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Iowa State Parks

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Iowa
Southwest Region
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Springbrook State Park Spring 2011 © Ernst Krenger
Wonderful park
Springbrook State Park Park and Lake © Ernst Krenger
Visit june,2011,great
Barber Creek State Wildlife Management Area © George Wharton
Springbrook State Park Spring 2011 © Ernst Krenger
Wonderful park
Springbrook State Park Park and Lake © Ernst Krenger
Visit june,2011,great
Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
Eastern Goldfinch
Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
Keep On Leash © stateparks.com
Cool Swim © stateparks.com
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
Spring Hike © stateparks.com
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indicates parks that show reservation availability
Iowa's Southwest Region Parks

1
Army Corps of Engineers
1
Metro and City Parks
3
State Wildlife Management Areas
1
State Wildlife Area
1
National Wildlife Refuge
18
State Parks
2
State Forests
Parks in this region are near these Iowa Cities (click city name to see parks within 25 miles)
COUNCIL BLUFFS
DES MOINES
WEST DES MOINES
URBANDALE
AMES
ANKENY
INDIANOLA
JOHNSTON
BOONE
ALTOONA
WAUKEE
CLIVE
Big Creek State Park
Located near Saylorville Lake just 20 miles from Des Moines, Big Creek State Park is a family-friendly setting for picnicking and outdoor recreation. The centerpiece is Big Creek Lake, home of the largest beach in the state park system. The lake is also a popular fishing destination with boat and bike ........more >
Cold Springs State Park
Cold Springs State Park, located in Cass County near Lewis, Iowa, spans approximately 360 acres of rolling hills and natural prairie landscapes. The park's main feature is Lake Anita, a picturesque body of water that offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. Established on ........more >
De Soto National Wildlife Refuge
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge was established on March 12, 1958 under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 for ...use as an inviolate sanctuary or for other management purposes, for migratory birds. The refuge lies in the wide, fertile plain of the Missouri River Valley in a former bend of ........more >
Dunbar Slough State Wildlife Management Area
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Green Valley State Park
Green Valley's 390-acre lake draws hundreds of visitors on hot summer days. Not only does it offer excellent fishing, boating and swimming, it is also the focal point for a great variety of other outdoor recreation pursuits.........more >
Holst State Forest
Holst State Forest, located in the heart of Iowa, is a serene and captivating natural haven that offers visitors a transformative escape from the bustling city life. Spanning over extensive acres of verdant woodlands, this enchanting forest boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, creating a picturesque ........more >
Lake Ahquabi State Park
Ahquabi is a Sauk and Fox word meaning resting place, and it is a fitting name for this scenic 770-acre park. The park site was recommended by Ding Darling, nationally known Iowa political cartoonist and conservationist, and was dedicated in 1936. Many of its structures were constructed by the Civilian ........more >
Lake Anita State Park
Lake Anita State Park, dedicated in 1961, is one of the most popular outdoor recreation facilities in southwest Iowa. The 1,062-acre park features a beautiful 171-acre artificial lake which was formed by creating a dam on a branch of the Nishnabotna River. Lake Anita State Park truly has something for ........more >
Lake Manawa State Park
Lake Manawa State Park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation facilities in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area. The park's 1,529 acres encompass a beautiful 660-acre natural lake. Lake Manawa was formed during a flood in 1881 when a portion of the river channel was cut off by the meandering ........more >
Lake of Three Fires State Park
Lake of Three Fires State Park is a serene 85-acre park located in Taylor County, Iowa. The park's main feature is the picturesque Lake of Three Fires, which spans approximately 85 acres and offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Established on May 28th, 1935 as part of President ........more >
Ledges State Park
Ledges State Park, located in Boone County, Iowa, is a natural treasure spanning over 1,200 acres. The park's main feature is its stunning sandstone ledges that rise from the floor of Peas Creek Canyon. These geological formations date back around 300 million years and provide breathtaking views for ........more >
Lenon Mill Park
Lenon Mill Park is nestled along the scenic Middle Raccoon River and is the original site of the old Lenon Mill, built in 1863. The mill no longer stands but visitors can view the one grindstone that remains to mark the historic spot or sit by the river and watch the river flow over the old dam. Lenon ........more >
Lewis And Clark State Park
While visiting Lewis and Clark, please take the opportunity to view the full-sized reproduction of Lewis and Clark's keelboat/barge, Best Friend, which was constructed by Butch Bouvier of LC Replicas. Imagine, if you can, the expedition winding its way up the Missouri River while sailing, pulling and ........more >
Margo Frankel Woods State Park
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McCord Pond State Wildlife Management Area
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Milo Ray State Wildlife Area
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Nine Eagles State Park
Rugged wooded hills and valleys abundant with oak trees makes Nine Eagles one of southern Iowa's most scenic parks. The park has some trees which are more than 300 years old. Visitors enjoy six miles of bridle and nine miles of hiking trails, swimming at the sandy beach, pleasant camping areas and shaded ........more >
Pilot Mound State Forest
Pilot Mound State Forest in Iowa is a breathtaking natural haven, encompassing over 700 acres of diverse landscapes and enchanting wilderness. Located near the small town of Pilot Mound, this state forest boasts a mesmerizing blend of towering oak and hickory trees, stunning prairie grasses, and pristine ........more >
Prairie Rose State Park
Prairie Rose State Park is one of the most attractive outdoor recreation areas in western Iowa. The 422-acre park lies in a region of scenic hills, six miles east and three miles south of Harlan. The park received its name from a small town called Village of Prairie Rose which was once located near ........more >
Preparation Canyon State Park
The 344 acre Preparation Canyon State Park is a remote and lovely area still relatively untouched by humans. The park is located in Iowa's unique Loess Hills and is surrounded by dramatic ridges on the north, south and west. It provides a beautiful backdrop for hikers and family picnics. Picnic tables, ........more >
Round Lake State Wildlife Management Area
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Saylorville Lake
The Saylorville Lake Project is 26,000 acres, which stretches for over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley. A wide variety of recreational activities are available including fishing, picnic areas with group shelters, boat launches, an accessible fishing pier, river fishing, hunting, and a 24-mile ........more >
Springbrook State Park
Two beautiful open picnic shelters, one located on the lakeshore near the beach, may be reserved for a fee through the park office. Picnic areas have tables, grills, water and restroom facilities.........more >
Viking Lake State Park
Viking Lake State Park is a scenic 1,000-acre park located in southwestern Iowa. The main feature of the park is its beautiful 137-acre lake which offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. Established in 1952, Viking Lake has become one of the most popular state parks due to its ........more >
Walnut Woods State Park
Walnut Woods encompasses 260 acres of wooded bottomland along the Raccoon River. Within the park lies a large surviving natural stand of black walnut trees. More than 90 species of birds have been identified along the numerous foot and bridle trails throughout the park and along the river. The valley ........more >
Waubonsie State Park
Waubonsie State Park, nestled in the picturesque Loess Hills of southwestern Iowa, spans approximately 1,990 acres. It is renowned for its unique topography and stunning vistas. Established in 1926 to preserve the distinctive landscape formed by windblown silt deposits known as loess soil, Waubonsie ........more >
Wilson Island State Park
The park water is safe for drinking, however, be advised it has a high iron content. Campers may fill water tanks at the park office near the park entrance through the 2006 camping season. Wilson Island, named after former Governor George Wilson, came into existence as an island sandbar around 1900. ........more >
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Iowa State Parks

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