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 | OutdoorsParks & Recreational AreasDes Moines County Park Information, Maps & General Rules Map showing City Parks
& some Des Moines County Parks Map showing Des Moines County
Parks Located near Dodgeville, Big Hollow consists of 798 acres. Big Hollow
has been in development for 30 plus years, and many of its facilities
-- the target sports complex, Witte Observatory, model airplane field,
and some trails -- are already open. Dam construction has begun, and
is estimated to be a a two-year process. Cabins and RV campsites are
planned to be open when the lake is completed. The lake takes approximately
a year to fill, it should be open in 2009.
Additional Information on Big Hollow This 58 acre plot is natural woodland and home to many species of
songbirds and other wildlife. The woods feature a self-guided trail
describing woodland management techniques. The land was purchased
from the heirs of the W.E. Hunt estate. In 1984, a Timber Management
Plan was developed. Hunt Woods serves as a conservation education
and demonstration area for timber and woodland management. The "Hunt-Murray
Timber Management Trail" showcases a variety of management techniques.
The Kevin Gahn Wildlife Refuge is located just north of West Burlington on Washington Road. These 56 acres of land was transferred to the Conservation Board for management in 1993 and named in memory of Kevin Gahn, a board member tragically killed in an auto accident the year before. The site is currently undergoing prairie and woods restoration. A mated pair of trumpeter swans live in Gahn Refuge which is surrounded by a fence and locked gate,
limiting public access and keeping predators out. The pond is open to the public only twice a
year: during the Fishing Derby on the first Saturday morning in June, and again in September for one morning.
Luckenbill Woods is a 76 acre natural area located 4 3/4 miles northeast of Mediapolis. The trail system winds its way through young and mature woodlands, ponds and wetlands, and restored prairie. This area is being restored to its pre-settlement vegetation patterns of woodlands and prairie. A new wetland area was created in the fall of 1998 with the help of the Iowa National Guard. The area was acquired as a gift from M. Virginia Sharar, heir to Benjamin Luckenbill, the original homesteader in Huron Township in 1853. Sharar stipulated that the land be returned to its original state prior to homesteading. Additional Information on Luckenbill Woods Starr's Cave Park & PreserveThis is a 200 acre preserve located just outside of Burlington, Iowa. It is owned by the state and managed by the Des Moines County Conservation Board. It features an extensive trail system through mature woodlands, prairies remnants and the limestone bluffs along Flint Creek. Three caves are also located within the preserve. Hiking and caving are perhaps the most popular activities here. Visitors are welcome to explore the caves on their own. The cave is accessible to wheelchairs. The limestone bluffs in which the cave is located is a favorite place
among geologists. The rock is composed mainly of crinoid shells,
a sea animal from the Mississippian Period 300 million years ago.
The bluffs are also home to the internationally-known Starr's Cave
Rock Formation, a unique oolite limestone first discovered here.
The lane to the preserve is an excellent location for watching migrating
warblers.
Camping & River Accesses4th Pumping Plant Recreation AreaLocated 6 miles north and 5 miles east of Kingston, this site offers camping, fishing, picnicking, and a boat ramp. Additional Information on 4th Pumping Plant Recreation Area Casey Barrow AccessLocated 12 miles northeast of Burlington, this is a popular access site for Mississippi River enthusiasts. Additional Information on Casey Barrow Access Edgewater BeachLocated 4 1/2 miles northeast of Burlington, this site is particularly
popular for anglers and winter eagle watchers. Located 3 miles north and 3 1/2 miles east of Kingston, this site provides access to the Mississippi for hunting and fishing. Additional Information on Hawkeye Dolbee Access Lower Augusta Skunk River AccessesLocated 1/2 mile east of Augusta on the Skunk River Road. Camping, fishing, and picnicking are favorite activities here. Additional Information on Lower Augusta Skunk River Accesses Sullivan Slough Mississippi River AccessLocated 4 miles south of Burlington, this site provides excellent access to the river. It is a great place to watch eagles in the winter and listen for frogs in the summer. Additional Information Sullivan Slough Mississippi River Access Tama BeachLocated 4 3/4 miles northeast of Burlington, this site provides easy
access to the Mississippi for hunting and fishing. Located 1 mile northwest of Augusta, this site also offers camping and river access. Additional Information on Upper Augusta Skunk River Accesses Welter Recreation AreaLocated within the Lower Augusta Skunk River Area, this site offers camping and access to the Skunk River. Additional Information on Welter Recreation Area City and State Park Recreational AreasCity of Burlington Parks and Recreational Areas City of West Burlington Parks and Recreational Areas Top of Page |
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