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Students learning outdoors by a lake

Learn, Explore & Educate

Strengthen your knowledge about Iowa's natural beauty with educational programs, resources, and activities from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

  • Classroom & Teacher Resources
  • Boating Rules & Safety
  • Family Fishing Tips
  • Hunter Education & Safety
  • Paddling Education & Safety
  • Snowmobile Education & Safety

Learn & Explore

  • Classroom & Teacher Resources

    Get workshops and activities to explore the Iowa outdoors with your class and students.

  • Forest Safety & Learning

    Learn how to take care of Iowa's forests by preserving and protecting when you visit.

  • Project WILD & WILD Aquatic

    Access workshops, online guides, resources, and more to explore the wild outdoors.

  • Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW)

    An opportunity for anyone 18 years or older to learn outdoor skills associated with many outdoor pursuits.

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Springbrook State Park Wildlife Camp
Take It Outside State Park Camps

Come Create Unforgettable Memories!

Sign your kids up for a fun five-day immersive adventure they will never forget. Campers will explore some of the most amazing places in Iowa and build outdoor skills that can last a lifetime.

Registration is limited to 30 students per camp.

News Releases

View All DNR News Releases
February 5, 2026

Water Summary Update: Drought watches lifted, but precipitation deficits remain

All regions of Iowa previously under drought watch have had those designations lifted, according to the latest monthly Water Summary Update.

Water Summary Update
February 5, 2026

DNR seeking stakeholder input for renewal of General Permits #5, #6, and #7

The DNR is hosting an informal stakeholder meeting on March 3, regarding the proposed five-year renewals of NPDES General Permits #5, #6, and #7

Wastewater Permitting
February 5, 2026

Water use permits for review, published 02/05/2026

The DNR Water Quality Bureau has the following draft water use permits posted for public review.

Water Use Permits
February 5, 2026

Air quality permits for review, published 02/05/2026

The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review.

Air Quality Draft Permits
February 3, 2026

Iowa youth artists celebrate the beauty and wonder of Iowa songbirds with art contest

Roughly 250 Iowa students from kindergarten to high school seniors participated in the First Annual Iowa Songbird Art Contest.

News - Featured
February 3, 2026

Walleye season closes Feb. 15 on Iowa Great Lakes 2026

The Walleye fishing season on Spirit, East, and West Okoboji lakes is open through Feb. 14. It will close after that date and reopens on May 2.

Fishing

Department of Natural Resources

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Iowa DNR Customer Service

6200 Park Avenue
Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50321

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515-725-8200

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