Lake Anita

Lake Anita State Park was dedicated in 1961 and 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 has a large number of picnic areas, many of which overlook the lake. The park is a wonderful place for a family get-together or just a quick outdoor meal. There are eight open picnic shelters available for use and these may be reserved for a fee through the park ranger.

The campground is one of the most popular in southwest Iowa. The 144 camping sites are all within easy access of the lake. This includes 75 electrical hookups, a modern shower, and restrooms. A playground is also provided for children. Camping permits are obtained through self-registration at the campground.

Lake Anita offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, crappies, bluegills. Two boat ramps are available for easy lake access. Any size boat motors may be operated at "no wake" speeds. Dock space for pontoon boats may be reserved on a seasonal basis through the park ranger.

The beach offers young and old both the opportunity for a refreshing dip on a hot summer day. A bathhouse with showers and restrooms is available.

A self-guided nature trail is available for a pleasant walk. On the trail, park visitors can learn about a number of the shrubs and trees that abound in southwest Iowa.

Lake Of Three Fires

The 85-acre Lake of Three Fires is nearly a mile long and half-mile wide, with scenic inlets ideal for fishing and boating. Surrounding the lake are 691 acres of picturesque woodlands. Although summer is the most popular season, any nice spring or fall day will draw hundreds of picnickers, hikers, photographers and fishermen. Mushrooms, berries and nuts can be harvested and there are eight miles of marked trails for hikers, horseback riders, and snowmobilers.

The Potawatomi tribe, a large group of Indians known as the "Fire Nation," once roamed the prairies of southern Iowa. According to legend, two other tribes joined the Potawatomi to forma loose confederacy known as the "Three Fires." It is believed the three tribes held a great council meeting to join forces for protection against invading tribes. Runners were sent to wandering Indian nations to tell the great rendezvous. Smoke form the three fires signaled the exact location. The fires were built atop the highest hills so smoke could be seen form any direction. One such point overlooked the valley now covered by the waters of Lake of Three Fires. Three fires were kept burning as long as the three tribes joined together. If any of the fires went out it meant the tribes had left the area to continue on their own. Lake of Three Fires State Park was dedicated in 1935.

A sandy beach provides swimming fun for everyone. There is a concrete boat ramp near the beach and one in the south camp area. Motors up to 10 hp are allowed.

Lake of Three Fires is a fine place for a family vacation at an economical cost! The modern cabins will comfortably accommodate four persons each. They are equipped with refrigerator, stove, cooking utensils and dishes. Renters must provide bedding, towels and other camping items. Cabins may be reserved by contacting the park ranger after the first of the year. Showers may be taken in the nearby camp areas.

A large picnic area with tables and grills is nestled under trees close to the lakeshore. Two open shelters may be reserved for a fee through the park ranger. One shelter has electricity, tables and running water.

The park contains eight miles of marked trails for hikers, horseback riders and snowmobiles. Lake of Three Fires is one of southwest Iowa's most scenic parks and the trails provide great opportunities to experience its beauty year round.

Two modern campgrounds, located a short distance from the lake, provide 140 campsites (30 with electrical hookups), restrooms, shower facilities and a trailer dump station. Camping permits are obtained by self-registration at the campground.

Lewis and Clark

Lewis and Clark State Park lies on the shores of Blue Lake, an "oxbow" formed by the meanderings of the picturesque Missouri River many years ago. The park is named for Meriwether Lewis, secretary to President Thomas Jefferson, and Captain William Clark, United States Army. In 1804 they were commissioned by President Jefferson to head an expedition into the northwest to explore the vast territory purchased from France. With 26 men and supplies, Lewis and Clark led their expedition up the Missouri River from St. Louis by keelboat.

On August 10, 1804, the expedition arrived at the site where Lewis and Clark State Park now lies. They spent time there exploring the region and making observations of the geographical conditions, plants, and animals in the area. Today, thousands of people visit the park every year for outdoor recreation and to learn a little bit more about the Lewis and Clark expedition.

The National Park Service has designated the park as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

The Lewis and Clark Campground is a great place to spend a leisurely vacation outdoors. 81 campsites, all with electrical hookups, lie along the lakeshore. Modern rest rooms and showers are available, as is a trailer dump station. Camping permits are obtained by self-registration at the campground.

Lewis and Clark is a very popular area for family picnics. The park has more than 30 acres of picnic grounds with tables, fireplaces, and drinking water. A shelter is available for picnic use and may be reserved for $15 through the park ranger.

The enclosed shelter or lodge at Lewis and Clark is a great place for group events such as wedding receptions and family reunions. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the lodge in the 1930s. Reservations for the lodge may be obtained through the park ranger.

The 250 acres of Blue Lake offer a variety of water-oriented recreational opportunities. The beach is a nice place for sunbathing and swimming. Two boat ramps are available for easy lake access. No restrictions are placed on motor size. Fishing is good for a variety of species including bass, northerns, crappies, bluegills, and catfish.

Lewis and Clark State Park is a great place for a leisurely hike. On the trails, park visitors can see a variety of trees, shrubs, and often many types of wildlife including deer, rabbits, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. A self-guided nature trail is present and provides and excellent opportunity to learn more about the natural communities of the park.

While visiting this park you can take the opportunity to see a full-sized replica of Lewis and Clark's keelboat, "Discovery." As the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled up the Missouri River in the summer of 1804, they used three boats to haul themselves, their belongings, and their equipment up the river. The keelboat was a 55-foot long wooden barge built especially for this expedition in Pittsburgh. The replica is designed to look like William Clark's drawings of their keelboat as published in, "The Field notes of Captain William Clark," published in 1964.All three of these boats were built by the volunteer help of "The Friends of Discovery," with donated funds between 1985 and 1991 and then given to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for permanent display at Lewis and Clark State Park. The boats are currently exhibited during the summer in the waters of Blue Lake.

A fun-filled weekend festival is held at the park every June in order to celebrate the Lewis and Clark expedition and to relive the lifestyle of the era, with authentic "buckskinners" and historic presentations. The festival also has contests and events for all ages, bluegrass music, a fishing tournament, and lots of living history. Needless to say, Lewis and Clark State Park is very proud of its heritage and the replicas on exhibit there.

Lake Manawa

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 772-acre natural lake. Lake Manawa was formed many years ago when the meandering of the great Missouri River cut off a portion of the river channel. The resulting "oxbow lake, over the years, became a major outdoor recreation center for thousands of visitors.

Lake Manawa State Park provides many locations for fun family picnics. A number of open picnic shelters are located around the lake. These may be reserved for $26.75 or $80.25 depending on the type of shelter you want to reserve through the park ranger.

The campground at this park provides space for 73 camping units. Of these, 37 campsites are equipped with electric hookups. Modern shower and rest room facilities are available at the campground, as is a trailer dump station. Camping permits are obtained through self-registration at the campground. The campground shower building, beach building, and the modern rest rooms in the south picnic area are accessible to the mobility-impaired. You can now reserve camping sites at 1-877-IA PARKS or www.reserveiaparks.com

Lake Manawa is the premier boating spot in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. Any size boat motors may be operated on the lake. Modern boat ramps are located on the north, south, and west sides of the lake. Boats are available for rent at the south boat ramp area in the state park. This is also a favorite spot for anglers of all ages. Good catches of crappies, bluegills, and catfish may be had throughout the year.

Lake Manawa is a great place for swimmers and sunbathers, young and old. A modern beach facility provides opportunities for supervised swimming as well as refreshments.

There are ample opportunities at Lake Manawa for a serious hike or just a leisurely walk along the shoreline. A nature trail with a paved surface offers opportunity to walkers and for the mobility-impaired. There is also a mountain bike trail for your use.

Prairie Rose

Prairie Rose was the name of a town founded in 1895. It was named Prairie Rose because of the abundance of prairie roses in the area. There are no remains today of the town, which was located a mile east and a half mile south of the park's current entrance.

In the late 1940s there was no state park in area, so $389,000 was given to develop what is today a park and lake. However, not until 1952 was this site finally chosen out of sixteen sites and the purchase of the land began. The lake and park were completed and opened to the public in 1962. More than twenty-one thousand trees were planted on the park land.

Renovation and restocking of the lake began in the early 1980s. With special watershed-improvement work and the help of local farmers, erosion and siltation buildup have been kept at a minimum, and lake-water quality has been greatly improved.

The prairie rose was designated rare in 1986. In 1990 the designation known as rare was changed vulnerable.

The lake is 204 acres large and is 26 feet at it's deepest. The lake is long and narrow and is located in the center of the park. Prairie Rose State Park offers fishing for bass, bullhead, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and carp.

Boat ramps are located on the south and northeast shores. Any size boat motors may be operated at no-wake speeds. Also located near the south shore are the campground and a picnic area with a shelter that can be reserved. The campground has 61 sites and each has modern restrooms, showers, electricity, and scenic views of the lake.

Along the north central shore is another picnic area with a shelter, which may also be reserved, that offers scenic views of the lake and hills of loess (windblown silt deposited during glacial times). Also in the area is an unsupervised beach for swimmers.

Cross-country skiing, ice-skating, and sledding are popular winter activities in Prairie Rose. Snowmobiling and iceboating are also permitted within the park. Other activities available for visitor's enjoyment include camping, picnicking, fishing, group camping, scenic views, and swimming.

Springbrook State Recreation Area

Iowa acquired Springbrook in 1926. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed most of the buildings in the 1930s.

Great trails lead to the heart of Springbrook. You are almost guaranteed to see deer when taking an evening or morning stroll on the trail that winds around the lake. Various trails lead through 876 acres of prairie and woodland, near small ponds, the Middle Raccoon River, and the beautiful 17-acre, artificial lake, which is spring-fed by a brook. In the winter, snowmobiling is allowed on designated trails.

There is a sandy beach for sunbathing and unsupervised swimming. When in operation refreshments, ice, and bait are available at the beach concession stand.

A boat ramp on the lake provides convenient access for anglers seeking crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, bullhead, and catfish. Ice fishing is enjoyed in the winter. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake. A boat ramp is also located on the Middle Raccoon River.

The large campground has 200 campsites. Fifty-five have electrical hook ups and all have modern showers, restrooms, a trailer dump station, fireplaces and tables available. Camping permits are obtained by self-registration at the campground. There are also six rustic cabins available for rent.

Hunting is allowed in season on 80 acres that was acquired in 1995. A controlled hunt is held annually in certain areas of the recreation area. For more information contact the ranger for details.

Viking Lake

Viking Lake is one of the most popular state parks in southwest Iowa due to its accessibility and variety of recreation opportunities. A large portion of the 1000-acre park has been left in its natural state and has an abundance of wild flowers, plants and wildlife. It is not uncommon to see beavers, turkeys, muskrats, ducks, shore birds and white-tailed deer. Many of the park's hills and valleys were once campsites of Indian tribes and artifacts were uncovered when the dam was being constructed.

The 150-acre lake was constructed in 1957 and is 46 feet and its deepest point with many bays and projecting points on its four and one-half mile shoreline. Viking Lake is well stocked with crappies, bluegills, bass, bullheads and catfish.

A sandy beach is located on the west shore with supervised swimming and a concession building where refreshments may be purchased.

The boat concession near the swimming area has bait for sale and motorboats, paddleboats and pontoon boats for rent. A concrete boat ramp is nearby, and a docking area is a short distance away in a well-protected cove. Rental spaces are available on an annual reservation basis. Any size boat motors may be used on Viking Lake provided they are operated at "no wake" speeds.

A long sweep of shady, grassy hillside extends down to the water's edge forming a beautiful picnic area. The upper road also goes to an open shelter and overlook with and excellent view of the lake. The shelter is accessible to the mobility-impaired, and it may be reserved for a fee through the park ranger. There is also a large overlook above the beach area.

The Viking Lake campground is one of the most popular in southwest Iowa. The spacious, shady campground is located on the lakeshore. There are 130 campsites (88 with electrical hook ups), modern rest rooms and showers and a trailer dump station. A playground is located in the campground. Two camp pads, accessible to the mobility-impaired, are available, although the shower building is not fully accessible.

Camping permits are obtained by self-registration at the campground.

Hiking trails provide visitors and excellent look at the park's natural features. The Bur Oak nature trail and its accompanying booklet provide insight on many of the important shrubs, plants, and trees found at Viking Lake. The one-mile trail takes about on hour to walk. In winter, snowmobiles may be operated on designed trails.

Waubonsie

In this magnificent park, with its steep ridges and scenic overlooks, visitors can see hills 50 miles away, and view four states: Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri, as well as the Missouri River. Waubonsie is located in the unique Loess Hills, a landform found only along the Missouri River in Iowa, Missouri and in China. As glaciers melted 14,000 to 28,000 years ago, the Missouri River became a major channel for huge volumes of water and sediment during the summer. In winter, the volume of the meltwater was reduced, leaving the deposited sediments exposed to the wind. This sediment of silt, clay, and very fine sand particles, called loess, was then carried by strong westerly winds and deposited when these winds encountered the steep slopes of the east valley wall Loess Hills.

There are several distinctive features of loess hills' topography. Because of the fine texture of the soil, deep, steep-sided and very narrow ridge tops have been eroded in the hills. Small, step-like terraces called "cat steps" resulting from repeated slipping of the soil can be seen on many west-facing slopes. Because the soil drains rapidly, almost vertical cuts can be made in the soil without erosion. The unique topography of the park resembles the badlands of the west and harbors and plants like the yucca, which are normally found in more arid climates.

Named for Chief Waubonsie of the Pottawattamie Indian tribe, the park is much the same as it was when purchased in 1926. Waubonsie means "beginning of day," and was given to the chief as a young warrior after he avenged the death of a friend by entering the camp of the Osage at daybreak and killing seven members of the tribe. Because of his bravery, he was rewarded with the name and title, war chief of the tribe. In southwest Iowa the Pottawattomie established several villages, but in 1847 they were again moved west to Kansas. Chief Waubonsie was, by then, 90 years old and was allowed to stay in an Iowa village until his death in 1848. He is buried near Tabor.

The changing seasons complement the beauty of this countryside. Spring brings the blossoms of dozens of varieties of flowers and shrubs. Summer beckons with cooling breezes on the high places and in shady glens. Nowhere in Iowa are there more brilliant splashes of color than at Waubonsie in the fall, and in the winter the bluffs and ridges are sometimes beautifully blanketed with snow.

Waubonsie offers the hiker a wonderful experience. The scenery along the trails is incomparable. The horseback rider as well will enjoy the bridle trails and the opportunity to use the equestrian campground. The Sunset Ridge interpretive trail provides the visitor a chance to learn about many of the park's important plants and trees, as well as enjoy some tremendous views.

Waubonsie is a great place for a family picnic. A scenic shelter may be reserved for a fee through the park ranger.

There are 61 campsites, 22 with electrical hookups, modern shower and rest room facilities, and a trailer dump station. The equestrian campground contains 32 campsites and non-modern restroom facilities. Camping permits are issued through self-registration at the campground.

There is no fishing in this park. However, the Missouri River and other streams are close by. Forney Lake is only 15 miles away on the scenic bluff road. It is nationally known for the thousands of geese that stop annually to feed and rest on their migration route.

Wilson Island

Wilson Island, named after former Governor George Wilson, came into existence as an island sandbar around 1900. Today, Wilson Island State Recreation Area encompasses 577 acres of dense cottonwood stands. Seclusion is one of Wilson Island's greatest assets and spacious shady campsites, hiking trails and picnic spots provide a welcome retreat.

Wildlife is abundant in the park and a visitor may see deer grazing in the park's fields or be awakened by a huge flock of snow geese flying low overhead in the fall. Bald eagles are often perched in the tall cottonwoods during the winter and mushroom hunters will find no better place in the spring.

A half-mile trail along the shoreline of the Missouri River as well as a boat ramp provides excellent access to the river. An Iowa or Nebraska fishing license is required for fishing in the Missouri River and Wilson Island.

Approximately five miles of trails are available for hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. A self-guided nature trail runs between the camp and offers hikers an excellent opportunity to learn about many of the plants found in the area.

Camping is very popular at Wilson Island with 140 well-shaded, spacious campsites. A modern camp area offers showers, flush toilets and all electric campsites. The non-modern camp area offers 20 electrical sites and two areas for organized youth group camping. Camping permits are obtained by self-registration at the campgrounds. There is also a playground is located near the campground.

A non-modern cabin is available year-round. The cabin has electricity, two bunk beds, a table and benches. No cooking, water, or sanitary facilities are furnished. The cabin is located near the campground shower and toilet building. Advanced reservations are accepted starting the first working day in January. The cabin may be rented for a two-night minimum.

Approximately 50 acres of Wilson Island are under cultivation to provide enough food for game and non-game species. The entire area, except for the campgrounds and other developed sites, is open for public hunting. Archery, deer hunting, and duck hunting in the backwater areas are the primary sports. Archers are reminded not to build permanent blinds because they are injurious to the trees.

En route to Wilson Island, visitors will see the unique wave-like loess hills that overlook the great Missouri River flood plain. These rugged hills are found along the Missouri River Valley in Iowa and Missouri. Early history tells us that Lewis and Clark traveled and camped on this reach of the Missouri River in 1804-1806 on their historic trip to and from the Pacific Coast.