|
Home >
Travel >
State Parks >
Iowa >
Geode
State Park |
|
|
Facilities and Activities
Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
Geode State Park is one of the most scenic and popular picnicking spots in
southeast Iowa. Several open picnic shelters are available for group use. These
may be reserved for a fee through the park manager. A picnic site accessible to
the mobility impaired is available.
Camping
There are 186 campsites with enough variety to suit anyone's tastes (96 sites
have electricity). There are two modern shower buildings and a sewage dump
station in the campground. 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. Two camp pads and rest rooms are accessible to the mobility-impaired.
Trails
Several hiking trails challenge the outdoor lover at Geode. The main trail
starts at the north end of the lake and follows it all the way to the dam. Part
of this trail has been developed into a nature trail with a printed brochure
identifying points of interest. This trail is accessible from several picnic
areas along the lake. Another trail begins at the dam on the west side of the
lake and ends at picnic shelter number one.
Lake Activities (boating, fishing)
The prime attraction of the 1,640-acre park is Lake Geode, a 186-acre lake built
in 1950. Over the years, the lake has become well known for excellent fishing
for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, bullhead, red-eared
sunfish and tiger muskie.
"Hey! Come on, we're going out to Geode!" This is repeated time after time in
southeast Iowa as families and friends pack picnic baskets and swimsuits and
head for a fun day in the sun at one of southeast Iowa's most popular state
parks.
The geode stone for which this park is named brings "rock hounds" to the area in
search of this elusive prize. A display of geodes, with mysterious crystal
formations in their hollow cavities, can be seen at the campground. Please
remember that it is illegal to remove geodes and other natural materials from
state parks, except for mushrooms, nuts, fruits and berries.
Nearby Towns
Burlington is 10 miles east on Hwys. 79 and 34. New London is about six miles
north of the park. Just east of New London on U.S. 34, a county road turns south
and leads to the main entrance. The park may be reached from Middletown on Iowa
Highway 79 or from Lowell on County Road J-20. Denmark and Danville are also
close to the park as well as Mount Pleasant.
Contact Information
3249 Racine Ave.
Danville, IA 52623
319/392-4601
E-mail address: Geode@dnr.state.ia.us |
|
|
|
