Lake Ahquabi State Park

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Park Alerts & Notices

For current closures or important information please visit, Park Alerts and Notices.

Park Alerts & Notices

About the Park

Lake Ahquabi is a popular state park in south-central Iowa named after the Sauk and Fox word meaning “resting place.” Dedicated in 1936, several of the park’s structures, such as the stone lodge and picnic shelters, were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. 

A sandy beach overlooks the tranquil waters of Lake Ahquabi, and visitors can enjoy the park’s relaxing atmosphere by soaking up the sun, kayaking along the shore or exploring its trails.

Plan Your Visit

• Hike more than six miles of trails at Lake Ahquabi, including a loop around the lake and through wooded pathways. The trails are best explored by hiking and biking, or cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
• Boat in Lake Ahquabi or swim in the designated beach area. The lake is a “no-wake” speed, and paddleboats, canoes, kayaks and boats can be rented at the beach concessionaire. Bait, firewood, snacks and beverages are also available for purchase.
• Fish for largemouth bass, channel catfish or panfish since the lake is popular fishing destination. Anglers of all ages and abilities can fish along the shoreline, the accessible fishing pier or a fishing jetty.
• Camp in the lakeshore campground, offering both full hook-up and electric campsites, modern restrooms, showers and a dump station. Picnic tables and a fire ring are provided at each campsite. Advanced reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Lake Ahquabi State Park and 100% of the campsites are reservable and a reservation is required.  The campground accepts reservations March - November and is closed December - February.  
• Reserve one of two open picnic shelters during your visit. A CCC-era stone lodge overlooking the lake can be reserved through the online reservation system for Lake Ahquabi State Park and is a popular location for family reunions, weddings or large gatherings

Concessions

Concession services are available:Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend: 

• Sunday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturdays and holidays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Services include:

• Boat rentals
• Kayak/canoe/paddleboard lessons
• Organized paddling tours
• Firewood sale
• Bait sales
• Convenience store items (ice, charcoal, etc.)
• Snack-type foods (chips, pop, candy, etc.).

Amenities at a Glance

• Hiking trails
• Swimming beach
• Concessions
• Paddleboat rentals
• Boat ramps (2)
• Fishing pier; ADA Accessible
• Fishing jetties (13)
• Fish cleaning station
• Day-use lodge
• Shelters
• Modern restrooms; ADA accessible
• Showers
• Full hook-up campsites
• Electric campsites
• Youth group only
• Dump station
• Firewood sales

Explore the Park

• Lake Ahquabi State Park map and flyer
• Lake Ahquabi State Park campground map

Know Before You Go

Beach Information

For current beach advisories please visit the beach monitoring dashboard or call the monitoring hotline at 515-725-3434.
The dashboard and hotline are updated on Fridays during the monitoring season.

Beach monitoring dashboard