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Iowa DNR to host open house on Backbone State Park forest stewardship plans

Iowa DNR to host open house on Backbone State Park forest stewardship plans

  • 11/7/2023 11:58:00 AM
  • View Count 4203
MANCHESTER -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to discuss forest stewardship plans for Backbone State Park and Forest, from 6 to 7 p.m., Nov. 15, at the Environmental Field Office, in Manchester. The public is invited to attend.
Backbone State Park celebrates 100 years with dedication ceremony, sign unveiling

Backbone State Park celebrates 100 years with dedication ceremony, sign unveiling

  • 7/28/2020 12:29:00 PM
  • View Count 2962
DUNDEE, IA – With the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks in full swing, Backbone State Park celebrated its centennial with a re-dedication ceremony on Friday, July 24. Local community members joined Governor Kim Reynolds, DNR Director Kayla Lyon and park staff for the ceremony, which took place in front of the park’s newly renovated Beach Lodge. 
Backbone State Park open, no flood damage

Backbone State Park open, no flood damage

  • 7/9/2018 8:11:00 AM
  • View Count 4231
DUNDEE, Iowa – Backbone State Park is open for park visitors and received no flood damage from the many recent rounds of severe weather.
Iowa's most Instagrammed state parks

Iowa's most Instagrammed state parks

  • 8/22/2017 10:07:00 AM
  • View Count 21589
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
Girl injured in fall at Backbone State Park

Girl injured in fall at Backbone State Park

  • 5/29/2017 11:30:00 AM
  • View Count 4307
BACKBONE STATE PARK -- The Iowa DNR is investigating a fall at Backbone State Park that left a girl injured on Sunday, May 28, 2017.
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 68438
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.
Cabin Fever: Backbone State Park

Cabin Fever: Backbone State Park

  • 1/19/2016 7:11:00 AM
  • View Count 16022
In Iowa’s oldest state park, old man winter won’t slow you down–he’s just part of the scenery.
11 Great Winter Cabin Getaways in Iowa State Parks

11 Great Winter Cabin Getaways in Iowa State Parks

  • 12/30/2015 8:26:00 AM
  • View Count 88443
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 hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds galore), fishing and more.
Top Iowa Cabin Fall Getaways

Top Iowa Cabin Fall Getaways

  • 11/6/2015 9:53:00 AM
  • View Count 86034
Enjoy an overnight stay and the beautiful changing seasons in Iowa’s state parks.

Go Cave Exploring in Iowa

  • 8/20/2015 9:34:00 AM
  • View Count 33874
You might not expect it, but Iowa has caves of various sizes and shapes on both private and public land. And since some of them can be explored, it’s time to go spelunking! (That’s cave exploring, for those in the know.)
9 Hidden Surprises at Backbone State Park

9 Hidden Surprises at Backbone State Park

  • 8/20/2015 9:23:00 AM
  • View Count 88680
Backbone is one of Iowa’s largest state parks, checking in at just more than 2,000 acres. Even if you’ve been to the park before, do you really know all the surprises it has to offer? To test your knowledge and find new destinations at the park, check out the featured facts and attractions below from park manager Mary Shea.

7 Best Iowa State Parks for Adventurers

  • 7/29/2015 10:18:00 AM
  • View Count 18694
Are you hearty, healthy and raring for some fun? Check out these state forests, recreation areas and parks for some challenging and rewarding adventure ideas right here in Iowa.
7 More of Iowa's Best Hikes

7 More of Iowa's Best Hikes

  • 7/16/2015 11:22:00 AM
  • View Count 40562
Whether you’re looking to get away from civilization for a weekend or just take in some beautiful scenery for an hour or two with the family, Iowa – yes, Iowa – offers some incredible hikes in our state parks and forests.
7 Things To Do in Iowa's Outdoors This Week

7 Things To Do in Iowa's Outdoors This Week

  • 5/15/2015 10:01:00 AM
  • View Count 7407
While the cool weather forecasted for this week doesn’t seem to herald in the unofficial start of summer, it’s still a great time to get outside. If you’re looking for some new or different ideas to explore Iowa’s outdoors, we have a suggestion for each day of the holiday week:
Eight Historical CCC Parks in Iowa

Eight Historical CCC Parks in Iowa

  • 3/31/2015 11:26:00 AM
  • View Count 53707
From the iconic boathouse at Backbone, to the spillway at Beeds Lake, to the varied and beautiful stone lodges and shelters within so many of our parks, we owe a debt of gratitude to the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Celebrate the CCC’s anniversary, March 31, by learning about these stand-out examples of CCC projects in Iowa.
Take a Winter Getaway in an Iowa State Park Cabin

Take a Winter Getaway in an Iowa State Park Cabin

  • 12/5/2014 9:11:00 AM
  • View Count 7037
From November through April, you can rent cabins at state parks for two-day minimums (instead of the week-long requirement during peak season). And you’ll still get to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds aplenty!), ice fishing and more.
Take a Winter Getaway in an Iowa State Park Cabin

Take a Winter Getaway in an Iowa State Park Cabin

  • 12/5/2014 5:16:00 AM
  • View Count 11516
From November through April, you can rent cabins at state parks for two-day minimums (instead of the week-long requirement during peak season). And you’ll still get to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds aplenty!), ice fishing and more.