Lake Iowa Park and Iowa County Conservation

10/23/2026

📍 Weekly Two Clue Announcement

🎉 The start of our Fall Cut-Out Scavenger Hunt is officially underway, and we're excited to celebrate our first successful hunters!
A big congratulations and heartfelt thank you to Renee Owens for being the first participant to find cut-outs! We wanted to recognize and thank her for jumping into the fun and for their continued support of Lake Iowa and our activities.

The hunt continues! - week 2/4

Still searching for our three hidden cut-outs? Here are your next clues to help you along the way!

🕵️ Bigfoot Clue: Bigfoot was startled by a horse while walking along a park trail.

🕵️ Bison Clue: The bison could hear a some campers off in the distance.

🕵️ Coyote Clue: The coyote was startled by someone playing disc golf

Remember, each cut-out is one entry for our drawing of a free weekend in one of the cabins. Each family has the opportunity for three entries into the drawing!
Think you've found one of them? Be sure to submit your photo(s) on the Google Form.

There's still plenty of time to join the hunt! The cut-outs are available to find this whole month, and if you're still searching for the cut-outs, don't worry—additional clues will be released weekly to help point you in the right direction. The month-long hunt wraps up at noon on Saturday November 14th, at 10:30pm when the park closes.

Happy hunting, and thank you to everyone who's participating and making this event so much fun!

10/22/2026

10/21/2026

🦃🍂 Wildlife Spotlight: Wild Turkeys!

These wild turkeys were recently spotted along the road near Lake Iowa Park!

Did you know that wild turkeys spend much of their time on the ground searching for food, including acorns, seeds, insects, and berries? During fall, they often gather in flocks as they prepare for the colder months.

Although they’re commonly seen walking around, wild turkeys are also strong fliers and often roost in trees at night!

📸 Have you spotted any wild turkeys lately? Share your photos or sightings in the comments below!

10/19/2026

Would you like to know where you can view the best fall color in Iowa right now? Then go to the Iowa DNR website and search “fall color report”. There will be a regional list of fall color for the whole state!

10/18/2026

Homeschool families, would you like to learn more about owls? Then join ICCB this coming Wednesday October 21st during our Homeschool Discovery Day Program!

10/16/2026

Gateway Improvement Project Progress report

Check out the transformation happening down at Gateway! What started with heavy equipment working in the mud is rapidly taking shape into a renovated public access space for our community.

Construction Update:
Groundwork & Prep: Heavy earthmoving, clearing, and site stabilization to build a long-lasting foundation.

Concrete Milestones: Crews have been actively pouring concrete for the new access infrastructure and safer public walkways.

Why Public Land Investments Matter
Investing in infrastructure like the Gateway Improvement Project is about protecting public access to nature for generations to come. Public parks and water access belong to everyone in our community. Upgrades like safer parking, better bank accessibility, and durable concrete launches mean:

Better access for anglers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all mobility levels.

Less long-term erosion and maintenance, protecting local habitats and water quality.

A welcoming, well-maintained gateway to the outdoors where families can enjoy our local natural spaces safely.

Scroll through the photos to watch the site transform from start to present day!

10/16/2026

🏁 Fall Week 1 Clues

All systems go! Our Fall Cut-Out Scavenger Hunt has officially begun.
This scavenger hunt is a little different than our summer hunt. The cut-outs are harder to find and since the prize is a lot sweeter! This scavenger hunt expands to the whole park and there will be two winners drawn, each winning a free weekend stay in one of the cabins! Woot woot!

🔍 The hunt begins! - week 1/4

Here are your first clues to help you along the way!

🕵️ Bigfoot Clue: Bigfoot is enjoying the sunrise on the east side of the park.

🕵️ Bison Clue: The bison was spotted grazing on the south side of the park.

🕵️ Coyote Clue: The coyote was seen taking a drink of water from the lake on the north side of the park.

Two chances to win!

Since Bigfoot is the “Hide and Seek Champion of the World”, it is well-hidden somewhere in the park. The first person to find Bigfoot and submit on the Google Form, automatically wins the first cabin weekend.
The other winner will be drawn from the rest of the cut-out submissions through the accepted time period.

❓What if I find Bigfoot AFTER it has already been found? :( Do not fret! :) You can still submit your photo of Bigfoot to be entered into the drawing for the other cabin weekend! Each family has the opportunity for up to three entries into the drawing (each cut-out is one entry).

Think you've found one of them? Be sure to submit your photo(s) on the Google Form. Link in the comments.

Don't worry—additional clues will be released weekly to help point you in the right direction.

The month-long hunt wraps up at noon on Saturday, November 14th, at 10:30pm when the park closes.

Happy hunting, and thank you to everyone who's participating and making this event so much fun!

"What's one item you always bring along on your Lake Iowa adventures?"

10/14/2026

🔎 Can You Spot the Hidden Visitor? 👀

A little creature is hiding in plain sight! 🌿

Take a close look at this photo and see if you can spot our sneaky little friend!

💡 Hint: This little creature is a master of camouflage!

Think you found it? Let us know what you see in the comments below! ⬇️

10/13/2026

❄️ Get creative with us this holiday season!

Join us for a festive macramé workshop and make your very own snowflake decoration! It’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and create something handmade to take home.

✨ Spots are limited, so be sure to register by clicking the link below:

https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Iowa/Events