Lake Iowa Park and Iowa County Conservation

06/04/2026

Looking for a quick escape into nature? Just one mile west of Ladora off Highway 6, Schlesselman Wildlife Area offers a peaceful outdoor destination that's perfect for an after-work walk or a weekend outing.

Once known as the “Ballast Pit,” this 13-acre wildlife area is now an important wetland habitat where visitors can often spot waterfowl and wading birds using the marsh. The property also protects native prairie remnants found between the railroad and highway, preserving a unique piece of Iowa’s natural landscape.

Our staff has recently been working on the property to maintain the trail that loops around the area, making it more accessible and enjoyable for visitors to explore. Whether you're birdwatching, enjoying a quiet walk, or simply looking to reconnect with nature, Schlesselman Wildlife Area is a great place to visit.

06/01/2026

A mama wood duck escorting her ducklings across the road in the Lake Iowa Park campground! 💚🐥

05/29/2026

Pre-registration for Iowa County Outdoor Adventure has ended, but don’t worry if you missed it. We welcome walk-ins that morning as well! Come to shelter 1B to register starting at 10am on June 13th.
Follow this link for more details about the event. https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Iowa/Park/Lake-Iowa-Park/Events/28758/13th-Annual-Iowa-County-Outdoor-Adventure

05/22/2026

Do you love to canoe? Or want to learn how? Then come to Iowa County Outdoor Adventure on June 13th from 10a-2p at Lake Iowa Park! Follow the link for more details. https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Iowa/Park/Lake-Iowa-Park/Events/28758/13th-Annual-Iowa-County-Outdoor-Adventure

05/20/2026

🏗️ Gateway Improvement Project BIDS NOW OPEN! 🏗️

Bids are officially being accepted for the Gateway Improvement project. Make sure to get your proposals in before the clock runs out!

📅 Final Deadline: June 8th at 2:00 PM

Two ways to submit:
1️⃣ Online: Head to https://www.questcdn.com/ (QuestCDN Project #: 10185262)
2️⃣ In Person: Drop off your bid packet at the Nature Center.

Make sure your bid is submitted online or at the Nature Center before 2:00 PM on June 8th! 👇

05/18/2026

Nine more days left to pre-register youth (3-16 yrs old) for Iowa County Outdoor Adventure and receive this FREE t-shirt! Follow the link for details.

https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Iowa/Park/Lake-Iowa-Park/Events/28758/13th-Annual-Iowa-County-Outdoor-Adventure

05/14/2026

Step back in time at the Lake Iowa Rendezvous 2026! 🏕️🔥

Join us May 15–17 at Lake Iowa County Park for a weekend of living history featuring reenactors, traders, demonstrations, competitions, and pre-1840s camps.

📍 Shelter 1A — Lake Iowa County Park, Ladora, IA

🕘 Open to the public:
• Saturday, May 16 — 9 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday, May 17 — 10 AM to 2 PM

Watch rifle and bow shoots, hawk & knife throwing, flint & steel fire starting, trap setting, and more. Browse unique handmade goods from traders and experience camp life from the Rocky Mountain fur trade era.

Free admission — bring the family and enjoy a weekend of history and tradition!

05/08/2026

Public Hearing on Proposed Contract Documents and Estimated Costs for Repair or Improvement. A public hearing will be held by the Iowa County Conservation on the proposed contract documents (plans, specifications and form of contract) and estimated cost for the improvement at its meeting at 6:30 P.M. on May 13, 2026, at 970 Court Ave, Marengo, IA 52301.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project includes the removal of a concrete boat ramp and construction of a new boat ramp, trailer and ADA parking, sidewalk and portable toilet enclosure.

At said hearing, the Board will consider the plans, specifications, proposed form of contract, and estimated total cost for the project, the same now being on file Gateway Park, 1680 Franklyn Ave, Marengo, IA 522301, reference to which is made for a more detailed and complete description of the proposed improvements, and at said time and place the said Board will also receive and consider any objections to said plans, specifications, estimate of cost, and form of contract made by any interested party.

05/05/2026

April was a busy month for outdoor education, with field trips nearly every day for all our Iowa County schools! We fished, explored around the pond, forest, and prairie, completed water quality testing, and learned about wildlife and plants. Take a look at some of our fun below! ☀🌳🐢🌿💧

05/01/2026

Registration for Iowa County Outdoor Adventure is offically OPEN! Follow the link for details and to register.

MyCountyParks serves the Iowa area with outdoor recreation, environmental education, and natural resource protection.