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Lake Darling State Park |
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Facilities and Activities
Picnicking/Shelters
Lake Darling State Park is a great place for a family cookout. A number of
scenic picnic areas overlook the lake. An Open Picnic Shelter is available for
use and may be reserved for a fee through the park manager.
Cabins
Camping cabins may be reserved for a fee for overnight stays. The cabins sleep
four and are equipped with a bunk bed, futon, and table with chairs. It is
located only a short distance from the modern rest room and shower building in
the campground. 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.
Camping
Lake Darling has a large and well equipped campground. A total of 118 campsites
are present, 81 with electrical hookups. The campground has 2 modern rest room
buildings, as well as a conveniently located trailer dumping 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. There is playground
equipment in the campground.
Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
The beach at Lake Darling is a fun spot for swimmers and sunbathers, young and
old. A concession building is present where refreshments are available.
Lake Darling is a popular boating lake for both power and non-power boats. The
concession offers boat rental opportunities. Any size motor may be operated on
Lake Darling at "no wake" speeds.
Lake Darling is an angler's delight. Catfish and crappies are probably the most
prevalent catch for most anglers. However, bullheads, bluegills, largemouth
bass, carp, and tiger muskies are also plentiful.
Trails
Hikers will find plenty of opportunity at Lake Darling State Park. Several
trails are present and hikers will see a variety of plant, animal and bird
species. One of the trails extends through a re-established prairie and another
winds through heavily wooded timber to a cemetery dating back to the 1800s.
Lake Darling State Park was dedicated on September 17, 1950. J. N. "Ding"
Darling, for whom the park was named, "set the gate," a ceremony in which an
honored guest closes the valve on the spillway, completing the impoundment
process. Ding Darling was the editorial cartoonist of the Des Moines Register
and was a champion of conservation during the early part of this century.
Through his efforts, the conservation movement was fostered in Iowa. In
recognition of his contributions, Lake Darling State Park was named in his
honor.
Lake Darling State Park is 1,417 acres in size, including a beautiful 302-acre
lake with almost 18 miles of shoreline. The park, with its beautiful wooded
hills and valleys and lovely lake, offers something for outdoor recreation
enthusiasts, young and old.
Nearby Towns
Brighton is 3 miles east of the park, Richland is 5 miles west, Washington is 14
miles northeast on Highway 1, and Fairfield is 17 miles southwest on Highway 34.
These communities offer a variety of shopping, dining and church opportunities.
Contact Information
111 Lake Darling Road
Brighton, IA 52540
ph. 319/694-2323
E-mail address: Lake_Darling@dnr.state.ia.us |
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