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Archive by tag: state parkReturn

State parks Camping Kickoff is this weekend

• 5/2/2017 12:17:00 PM
• View Count 4292

It looks like the cold rainy weather is breaking just in time for the weekend when state park campgrounds will celebrate Camping Kickoff, Saturday, May 6.

Time to register for popular U of Iowa wildlife camps at six state parks

• 5/2/2017 12:11:00 PM
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Looking for a fun, enriching adventure for the kids this summer? Six Iowa state parks will host the popular University of Iowa Wildlife Camps for local families. The conservation education day-camp program will be offered at Maquoketa Caves, Mines of Spain, George Wyth, Springbrook, Viking Lake and Ledges state parks.

Welcome to the neighborhood - 10 swans to be released in southern Iowa

• 4/25/2017 12:28:00 PM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be releasing swans at four locations in southern Iowa in May, as part of its statewide trumpeter swan restoration effort.

Rains closing park and forest trails, damages Ledges State Park Road

• 4/18/2017 12:16:00 PM
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While recent rains have cause minimal impact to state parks, people planning park visits are reminded to check current conditions before heading out.

Let the camping season begin

• 4/11/2017 12:28:00 PM
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Warming temperatures and other signs of spring have state park staff busy preparing for the start of the 2017 camping season.

Ready for a race in the park?

• 4/4/2017 12:35:00 PM
• View Count 3361

Combine some of Iowa’s most beautiful landscapes with your love of fitness challenges this year. Check out a new page on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website for a list of fitness events held in Iowa’s state parks.

4th of July weekend campsite reservations open soon

• 3/21/2017 11:55:00 AM
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Campers anxious to reserve spots for the Fourth of July weekend should mark March 31 on their calendars, when reservations for a Friday arrival open.

Five reasons to rent an Iowa State Parks cabin in the off-season

• 3/10/2017 1:13:00 PM
• View Count 22091

Have you ever considered staying in a cabin in Iowa state parks? We offer more than 90 cabins in 19 parks across the state. Here are five reasons why you might want to book now and stay in a cabin before Memorial Day:

Six Iowa state parks to host University of Iowa wildlife camps

• 3/7/2017 12:11:00 PM
• View Count 8691

This summer, six Iowa state parks will host University of Iowa Wildlife Camps for families living near the parks. The popular conservation education day camp program will be offered at Maquoketa Caves, Mines of Spain, George Wyth, Springbrook, Viking Lake and Ledges state parks.

Johnston man pleaded guilty to deer poaching at Big Creek State Park

• 2/21/2017 3:18:00 PM
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Polk City - Roy Penney, 49, of Johnston, pleaded guilty to using a motor vehicle to take deer, wanton waste of game, hunting in a refuge, failure to tag the deer and interference with official acts in Polk County Court on Feb. 17.

Memorial Weekend campsites soon available for reservation

• 2/21/2017 3:11:00 PM
• View Count 6872

The three-month window to reserve a state park campsite for a Friday arrival on Memorial Day weekend opens this Sunday, Feb. 26. More than a few campers will plan their arrival for the weekend before Memorial Day and stay through the holiday, which means their window is open now.

Include Iowa state parks in your vacation plans this year

• 1/31/2017 1:56:00 PM
• View Count 6326

Today is National Plan For Vacation Day and Iowa’s state parks are encouraging all Iowans to include them in their vacation plans.

Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike in an Iowa State Park

• 12/13/2016 2:18:00 PM
• View Count 9629

Free, guided hikes will take place in 25 Iowa state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative. All 50 states will participate in the sixth annual national event that encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with a guided outdoor exploration.

Take a winter retreat at Lake of Three Fires

• 12/8/2016 4:22:00 PM
• View Count 17132

For a weekend getaway with friends, where nothing will interrupt relaxation or quiet connecting, this southern Iowa park, 25 miles east of Clarinda, is ideal.

Iowa State Parks offer great winter cabin getaways

• 12/7/2016 10:23:00 AM
• View Count 4958

The quiet solitude that makes a perfect winter getaway is waiting for you in beautiful, comfortable year-round cabins at several Iowa state parks. It’s a great time to take advantage of trails for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling and wildlife watching. And many of the parks have great ice fishing lakes.

Make an Iowa State Park cabin your hunting basecamp

• 12/1/2016 2:25:00 PM
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Hunters, are you looking for a basecamp for your upcoming deer hunt or weekend pheasant hunt?

Meet Wapsipinicon, one of Iowa's most unique state parks

• 11/4/2016 3:31:00 PM
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Thus endures one of the many stories, myths, legends and even proven historical facts about Horse Thief Cave, a well-known feature of what is now Wapsipinicon State Park, and, though its tale-inspiring caves are definitely a main draw, Wapsipinicon is so much more. 

DNR seeks public comment on rule changes

• 10/25/2016 12:30:00 PM
• View Count 3873

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau is seeking public input on possible changes to the minimum-stay requirements for all state park campgrounds and at the multi-family cabin at Springbrook State Park for the Fourth of July holiday. The public is also being asked for comments regarding the proposed rental fee pricing for a large open-air picnic shelter scheduled to be built and opened in 2017 at Lake Manawa State Park.

Looking for a place to host your holiday gathering?

• 10/18/2016 12:27:00 PM
• View Count 3660

Are you responsible for planning your holiday get-together or company party? Need a place to host it? You might want to check out several state park lodges open year-round.

7 must-see waterfalls in Iowa State Parks

• 9/29/2016 3:39:00 PM
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From nature's splendor to man-made spillways, these water features are definitely wonderful. Below, get the full list of Iowa's waterfalls, how to get to each one, and ideas on other things to do in the area while on your waterfall tour.

State parks peak season winding down

• 9/27/2016 2:23:00 PM
• View Count 4093

Another busy year in Iowa’s state parks will be coming to an end and soon staff will be preparing for the first freezing temperatures of the fall.

State Parks Ready for Labor Day Weekend

• 8/30/2016 1:56:00 PM
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Recent rains leading up to the Labor Day weekend have had very little impact on the camping situation at Iowa’s state parks and recreation areas. Many campgrounds have sites available for walk-in campers and some still have sites to reserve.

George Wyth State Park Closed due to Flooding

• 8/27/2016 5:25:00 PM
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WATERLOO – George Wyth State Park in Waterloo has been closed due to flooding.

Friends of Lake Darling Receives National Recognition

• 8/17/2016 1:14:00 PM
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DES MOINES -- The Friends of Lake Darling group was recognized Aug. 16 as recipient of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) 2016 President’s Award.

New Lake Darling Year-Round Cabins to Open Next Week

• 8/9/2016 1:14:00 PM
• View Count 4611

The public is invited to check out Iowa’s latest state park cabins at a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, August 16 at 6 p.m. The six brand new year-round cabins are located at Lake Darling State Park in Washington County.

State Parks Impacted by Recent Rains

• 7/19/2016 12:45:00 PM
• View Count 8745

People planning park visits in the near future are reminded to check on current conditions before heading out. Several Iowa state parks have been impacted by recent heavy rainfalls.

Fourth of July Weekend Looks Great for State Park Visitors

• 6/28/2016 1:49:00 PM
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Iowa state parks are ready to welcome thousands of visitors for the Fourth of July weekend.

Temporary Trail Closure at Big Creek State Park

• 6/21/2016 11:35:00 AM
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Des Moines – The Neal Smith Trail will be closed temporarily near mile marker 24 for repairs beginning Wednesday, June 22. The section of the trail is located near the Gannet Shelter and east boat ramp in Big Creek State Park. Repairs are expected to be completed June 24, weather permitting.

It's Not Too Late to Reserve a State Park Cabin

• 6/7/2016 1:59:00 PM
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Not interested in sleeping in a tent? Don’t have an RV? How about trying an overnight stay in a state park cabin this summer?

Contracts Abound on Environmental Commission's Meeting in Moravia

• 6/2/2016 11:12:00 AM
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MORAVIA – Contracts for air, land and water quality dominate the June 21 agenda for the Environmental Protection Commission’s meeting at Honey Creek State Park Resort, 12633 Resort Drive in Moravia. 

Don't Wait for Memorial Day Weekend

• 4/12/2016 7:29:00 AM
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Don’t wait until the first big holiday of the season to get out and enjoy an Iowa State Park. There are some really cool things to see and do happening right now, before the end of April! Here are five to inspire a trip outdoors, sooner rather than later.

Road Closures at Big Creek State Park

• 4/11/2016 9:40:00 AM
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Des Moines – The main road into Big Creek State Park will be closed beginning Tuesday, April 12.

Choose Iowa's Top State Park and Earn a Chance to Win a Free Weekend of Camping

• 3/15/2016 8:04:00 AM
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DES MOINES — Take time this March to fill out another kind of bracket and support your local state park. Join the DNR’s Park Madness on Facebook, and be in the running to win a free weekend of camping.

Meeting Set to Discuss Proposed Bird Conservation Area in Loess Hills

• 3/1/2016 9:31:00 AM
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PISGAH, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will discuss the proposed designation of the region including Loess Hills State Forest, Preparation Canyon State Park, and Loess Hills Wildlife Management Area as a state Bird Conservation Area (BCA) at a public meeting on March 16. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Loess Hills State Forest Visitor Center in Pisgah, two blocks west of State Hwy. 183, at 206 Polk Street.

Public Meeting on Blood Run Cultural Landscape Master Plan, March 10

• 3/1/2016 9:16:00 AM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting and open house on Thursday, March 10, to provide information and discuss the cultural landscape master plan for Blood Run State Park.

Iowa State Parks Featured in America's Top Family Fishing and Boating Spots

• 2/23/2016 6:33:00 AM
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The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is searching for the top 100 family fishing and boating spots across the nation, and four Iowa state parks are among those being considered. Iowans participating in the vote can ensure their favorite places to boat and fish are recognized nationally.

Iowa's First Day Hikes a Success

• 1/5/2016 9:28:00 AM
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Des Moines – Iowa’s Fifth Annual First Day Hikes were a great success according to DNR staff reports. More than 600 people began 2016 with a hike in an Iowa state park, logging more than 1,100 total miles on New Year’s Day.

Iowa State Parks Celebrates the New Year with First Day Hikes on Jan 1

• 12/29/2015 6:45:00 AM
• View Count 4788

Des Moines – Iowa State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in 19 state parks on New Year’s Day as part of the fifth annual First Day Hikes initiative.

DNR Seeks Public Comment on Reducing Alcohol-Related Incidents at State Park Beaches

• 12/15/2015 10:08:00 AM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking informal public comment on ways to reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents that occur on beaches at state parks and recreation areas.

State Parks Impacted by Recent Unseasonable Rains

• 12/15/2015 7:26:00 AM
• View Count 4384

Visitors planning a trip to the following parks may want to double check conditions as recent unseasonable rains have had some impact.

Darling is Back! Premiers This Saturday and Sunday

• 12/8/2015 7:10:00 AM
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Lake Darling State Park will be the site of the premier showing of “Darling is Back!: The Restoration of Lake Darling,” Dec. 12 and 13, at 3 p.m. and lasts about two hours.

Olofson Shooting Range to Close Dec 20 for Construction

• 12/1/2015 7:04:00 AM
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POLK CITY - The Charles “Butch” Olofson shooting range at Big Creek State Park in Polk County will close on December 20 to allow contractors to remove the old structures and install a new registration and classroom facility, add new baffles, and conduct lead reclamation and berm maintenance.

Nine State Parks Extend Overnight Opportunities

• 11/3/2015 7:54:00 AM
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Although Iowa’s beautiful fall has lingered longer than usual this year, camping season will come to a close very soon for most people, if it hasn’t already. But don’t let the changing seasons limit your enjoyment of Iowa’s state parks, or the chance to stay overnight, reminds State Park Bureau Chief Todd Coffelt.

7 Stunning Iowa State Park Views for Fall

• 10/8/2015 12:00:00 PM
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While looks aren’t everything, they certainly don’t hurt when you’re talking about parks. If you haven’t seen the views below for yourself, put these state parks on your list of destinations to hit this autumn. Changing leaves make fall one of Iowa’s most picturesque seasons, so take plenty of photos when you stop to admire the view.

Explore This Iowan Urban Sanctuary

• 7/10/2015 10:51:00 AM
• View Count 7058

By Jennifer Wilson From the July/August 2014 issue of Iowa Outdoors magazine Ask park manager Lori Eberhard what George Wyth Memorial State Park has to offer travelers, and you’d better settle in for a long answer.

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