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Lacey Keosauqua State Park |
Lacey Keosauqua State Park
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Facilities and Activities
View of Lake at Lacey Keosauqua
A series of 19 mounds overlook the Des Moines River in the northwest section of
the park. These were built by an ancient group of Woodland Culture Indians in
order to bury their dead. Such mounds are usually found on hilltops overlooking
river valleys.
Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
Lacey-Keosauqua is a wonderful place for a family cook-out. It is one of the
prettiest parks where you can get together and enjoy a meal in the outdoors.
Three open picnic shelters are available and may be reserved for a fee through
the park manager. The picnic shelter near the east entrance of the park is
accessible to the mobility impaired.
A lodge may also be reserved through the park manager. The lodge is an excellent
place for group events such as wedding receptions and family reunions.
Camping
Lacey-Keosauqua's beautiful, shaded campground features 113 campsites (45 with
electrical hook-ups), modern rest rooms, shower facilities, and a trailer dump
station. 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.
Cabins
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park offers 6 family cabins. 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. Cabins provide all of the comforts of home while bringing
visitors a great outdoor experience. All cabins include modern facilities.
Trails
The park's hiking trails wind among the valleys and cliffs along the Des Moines
River. On the trails, it is often possible to see many types of wildlife
including deer, raccoons, opossums, gray squirrels, red foxes, and numerous
species of bird life. The variety of plants, trees and shrubs; many of them more
than 200 years old; make hiking at the park an exciting and educational
experience.
Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
The picturesque 30-acre lake is a favorite spot for swimmers during the summer.
There is a bathhouse at the beach and lifeguards are on duty. Boats may be
rented and a ramp provides easy access to the lake. Boating is limited to
electric motors only. The lake is popular with fishermen as is the scenic Des
Moines River which runs the length of the park.
Annual "Festivals" And "Special" Events
A Forest Crafts Festival is held at Lacey Keosauqua State Park the second
weekend of October. The festival features woodcraft demonstrations and sales,
forest and wildlife management demonstrations and buckskinners. Nearby Keosauqua
has a parade, carnival and other related events. (annual festivals or special
events)
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is one of the largest and most picturesque of Iowa
state parks and recreation areas. The park's 1,653 acres of hills, bluffs and
valleys wind along the Des Moines River in Van Buren County.
During the middle of the 19th century, the great Mormon trek westward across
Iowa occurred. Ely Ford, now the site of a beautiful picnic area, was a river
crossing point. It is now a component of the Mormon Pioneer Trail.
Originally, the park was named "Big Bend," but when it was dedicated in 1921, a
more colorful name was sought. For the next five years, it was called Keosauqua,
a Native American term meaning "the stream bearing a floating mass of snow,
slush, or ice." In 1926, the name was changed to Lacey-Keosauqua in honor of
Major John Fletcher Lacey who fought in the Civil War, was elected to Iowa House
of Representatives in 1868, and by 1888, was a member of Congress. Major Lacey
campaigned for conservation legislation long before Teddy Roosevelt and was
instrumental in the establishment of a state park system in Iowa.
Nearby Towns
Lacey Keosauqua State park is within convenient distance from several
picturesque towns and villages on the Des Moines River. Keosauqua, the county
seat of Van Buren County, is located just across the river from the park. Nearby
historic settlements are Bentonsport and Bonaparte.
Contact Information
P.O. Box 398
Keosauqua, IA 52565
ph. 319/293-3502
fax 319/293-3329
E-mail address: Lacey_Keosauqua@dnr.state.ia.us |
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