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Hiding Out in Union Grove

Hiding Out in Union Grove

  • 11/7/2017 2:27:00 PM
  • View Count 10853
Grab a backpack and discover this best-kept secret among Iowa’s state parks. Spend the day—or a season.
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 23907
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?
Water level to drop at Geode State Park ahead of renovation

Water level to drop at Geode State Park ahead of renovation

  • 10/12/2017 8:30:00 AM
  • View Count 3791
DANVILLE - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) started lowering lake levels at Geode State Park in Henry County on October 10 as a part of a lake restoration project to improve fishing opportunities.
Congratulations Maquoketa Caves State Park

Congratulations Maquoketa Caves State Park

  • 9/5/2017 1:02:00 PM
  • View Count 7211
USA Today recently revealed their 2017 Readers’ Choice for Best Iowa Attractions, and the winner is . . . Maquoketa Caves State Park!
State parks looking for volunteers Sept. 30

State parks looking for volunteers Sept. 30

  • 9/5/2017 12:57:00 PM
  • View Count 9457
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.
Campers ready for Labor Day weekend

Campers ready for Labor Day weekend

  • 8/29/2017 1:15:00 PM
  • View Count 3949
The unofficial end of the summer holiday remains one of the more popular weekends during the peak camping season.  Most of the campsites with electricity in Iowa state parks have been snapped up for weeks ahead of the Labor Day weekend.
Iowa's most Instagrammed state parks

Iowa's most Instagrammed state parks

  • 8/22/2017 10:07:00 AM
  • View Count 21620
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
Iowa will be touched by the total eclipse

Iowa will be touched by the total eclipse

  • 8/17/2017 8:13:00 AM
  • View Count 7931
FREMONT COUNTY, Iowa -- On Monday, millions of Americans and visitors from around the world will flock to a 70-mile wide path, stretching from Portland, Ore., to Charleston, S.C. They will be there to witness, for what most will be, a once-in-a-lifetime event – a total eclipse of the sun.
Vote now for Iowa's best attraction

Vote now for Iowa's best attraction

  • 8/8/2017 1:29:00 PM
  • View Count 3795
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.
New cabin opens at Stone State Park

New cabin opens at Stone State Park

  • 6/13/2017 12:44:00 PM
  • View Count 6892
A new camping cabin is available for rent at Stone State Park in Sioux City.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for Tuesday, June 20 at 5:30 p.m. 
Fishing regulations to be relaxed at Geode State Park

Fishing regulations to be relaxed at Geode State Park

  • 6/6/2017 11:36:00 AM
  • View Count 7812
DANVILLE - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will relax fishing regulations at Geode State Park in Henry County starting June 6, to allow anglers to more freely harvest game fish before the lake is renovated this summer.
Annual Lewis and Clark Festival this weekend

Annual Lewis and Clark Festival this weekend

  • 6/6/2017 11:32:00 AM
  • View Count 6506
Let the Lewis and Clark Festival take you back to a time of buckskinners and exploration at its 33rd annual celebration, June 9-11. The event is held at Lewis and Clark State Park outside of Onawa in western Iowa.
Public meeting to discuss Lake Geode improvement plan

Public meeting to discuss Lake Geode improvement plan

  • 5/25/2017 3:31:00 PM
  • View Count 3765
DANVILLE – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public meeting at6:30 p.m., June 1, at the Linkin Center in New London, to discuss plans for improving water quality and recreational opportunities at Geode State Park in Henry County.
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 3749
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 4626
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 5827
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 5711
Warming temperatures and other signs of spring have state park staff busy preparing for the start of the 2017 camping season.
Ready for a race in the park?

Ready for a race in the park?

  • 4/4/2017 12:35:00 PM
  • View Count 3597
Combine some of Iowa’s most beautiful landscapes with your love of fitness challenges this year. Check out a new page on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website for a list of fitness events held in Iowa’s state parks.
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 23390
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 9108
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.
Memorial Weekend campsites soon available for reservation

Memorial Weekend campsites soon available for reservation

  • 2/21/2017 3:11:00 PM
  • View Count 7169
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 10031
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 18330
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 5347
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 49490
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 4357
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 3944
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 68509
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 4461
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 4184
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.
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