https://developers.facebook.com/tools/debug/sharing/

Lewis and Clark State Park

  Places to Go   >   State Parks   >   Iowa State Parks   >   Lewis and Clark State Park
Lewis and Clark State Park

Lewis and Clark State Park in western Iowa is both a picturesque park and a historic location along the Lewis and Clark expedition trail from 1804. The park is a popular destination for boating, fishing and other outdoor recreation, with an opportunity to engage in history at the Visitors Center, on a working keelboat and during the annual Lewis and Clark Festival each June.


PLAN YOUR VISIT

Learn about the Lewis and Clark expedition by visiting the Visitors Center, including a full-sized reproduction of Lewis and Clark’s keelboat, along with several other historic vessels. The Visitors Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from April 15 to October 1. Off-season appointments can be scheduled by calling the park office.

Hike a variety of trails featuring the sights and sounds of the park’s wildlife and plant life, including an accessible, paved lakeshore path.

Boat in the waters of Blue Lake or swim at the sandy beach area. No restrictions are placed on motor size and a double boat ramp is available for easy lake access.

Fish for panfish, bass, channel catfish and northern pike at Blue Lake. High numbers of bullhead and carp are often found in the water. Fish trap structures are in place as part of a lake restoration project.

Camp at the lakeshore campground featuring a new playground, electrical hookups and full hook ups. Modern restrooms, showers and a trailer dump station are also available. One fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and advance reservations can be made through the the online reservation system for Lewis and Clark State Park.

Reserve one of two open shelters for an outdoor gathering during your visit. The shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be rented through the park office. A day-use lodge at Lewis and Clark is also available for large events such as wedding receptions or family reunions. The lodge was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and can be reserved through the the online reservation system for Lewis and Clark State Park.



Lewis and Clark State Park
21914 Park Loop
Onawa, IA 51040
Ph. 712-423-2829
Fax: 712-423-2829
Lewis_and_Clark@dnr.iowa.gov


Campsite Closure: Campsites 48-77 and both youth sites will be closed April 23rd through 27th for Loess Hills Cooperative Burn Week. If you are in a walk-in site or have a reservation until 4/23/23 we ask that you leave the north loop of the campground by 3:00PM on 4/23/22. If you have a reservation for 4/28/22 we ask that you arrive at/after 3PM to allow time for staff to re-open the loop safely. (Posted 12/19/22)
Modern facilities are closed for the winter season. The shower building and beach house are closed to the public. Pit toilets will be open throughout the park. The dump station will be open without washouts. Water in the campground (including full-hookups) is currently off for the season. Water will be turned back on May 1st 2023. (Posted 10/17/21)
2022 Lewis and Clark Visitor Center Fall/Winter hours: Beginning 8/26/22 the visitors center will be open as staffing allows or by appointment only. Please call the park office to confirm hours or to schedule a tour. (Updated 7/15/22)
AMENITIES AT A GLANCE
  • Visitors Center
  • Keelboat Display
  • Hiking trails
  • Playground
  • Swimming beach
  • Boat ramp
  • Day-use lodge (1); ADA accessible
  • Shelters (2)
  • Modern restrooms
  • Showers
  • Electric campsites (93)
  • Full hook-up campsites (13)
  • Youth group only campsites (2)
  • Dump station