DNR @ the 2026 Iowa State Fair, Aug 13-23, 2026

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Iowa State Fair? Don't forget to stop by our DNR building located near the west entrance of the fairground, 9am-8pm.

2026 Courtyard Schedule

News - Featured

News - Featured

News Release

Visitors expected to fill parks over Memorial Day weekend

Iowa state parks and forests are gearing up for a busy Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the outdoor summer recreation season.

May 19, 2026

A group of people around a campfire at a campground.

News - Featured

News Release

Help stop aquatic hitchhikers this holiday weekend

Iowa DNR reminds boaters and anglers to “Clean, Drain, Dry” their boats and equipment this Memorial Day to protect Iowa lakes and rivers from invasive species.

May 19, 2026

News - Featured

Iowa's Wildlife

News Release

Rare white fawn spotted on Indian Hills Community College campus

Rare white fawn confirmed on Indian Hills Community College campus in Ottumwa. DNR: Enjoy from distance; do not disturb. Protected by Iowa law.

May 13, 2026

Rare sighting of a newborn white fawn.

Canoe, Kayak & Paddle Sports

News - Featured

News Release

Have fun and stay safe on the water this summer

Stay safe on Iowa's water this summer! Be aware of cold water, swift currents in rivers, and wear a life jacket when paddling or boating.

May 12, 2026

A red kayak with two paddlers on the water.

Iowa's Wildlife

News - Featured

News Release

Black bears becoming regular visitors in Northeast Iowa

Black bears are becoming regular visitors in Northeast Iowa, prompting Pikes Peak State Park to install bear-proof trash cans as a safety precaution.

May 12, 2026

Bear-proof trashcan at Pikes Peak State Park.

News - Featured

News Release

Discover new fishing locations across Iowa with the enhanced DNR mobile-friendly fishing atlas

Enhanced Iowa DNR Fishing Atlas coming soon! Find nearby lakes, rivers, and trout streams easily with mobile-friendly design, search, and printable maps.

May 5, 2026

A mother smiles as she and her son, wearing a life jacket, look at the fish on the end of his line while standing a dock in a park.

News - Featured

Canoe, Kayak & Paddle Sports

News Release

Stay safe paddling this spring season

Spring paddling can provide solitude, exercise and an opportunity to see amazing wildlife and blossoming nature. Extra precautions are needed to stay safe.

April 14, 2026

Two girls paddling in a yellow kayak

News - Featured

News Release

Get your boat ready for the spring boating season

It is time to get your boat ready for fun on the water with family and friends. Follow these simple tips to ensure your boat is safe and running smoothly.

April 14, 2026

A family boats across a lake at the end of a summer day.

Shooting Sports

News - Featured

News Release

2026 Iowa National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament recap

Iowa's largest youth archery event, the NASP State Tournament, drew nearly 2700 students to Des Moines for Bullseye & 3D competitions.

April 7, 2026

This image shows archers competing at the 2026 Iowa National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament

News - Featured

News Release

2026 Walleye netting season starts for Iowa DNR fish hatcheries

The annual walleye collection has already begun at Rathbun Lake, as well as on the Mississippi River.

April 7, 2026

biologist with female walleye at Rathbun hatchery

News - Featured

News Release

Iowa youth artists recognized for fish drawings and essays

About 300 Iowa students from kindergarten to high school seniors participated in the Iowa Fish Art and Essay Contest.

April 7, 2026

News - Featured

News Release

Iowa State Parks kicking off 2026 camping season

The campgrounds at Iowa state parks and forests are opening for business on April 1. State parks are anticipating another busy season.

March 31, 2026

A group of people around a campfire at a campground.

News - Featured

News Release

Find fleeting beauties of spring with the DNR weekly wildflower bloom report

Wildflowers are enticing treasures for wilderness lovers each spring. Get outside this spring and see what you can find.

March 31, 2026

Woodland wildflowers

News - Featured

News Release

Trout stocking in northeast Iowa streams starts March 30

The popular trout stream stocking season starts on March 30. Find a list of stocked trout streams on the printed DNR trout stream map.

March 17, 2026

A man with a beard in long waders fishes for trout in a stream

News - Featured

Volunteer Wildlife Monitoring

News Release

DNR asks for public to report prairie chicken sightings

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for prairie chickens this spring and Iowans can help.

March 17, 2026

RSS Feed