2020 while the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) works with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to outline the cleanup and repair plan for the popular public area, north of Council Bluffs. 
Backbone State Park celebrates 100 years with dedication ceremony, sign unveiling

Backbone State Park celebrates 100 years with dedication ceremony, sign unveiling

  • 7/28/2020 12:29:00 PM
  • View Count 2731
DUNDEE, IA – With the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks in full swing, Backbone State Park celebrated its centennial with a re-dedication ceremony on Friday, July 24. Local community members joined Governor Kim Reynolds, DNR Director Kayla Lyon and park staff for the ceremony, which took place in front of the park’s newly renovated Beach Lodge. 
Beyond BOW - Fly Fishing Seminars

Beyond BOW - Fly Fishing Seminars

  • 7/21/2020 1:09:00 PM
  • View Count 2070
The Becoming an Outdoors Woman Beyond BOW program is offering three virtual seminars focusing on fly fishing. While the seminars are geared towards women, they are open to any adult who would like to attend. Participants may choose to attend any or all of the seminars.
8 steps to building a better campfire

8 steps to building a better campfire

  • 7/15/2020 11:12:00 AM
  • View Count 7768
Camping isn’t complete without the fire, but getting it started doesn’t have to be a tricky process. Here are some tips to build a successful fire: 
DNR, IDPH and Polk County Health partner to share tips for safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

DNR, IDPH and Polk County Health partner to share tips for safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

  • 7/1/2020 12:26:00 PM
  • View Count 3921
DES MOINES, Iowa – As the Fourth of July holiday weekend quickly approaches the forecast predicts very warm weather which will draw thousands of people to state parks, beaches, lakes and rivers. The DNR along with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Polk County Health Department are partnering to share some safety tips to help keep you safe this holiday weekend.
Are you loving Iowa state parks? 6 ways to show you care when you visit

Are you loving Iowa state parks? 6 ways to show you care when you visit

  • 6/30/2020 2:17:00 PM
  • View Count 6022
This summer, Iowans are flocking to state parks in record numbers and enjoying their outdoor amenities and natural spaces. With extra visitors, state parks need more help to stay beautiful, ensure people are safe, and take care of natural resources. Here’s 6 easy ways you can help care for Iowa state parks when you visit:
Heavy rainfall closes George Wyth State Park

Heavy rainfall closes George Wyth State Park

  • 6/25/2020 9:00:00 AM
  • View Count 2540
WATERLOO, Iowa – Heavy rainfall the past several days has caused flooding issues forcing the closure of George Wyth State Park in Black Hawk County.
Take a walk in Iowa State Parks: 20 Walks in 2020

Take a walk in Iowa State Parks: 20 Walks in 2020

  • 6/2/2020 11:46:00 AM
  • View Count 7293
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources DNR partnered with three organizations, the Iowa Walking Club, the Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers, and Iowa Parklands, to create 5k and 10k walking routes in 20 Iowa state parks.
DNR investigating death at Palisades-Kepler State Park

DNR investigating death at Palisades-Kepler State Park

  • 5/24/2020 12:34:00 PM
  • View Count 2862
MOUNT VERNON, Iowa - On Friday, May 22, around 3:45pm, the DNR was notified of a person who had fallen on a trail at Palisades-Kepler State Park and had lacerations to his head.
5 cool things you should know about Iowa State Forests

5 cool things you should know about Iowa State Forests

  • 5/21/2020 2:28:00 PM
  • View Count 11826
As some of Iowa’s most remote and peaceful areas, state forests are different from parks because their primary goal is management of woodland resources. Forests can be overlooked recreation destinations because of their rustic amenities, but nature lovers who visit will find countless opportunities for outdoor fun. Iowa forests offer hundreds of miles of hiking trails, bird watching, fishing, hunting and even primitive camping. 
Modern restrooms, cabins will open Memorial Day weekend in Iowa state parks

Modern restrooms, cabins will open Memorial Day weekend in Iowa state parks

  • 5/20/2020 11:47:00 AM
  • View Count 14752
DES MOINES, IA -- Iowa state parks will open modern restrooms, shower buildings and cabins starting Friday, May 22 in time for Memorial Day weekend. This means campgrounds will be open for all campers, including RVs, pop-ups and tent camping. Youth group campsites will remain closed.
Reminder to check DNR website before visiting parks, campgrounds

Reminder to check DNR website before visiting parks, campgrounds

  • 5/11/2020 1:55:00 PM
  • View Count 2810
DES MOINES, Iowa -- As campgrounds begin opening up today to walk-in, first come, first served, campers with self-contained restrooms, and visitors continue to take advantage of state parks, the DNR is encouraging everyone to check the DNR website for temporary closures before traveling to any of these areas.
Iowa state parks extend closures into May

Iowa state parks extend closures into May

  • 4/24/2020 3:26:00 PM
  • View Count 16963
The DNR is extending closures of campgrounds and other park facilities through May 14, 2020 to help protect the health of visitors and staff during the COVID-19 health emergency. State parks and forests remain open for day-use opportunities, but visitors are reminded to strictly abide the social distancing rules and not gather in groups.
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