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Join state park volunteers this weekend

Join state park volunteers this weekend

  • 9/18/2018 4:12:00 PM
  • View Count 3507
Statewide Park Volunteer Day is this Saturday, Sept. 22. Iowans can help out at more than 40 state parks with activities that may include litter pick-up, staining or painting buildings, planting trees, clearing trails and more.
8 hidden surprises at Maquoketa Caves

8 hidden surprises at Maquoketa Caves

  • 8/21/2018 2:08:00 PM
  • View Count 18241
Maquoketa Caves State Park may be known for its caves and gorgeous scenery, but do you know about these “hidden surprises” suggested by park staff?
Maquoketa Caves State Park to re-open Aug. 24

Maquoketa Caves State Park to re-open Aug. 24

  • 8/14/2018 12:44:00 PM
  • View Count 13900
MAQUOKETA – Maquoketa Caves State Park will open for visitors, including campers, on Aug. 24, just in time for fall travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Flooding forces RAGBRAI to re-route around popular state park

Flooding forces RAGBRAI to re-route around popular state park

  • 7/12/2018 2:15:00 PM
  • View Count 4085
MADRID, Iowa -- Recent high rainfall totals throughout central and northwest Iowa have led to flooding of the Des Moines River and high lake levels at Saylorville Reservoir. This flooding is having a significant impact on the lower areas of Ledges State Park, which is slated to host the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) on Tuesday, July 24th.
Backbone State Park open, no flood damage

Backbone State Park open, no flood damage

  • 7/9/2018 8:11:00 AM
  • View Count 3818
DUNDEE, Iowa – Backbone State Park is open for park visitors and received no flood damage from the many recent rounds of severe weather.
Public Meeting to discuss West Lake Park improvement plan

Public Meeting to discuss West Lake Park improvement plan

  • 6/19/2018 1:30:00 PM
  • View Count 2497
BLUEGRASS –The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Scott County Conservation Board (SCCB), in coordination with FYRA Engineering, will host a public meeting at 5 p.m., June 28, at the Blue Grass Public Safety Building (606 Mayne Street)  to discuss plans for improving water quality and recreational opportunities at West Lake Park.
River Valley OHV Park closed for clean up

River Valley OHV Park closed for clean up

  • 6/12/2018 11:52:00 AM
  • View Count 2758
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources continues to focus on clean-up efforts following a fire at the River Valley OHV Park in April, forcing the park to remain closed for a lengthy amount of time.
Flooding causes closure of state park

Flooding causes closure of state park

  • 6/10/2018 3:02:00 PM
  • View Count 2966
WATERLOO, Iowa – Heavy rains from this weekend have caused flooding of the Cedar River; therefore, George Wyth State Park will be closing Sunday at 6:00 pm.
Storms cause park flooding, closures

Storms cause park flooding, closures

  • 5/4/2018 3:18:00 PM
  • View Count 3195
Heavy rains overnight have forced the closure of George Wyth State Park and portions of Dolliver State Park.
Family trout fishing event Saturday at Summerset Park

Family trout fishing event Saturday at Summerset Park

  • 4/3/2018 1:12:00 PM
  • View Count 3559
INDIANOLA – A family trout fishing event will be held at Banner Lake South at Summerset Park, north of Indianola, this Saturday, April 7 at 11 a.m. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will release 1,400 rainbow trout.
Volunteers invited to state park spring clean-up events

Volunteers invited to state park spring clean-up events

  • 4/3/2018 1:09:00 PM
  • View Count 8802
Several Iowa state parks are hosting spring clean-up events to get ready for the summer season this April and May. Events will be tailored to each park’s needs and could include activities such as litter and branch pick-up, painting, trail work, and clipping back limbs and plants.
Iowa State Parks partnering with Farrell’s for defensive technique training

Iowa State Parks partnering with Farrell’s for defensive technique training

  • 3/27/2018 11:51:00 AM
  • View Count 6445
WAUKEE - About 70 Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks staff will take part in a hands-on tactical training hosted by Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping in Waukee, on March 28. The event is part of an overall training curriculum to help park staff hone safety, fitness and verbal compliance techniques.
Pilot Knob State Park Hosting “Back to Basics” Outdoor Skills Class

Pilot Knob State Park Hosting “Back to Basics” Outdoor Skills Class

  • 3/20/2018 12:53:00 PM
  • View Count 5224
For those interested in learning outdoor skills that go “back to the basics,” join DNR Park Ranger Michael Strauser and volunteer instructors at a one-day class at Pilot Knob State Park near Forest City, on Sat., April 28 from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
DNR Park Ranger honored by Iowa OHV Association

DNR Park Ranger honored by Iowa OHV Association

  • 1/30/2018 1:55:00 PM
  • View Count 4022
DNR Park Ranger Christopher (C.J.) Hughes was given a Special Recognition Award by the Iowa Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Association for his education efforts. He received the award at the association’s annual meeting in Williamsburg on Jan. 21.
DNR to discuss construction projects at public meeting

DNR to discuss construction projects at public meeting

  • 1/12/2018 3:03:00 PM
  • View Count 3963
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host an informational meeting on Tuesday, January 23, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Lab Mahan Hall in Wahpeton, IA to discuss construction plans in the Gull Point State Park Complex.
Trumpeter swan soiree returns to central Iowa

Trumpeter swan soiree returns to central Iowa

  • 1/9/2018 11:43:00 AM
  • View Count 8392
The public is invited to a Trumpeter Swan Soiree, celebrating North America’s largest waterfowl species, at Walnut Woods State Park from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., on Jan. 27.
Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

  • 12/27/2017 11:20:00 AM
  • View Count 7307
DES MOINES – What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in one of 27 participating Iowa state parks! Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.  
Geode State Park restoration project underway

Geode State Park restoration project underway

  • 12/27/2017 11:11:00 AM
  • View Count 4329
DANVILLE – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin renovations at Geode State Park this winter to improve water quality at Lake Geode and enhance accessibility and recreational opportunities in the park.
Save the Date: Spend January 1st on a First Day Hike in a State Park

Save the Date: Spend January 1st on a First Day Hike in a State Park

  • 12/12/2017 1:06:00 PM
  • View Count 6602
DES MOINES - Free, guided hikes will take place in 26 Iowa state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's First Day Hikes initiative. Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.  
Public meeting to discuss bird conservation area near Ottumwa

Public meeting to discuss bird conservation area near Ottumwa

  • 11/21/2017 11:43:00 AM
  • View Count 3707
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will discuss the proposed designation of the region including Soap Creek, Fox Hills and Eldon Wildlife areas, Stephens State Forest, Lake Wapello State Park and Pioneer Ridge Nature Area as a state Bird Conservation Area (BCA) during a public meeting on Dec. 7. 
Hiding Out in Union Grove

Hiding Out in Union Grove

  • 11/7/2017 2:27:00 PM
  • View Count 9987
Grab a backpack and discover this best-kept secret among Iowa’s state parks. Spend the day—or a season.
10 hidden surprises at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

10 hidden surprises at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

  • 10/16/2017 3:32:00 PM
  • View Count 22619
Tucked away in the southeast corner of the state, Lacey-Keosauqua is a bit of a hidden surprise in itself. But do you know about these other hidden gems, as suggested by park manager Justin Pedretti?
Water level to drop at Geode State Park ahead of renovation

Water level to drop at Geode State Park ahead of renovation

  • 10/12/2017 8:30:00 AM
  • View Count 3591
DANVILLE - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) started lowering lake levels at Geode State Park in Henry County on October 10 as a part of a lake restoration project to improve fishing opportunities.
Blank Park Zoo Monarch Festival

Blank Park Zoo Monarch Festival

  • 9/12/2017 2:53:00 PM
  • View Count 3339
A celebration of the monarch’s journey from Canada, through Iowa, to Mexico, will be held Sept. 17, from Noon to 4 p.m., at Blank Park Zoo, in Des Moines.
Congratulations Maquoketa Caves State Park

Congratulations Maquoketa Caves State Park

  • 9/5/2017 1:02:00 PM
  • View Count 6928
USA Today recently revealed their 2017 Readers’ Choice for Best Iowa Attractions, and the winner is . . . Maquoketa Caves State Park!
State parks looking for volunteers Sept. 30

State parks looking for volunteers Sept. 30

  • 9/5/2017 12:57:00 PM
  • View Count 9197
Iowa’s state parks are looking for volunteers on Sept. 30 for Iowa’s first State Park Volunteer Day.  Volunteer activities will take place in 32 state parks.
Campers ready for Labor Day weekend

Campers ready for Labor Day weekend

  • 8/29/2017 1:15:00 PM
  • View Count 3719
The unofficial end of the summer holiday remains one of the more popular weekends during the peak camping season.  Most of the campsites with electricity in Iowa state parks have been snapped up for weeks ahead of the Labor Day weekend.
Iowa's most Instagrammed state parks

Iowa's most Instagrammed state parks

  • 8/22/2017 10:07:00 AM
  • View Count 20584
For many, when they step outside to enjoy Iowa’s state parks, snapping some pictures is a natural part of the journey. Explore parks all over the state by hiking, biking, relaxing lake side and experiencing extraordinary views – you can start with these 10, which are the parks posted about the most by Iowans on Instagram
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