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Backbone State Park |
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Facilities and Activities
2 story cabin at Backbone State Park
Backbone is a beautiful place for a family picnic. Several open shelters and an
auditorium may be reserved for a fee through the park office.
A stone lodge overlooking the lake may be rented through the park concessionaire
at 563/933-2273. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it is very
popular for family reunions, weddings and other large gatherings.
Cabins
The modern two-bedroom cabins and renovated one-bedroom cabins are available and
are equipped with heating and air conditioning. The two-bedroom cabins are
available year round. The one-bedroom style cabins are available April through
October. Renters must provide their own bedding and dinnerware. The cabins can
be reserved for a fee through the Internet at www.reserveiaparks.com or by
calling toll-free 1-877-IAPARKS. For more background information on the the park
reservation system click here.
New year-round cabin at Backbone State Park. Inside view.
Camping
There are 125 camp sites located in two campgrounds. The South Lake Campground
contains 49 non-electric sites, 49 electric sites, 2 shower buildings, a
playground and a dump station. The Six Pine Campground, near the west entrance
of the park, contains 27 non-electric sites and provides pit latrines. Starting
February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park
reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for
self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Trails
Backbone has 21 miles of hiking and multi-use trails. Visitors can hike along
trails winding through old twisted and windblown cedars and up rough, rocky
staircases to one of the highest points in northeast Iowa, the "Devil's
Backbone." During winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowmobile.
Bicyclists can pedal through scenic splendor and explore the park on these
designated trails; Barred Owl, Bluebird, East Lake and West Lake. Mountain bikes
must stay on the trails.
Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
Backbone Lake is an impoundment of the Maquoketa River created by the CCC.
Recreation on the lake includes swimming, boating, fishing and a concession
stand for refreshments. A boat ramp is located near the southwest end of the
lake. Motors are limited to electric only. A boathouse for renting boats, a
swimming beach and concession stand are located near the southeast end of the
lake. Anglers casting their lines in the lake may catch a variety of fish such
as bass and catfish.
Trout Fishing
Backbone is well known for trout fishing in its cold, clear, quick-flowing
stream. Richmond Springs, the source that feeds the stream, pumps out over 2,000
gallons per minute and is located near the north end of the park. Anglers can
explore the stream through a variety of shady and easy accessible trails,
portions of which are paved.
Climbing
Climbers and rappellers will find many challenging cliffs of rugged dolomite
limestone throughout the park. The most popular rock escarpments to climb are
located near the Backbone Trail. Climbers and rappellers must register at the
park office.
Backbone State Park was dedicated in 1920. It was Iowa's first state park and
remains one of the most significant. Backbone is named for its narrow and steep
ridge of bedrock carved by a loop of the Maquoketa River. Folklore named this
high ridge of rock the "Devil's Backbone". Nearly a hundred years ago, State
Geologist Samuel Calvin wrote these words about "The Backbone":
"Its sides are in places precipitous, the rocky cliffs rising sheer for more
than 80 feet. Erosion and secular decay have carved the rocks into picturesque
columns, towers, castles, battlements and flying buttresses."
Backbone consists of 2,001 acres and is heavily wooded with a variety of tree
species, predominantly oak and maple. This woodland serves as a valuable refuge
for a variety of wildlife including deer, raccoon, fox, turkeys, ruffed grouse
and many species of songbirds.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was established in April, 1933 as part of
the New Deal program of President Roosevelt as an effort to provide work for
unemployed Americans during the Great Depression. Many of Backbone's buildings
were constructed by the CCC from 1933 to 1941. Among the projects completed at
Backbone were the dams on the Maquoketa River forming Backbone Lake, a cluster
of rustic family cabins, beach and boat house, an auditorium, bridges, roads,
picnic shelters, rest rooms and trails. Some of these structures are currently
being restored and the effort is continuing.
Iowa Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
The Iowa Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum opened in 1990 and is located
just within the park's west gate. It provides visitors with an interesting and
informative look at the work of the CCC in Iowa state parks. Backbone was the
site of 2 CCC camps and contains many buildings and structures built by the CCC.
The museum is open on weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day and by special
arrangement through the park office.
Nearby Towns
Backbone State Park is located 3 miles south of Strawberry Point in northwestern
Delaware County. Dundee lies one mile to the south and Lamont 5 miles to the
west.
Contact Information
Backbone State Park
1347 129th Street
Dundee, IA 52038
ph. 563/924-2527
fax: 563/924-2827
E-mail address: backbone@dnr.state.ia.us |
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