Physical Location
Location Address
1100 S Shore Drive
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Areas Served
Phone(s)
Park Alerts & Notices
For current closures or important information please visit, Park Alerts and Notices.
About the Park
Lake Manawa is one of western Iowa’s premier spots for boating, hiking or just relaxing outdoors. More than 1,500 acres surround the lake, originally constructed in 1881 after a Missouri River flood. It continues to be a major outdoor recreation center for thousands of visitors.
“Manawa” is a Native American term meaning peace and comfort, making it the perfect spot to read a book, have a picnic or enjoy the outdoors during your visit.
Plan Your Visit
- Hike the trail system that runs through Council Bluffs by traveling along the Wabash Trace Trail and the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge. A paved nature trail offers easy access for anyone wanting to bike or walk at their own pace. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, eight miles of unpaved trails are perfect for mountain biking. These trails can be accessed near the south side of the park.
- Enjoy camping beside Lake Manawa in the newly constructed campground. Camping reservations can be made online through the online reservation system for Lake Manawa State Park, and 100 percent of campsites are reservable and a reservation is required. The campground accepts reservations April 15 - October 15 and is closed October 16 - April 14th.
- Play at Lake Manawa’s Dream Playground constructed in 2018. The re-designed structure is the largest ADA accessible playground in Iowa and offers 18,000 square feet of fun for all ages and abilities.
- Boat on Lake Manawa or rent a paddle board, canoe or kayak to the Missouri River. Boat motors of any size are allowed, and boat ramps are located on the north, south and west sides of the lake. Sailing opportunities are offered by the Lake Manawa Sailing Association from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. The modern beach facility is perfect for swimming or relaxing in the sun.
- Fishing is a popular activity for anglers of all ages. Crappie, bluegill, catfish, walleye and bass fish are waiting to be caught throughout the year. Amenities include a fishing jetty, shoreline fishing, accessible pier, boat ramps, and a fish cleaning station.
- Reserve a shelter online for a family gathering at Lake Manawa. One of the shelters has a kitchenette, and two offer electricity. An additional shelter is available for rent through the concessionaire by calling (712) 366-4802. Check out the online reservation system for Lake Manawa State Park.
Learn more about the nonresident vehicle entrance permit requirements and exemptions for Lake Manawa State Park.
Concessions
Open Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend, 7 days a week, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Sand volleyball; a good variety of food and snacks, and floaties for sale. Rentals include tubes, kayaks, canoes and paddle boards.
Information also available on the Lake Manawa Beach Facebook page. For more information call M and M Services at 712-366-4802.
Sailing
Open Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, 7 days a week, noon to 8 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Dry storage for approximately 110 sailboats and other non-motorized boats. Wet-slips for 10 boats. Locker and sail storage. A ramp for launching sailboats and docks for tying-up. Beach and picnic shelter, recreational facilities for members and the public.
Additional information is available at www.sailmanawa.com or call the Lake Manawa Sailing Association at 712-256-3832 or the association president at 402-660-2720.
After Hours Fishing
Open to fishing activity between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 4 a.m. in addition to normal park hours. All fishing must be done from the bank in the areas designated for each lake or river. Vessels are not permitted on the lakes after 10:30 p.m. Parking is allowed in specially marked lots only.
The west shoreline including both sides of the main park road, commencing at the north park entrance and continuing south 1.5 miles to the parking lot immediately north of the picnic area located on the west side of the southwest arm of the lake.
Amenities at a Glance
- Sand volleyball court
- Hiking trails
- Playground; ADA accessible
- Swimming beach
- Concessions
- Sailboating
- Paddlesport rental
- Boat rental
- Boat ramps
- Fishing jetty
- Fishing pier; ADA accessible
- Fish cleaning station
- Shelters
- Modern restrooms
- Youth group only campsites
- Firewood sales
- Horseshoe pits