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Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

  • 12/18/2018 1:19:00 PM
  • View Count 5868
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.  
Join state park volunteers this weekend

Join state park volunteers this weekend

  • 9/18/2018 4:12:00 PM
  • View Count 3472
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 18083
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?
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 6393
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.
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 7249
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.  
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 6569
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.  
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 22511
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?
State parks looking for volunteers Sept. 30

State parks looking for volunteers Sept. 30

  • 9/5/2017 12:57:00 PM
  • View Count 9173
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.
Iowa's most Instagrammed state parks

Iowa's most Instagrammed state parks

  • 8/22/2017 10:07:00 AM
  • View Count 20453
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
Vote now for Iowa's best attraction

Vote now for Iowa's best attraction

  • 8/8/2017 1:29:00 PM
  • View Count 3536
Both Maquoketa Caves and Pikes Peak state parks have been picked as “best Iowa attractions” by USA TODAY for their 10Best Readers’ Choice contest currently underway.
Memorial Day weekend is nearly here

Memorial Day weekend is nearly here

  • 5/18/2017 8:36:00 AM
  • View Count 3739
Iowa campers, picnickers and outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for the Memorial Day weekend and the official start of summer. If weather continues as it has been, Iowa’s state parks will be busting at the seams. 
Iowa State University to host exhibit on early Iowa state parks system

Iowa State University to host exhibit on early Iowa state parks system

  • 5/18/2017 8:31:00 AM
  • View Count 3522
The Iowa State University Library Special Collections and University Archives is hosting an exhibition entitled “This movement for a more beautiful Iowa”: The Early Years of Iowa’s State Park System. The exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of Iowa's State Parks Act, signed into law on April 12, 1917.
State parks Camping Kickoff is this weekend

State parks Camping Kickoff is this weekend

  • 5/2/2017 12:17:00 PM
  • View Count 4345
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

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

  • 5/2/2017 12:11:00 PM
  • View Count 5594
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.
Let the camping season begin

Let the camping season begin

  • 4/11/2017 12:28:00 PM
  • View Count 5472
Warming temperatures and other signs of spring have state park staff busy preparing for the start of the 2017 camping season.
Five reasons to rent an Iowa State Parks cabin in the off-season

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

  • 3/10/2017 1:13:00 PM
  • View Count 22276
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

Six Iowa state parks to host University of Iowa wildlife camps

  • 3/7/2017 12:11:00 PM
  • View Count 8781
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.
State park campgrounds in need of hosts

State park campgrounds in need of hosts

  • 3/7/2017 12:09:00 PM
  • View Count 4663
The opportunity to spend the summer in an Iowa state park is available for individuals who serve as campground hosts.
Memorial Weekend campsites soon available for reservation

Memorial Weekend campsites soon available for reservation

  • 2/21/2017 3:11:00 PM
  • View Count 6950
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.
Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike in an Iowa State Park

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

  • 12/13/2016 2:18:00 PM
  • View Count 9749
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

Take a winter retreat at Lake of Three Fires

  • 12/8/2016 4:22:00 PM
  • View Count 17339
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

Iowa State Parks offer great winter cabin getaways

  • 12/7/2016 10:23:00 AM
  • View Count 5024
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.
Meet Wapsipinicon, one of Iowa's most unique state parks

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

  • 11/4/2016 3:31:00 PM
  • View Count 48150
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

DNR seeks public comment on rule changes

  • 10/25/2016 12:30:00 PM
  • View Count 3997
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?

Looking for a place to host your holiday gathering?

  • 10/18/2016 12:27:00 PM
  • View Count 3707
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

7 must-see waterfalls in Iowa State Parks

  • 9/29/2016 3:39:00 PM
  • View Count 65763
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

State parks peak season winding down

  • 9/27/2016 2:23:00 PM
  • View Count 4199
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

State Parks Ready for Labor Day Weekend

  • 8/30/2016 1:56:00 PM
  • View Count 3981
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.
State Parks Impacted by Recent Rains

State Parks Impacted by Recent Rains

  • 7/19/2016 12:45:00 PM
  • View Count 8803
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.
Iowa State Parks Featured in America's Top Family Fishing and Boating Spots

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

  • 2/23/2016 6:33:00 AM
  • View Count 4728
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

Iowa's First Day Hikes a Success

  • 1/5/2016 9:28:00 AM
  • View Count 4765
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.
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