State Parks

News Release

Lewis and Clark State Park Reopens for Day Use and Camping

Lewis and Clark State Park reopened July 17, for day-use and overnight camping, after completing the first phase of an extensive hazardous tree removal project.

July 21, 2026

A group of people around a campfire at a campground.

State Parks

News Release

Ledges State Park Set to Close for Road Construction

A road and parking lot resurfacing project will close all access to Ledges State Park, including the campground, hiking trails, roads and parking lots Aug. 3.

July 14, 2026

News - Featured

State Parks

News Release

Focus on the Journey: Explore Iowa. Win Prizes. Take Your Best Photo!

The Iowa State Parks Passport is back in 2026 and better than ever.

June 9, 2026

News - Featured

State Parks

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

Iowa's Wildlife

State Parks

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

State Parks

News Release

Eight Iowa state parks to host Take It Outside camps this summer

Iowa DNR will host Take It Outside State Park Camps for families living near Waterloo, West Des Moines, Anamosa, Vernon, Madrid, Maquoketa, Palo and Polk City.

January 27, 2026

News - Featured

State Parks

News Release

Dozens of seasonal employee opportunities available in Iowa state parks for summer 2026

Iowa state parks have dozens of openings for recreational aides, seasonal patrol officers and a carpenter for the summer 2026 season.

December 23, 2025

Join our team, seasonal employment opportunities image.

News - Featured

State Parks

News Release

Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day 2026

DES MOINES – What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in an Iowa state park or forest!

December 16, 2025

State Parks

Employment

Seasonal Park Employee

Iowa DNR is hiring seasonal park/forest positions for summer 2026. Work outdoors in conservation, park operations, or visitor engagement.

December 9, 2025

Employment

State Parks

Employment

Seasonal Patrol Officers at Iowa State Parks / OHV Parks

Strengthen existing skills and build new ones working alongside law enforcement professionals in one or more of Iowa's state parks, state forest, or OHV parks.

December 9, 2025

State Parks

News Release

Ledges annual meeting to be held in Boone

BOONE – Ledges State Park staff will host their 10th annual State of the Park public meeting on Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m., in Boone.

December 9, 2025

Volunteering

State Parks

News Release

Save the Date: Statewide Volunteer Day is Sept. 27

Iowa state parks have set Saturday, Sept. 27 as annual Volunteer Day, when Iowans are invited to lend a hand at several state parks and forests.

September 9, 2025

Gentleman standing behind a table, reaching out to shake a person's hand.

State Parks

News Release

Iowa State Parks Open Doors to More Accessible Adventures

DES MOINES – As the seasons shift and cooler days set in, a new DNR web page makes it easier to explore outdoor experiences that are accessible to all.

September 2, 2025