Our County Parks provide numerous outdoor recreational opportunities...hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking, boating, canoeing, skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, biking & more!

Howard County Parks are a great way to discover outdoor recreational opportunities. Activities provided are numerous and include hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking, boating and canoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, bike riding, firearm shooting, nature study, bird watching, photography, softball, volleyball and archery.

The Howard County Conservation Board encourages the public's participation in all recreational opportunities offered and continues to work at keeping these areas in quality shape. Please respect our areas and leave them as you would like to find them.

Take only pictures...leave only footprints.

For maps of Howard County click here

(Click on a link below to take you right to the information...)

Campgrounds:

	Turkey River Campground - Fees:  $17/night which includes electricity and water hookups at each site.
	Lidtke Campground (Lidtke Park) - Fees: $12/night without electricity, $17/night with electricity
	Lake Hendricks Campground (Lake Hendricks) - Fees: Lower Campground $17/night with electricity and water hook ups. Upper Campground $12/night without electricity or $17/night with electricity.

Facilities and Trails:

	Prairie's Edge Nature Center
	Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail
	Prairie Springs Recreational Trail
	Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail

Parks and Recreation:

	NEW IN 2011 - Cross Country Ski Trails - Click HERE for a link that users can to to for updates on trail grooming. Click HERE for Map of the Cross Country Ski Trails (this is a rather large file and may take awhile to download to your system).
	Bigalk Trout Stream
	Bonair Shooting Range
	Florenceville Park
	Lake Hendricks Park
	Lidtke Park
	Lubbert Park
	Lylah's Marsh
	Taylor's Pond
	Turkey River Campground
	Upper Iowa River Access
	Vernon Springs Park

Natural Resource Areas:

	Cleghorn Wildlife Area
	Crane Creek Wildlife Area
	Dieken Wildlife Area
	Evans-Hughes Forest
	Hart Pond Wildlife Area
	Joachim Woods Wildlife Area
	Kleckner Wildlife Area
	Martinek Wildlife Area
	Meirick's Pond
	Mullen Wildlife Area
	Reis Wildlife Area
	Souhrada Forest
	Souhrada Wildlife Area
	Thomson Marsh
	Turkey Bend Wildlife Area
	Wittenbreer Marsh

Facilities and Trails

(For maps of Howard County, 2004 Aerial Photos and a table showing locations and amenities click here.)

Prairie's Edge Nature Center Located two miles south of Cresco on Valley Avenue   Driving Directions: From HWY 9 in Cresco at the west set of stop lights, go south on 3rd St. W one block, take a right onto 4th Ave SW, and take the next left onto Vernon Road. Stay on Vernon Road. It will change into Valley Avenue. You will see the Prairie's Edge Nature Center on the east side of the road about 2 miles south of Cresco.

The Prairie’s Edge Nature Center was opened in 2000 through the support of the community, donations from local citizens and businesses, and grants. The building functions as a learning center for area residents to become more familiar with their natural surroundings. The Prairie’s Edge Nature Center gets its name from the native prairie planted next to the building. In addition to the educational aspects, the Nature Center also holds the Howard County Conservation Offices and Board Room. Multiple displays fill the Nature Center. The most popular of these include the live animal displays. A visitor can see two tiger salamanders meandering through their aquarium, native fish swimming through a 180-gallon tank, and a live honeybee display. Three main animal displays occupy the building. Each covers a separate wildlife habitat found in the county: woodlands, prairie, and wetlands. These exhibits allow visitors to see all the animals that reside in the area, many of which are rarely seen in their natural surroundings. A separate room of the Nature Center holds the library and touch-and-feel section. In the library, both children’s and adult books involving nature are ready to be checked out. There are also reference books and field guides available for study. The rest of the library room is our touch section. Animal pelts, turtle shells, and snake skins are among the many things that we encourage you to pick up and examine. The rental of the basement of the Nature Center is limited to business meetings and luncheons and organization meetings. A $25 rental fee accompanies the use of the basement along with a $25 deposit. A full kitchen with limited utensils is provided for your usage. The Prairie Springs Recreational Trail is located directly adjacent to the Nature Center. This popular, new, asphalt trail travels 2.5 miles through forested bluffs and rolling fields to the edge of Cresco. City trail signs throughout Cresco connect this trail to the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail, a lime-screened trail, which stretches 20 miles through Ridgeway into Calmar. Along the Prairie Springs trail are many shaded benches and picnic tables, giving users the perfect spot for picnics. The trail wraps around the southern edge of the prairie next to the Nature Center and gives the perfect opportunity to see the weekly changing blossoms of the prairie. The shelter located outside the Nature Center is a popular spot for large picnics, group activities, and family reunions. It is often busy throughout the summer. Therefore we recommend calling the Howard County Conservation Office ahead of time to place a reservation at (563) 547-3634. Reservations for the shelter are available at no cost, but please note that reservations are not accepted on major holiday weekends. Enveloped by the scenic view of the Turkey River, a newly constructed 46-site modern campground can be discovered in the woods surrounding the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center. Now open to the public, the Turkey River Campground offers campers individual electrical and water hook-ups, camping pads, a bath/shower house, and playground equipment.

The Prairie’s Edge Nature Center is open for public viewing Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Nature Center is also open one Sunday of every month from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. On these Sundays, a special environmental program will be given covering a new, interesting nature topic every month (see Calendar of Events for schedule). Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A nature trail (0.1 mile) is located across the bridge from the Nature Center. This hike through a heavily forested hillside offers a short excursion into nature that one can take at his/her own pace. The Vernon Springs Mill Pond, located next to the Nature Center, offers visitors with a chance for some boating, canoeing or fishing. A boat ramp is available along with shelters and a dock. The park surrounding the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center is full of cross country skiing trails. The complex trail system focuses itself around the beautiful Turkey River. Trail maps are available at the Nature Center. The Prairie Springs Recreational Trail is located directly adjacent to the Nature Center. This popular, new, asphalt trail travels 2.5 miles through forested bluffs and rolling fields to the edge of Cresco. City trail signs throughout Cresco connect this trail to the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail, a lime-screened trail, which stretches 20 miles through Ridgeway into Calmar. Along the Prairie Springs trail are many shaded benches and picnic tables, giving users the perfect spot for picnics. The trail wraps around the southern edge of the prairie next to the Nature Center and gives the perfect opportunity to see the weekly changing blossoms of the prairie. The shelter located outside the Nature Center is a popular spot for large picnics, group activities, and family reunions. It is often busy throughout the summer. Therefore we recommend calling the Howard County Conservation Office ahead of time to place a reservation at (563) 547-3634. Reservations for the shelter are available at no cost, but please note that reservations are not accepted on major holiday weekends.

Enveloped by the scenic view of the Turkey River, a newly constructed 46-site modern campground can be discovered in the woods surrounding the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center. Now open to the public, the Turkey River Campground offers campers individual electrical and water hook-ups, camping pads, a bath/shower house, and playground equipment.

Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail
20-mile trail (crushed limestone) from Cresco to Calmar

(CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

A small taste of the beauty found in other parts of Northeast Iowa can be found along the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail. On either side of the trail, native prairie areas can be enjoyed from early Spring with the emergence of Prairie Smoke, Puccoon, Alexander, and Phlox.

Midsummer brings about occurrences of Rattlesnake Master, Yellow Coneflower, Wild Quinine, and Blazing Star.  In the Fall sights of asters, goldenrod, and gentians abound. Please appreciate the plants in their natural habitat and do not disturb them so that the next person on the trail can enjoy them also.

Small patches of woodlands, made up of elm, sumac, box elder, and oak can also be found along the trail. These areas are homes to many types of birds and other wildlife. These shady patches are well liked by summer visitors seeking refuge from the summer sun.

Rest areas, shelters, and picnic tables are scattered along the trail for relaxing breaks from the trail exercise.

ACTIVITIES
Bicyclists, joggers, hikers, and cross-country skiers are all invited to use the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail. Snowmobiles are allowed on a restricted basis between Ridgeway to Cresco only.

ACCESSES

Cresco	Access to the Prairie Farmer Recreational trail is located in Cresco on the north side of State Highway 9.
County Line	A parking area and access is provided approximately two miles from the Cresco terminus on county road 345th Avenue.
Ridgeway	The trail is accessible anywhere within the city limits of Ridgeway. This is also the access to the snowmobile portion of the trail between Ridgeway and near Cresco. Non-snowmobile access is available at Ridgeway Trailside Park on the east edge of town. The trail runs through the park, where conveniences of water, pit toilets, shelter, playground, picnicking, and parking are provided.
Calmar	The terminus is located at the newly renovated railroad depot at the intersection of U.S. Highway 52 and the old railroad crossing. Parking is available at the depot site.

Accesses are also available at any road crossing along the trail. Please do not block the trail crossings with your vehicles.

MORE INFORMATION
The trail is funded by the Howard County Conservation Board (HCCB), the Winneshiek County Conservation Board (WCCB), and by grants from the Iowa and Federal Departments of Transportation.

For further information, contact the HCCB, 11562 Valley Ave, PO Box 157, Cresco, IA 52136. The phone number is 563-547-3634 or email us at howardccb@yahoo.com.

Additional information is available at the WCCB, 2546 Lake Meyer Road, Fort Atkinson, IA. The phone number is 563-534-7145 or email them at d4os@acegroup.cc

All persons using the trail are at their own risk and should be aware of possible risks innate to remote and natural areas. Trail users are encouraged to wear protective gear on the trail such as bike helmets, etc. Customary trail etiquette like verbal signals while passing are also suggested. Bikers are also suggested to keep to the right while riding.

Prairie Springs Recreational Trail
2.5-mile trail (paved) from Cresco to Vernon Springs

Truly a trail for all seasons, the Prairie Springs Recreational Trail is excellent for many different activities year-round. The trail is 2.5 miles, paved, which runs along the Prairie's Edge Nature Center.

Breathtaking beauty and glorious displays of nature can be witnessed the entire length of the trail. There are many varieties of prairie grasses and flowers that line the route through rolling farmland and shaded woods. Speaking of woods, often a deer, turkey, or any number of native birds and animals can be seen as you ride or walk through. On a hot summer day the woods provide a welcome retreat from the sun. The trail is dotted with benches and picnic areas where you can stop to catch your breath, or enjoy a lunch with nature all around you.

Access the Prairie Springs Recreational Trail either from Cresco (on 7th Ave SW east of Vernon Road) or the Prairie's Edge Nature Center (2 miles south of Cresco on Vernon Road). Either location offers parking for loading and unloading of your recreational equipment.


Bike, Walk, Rollerblade, Cross-Country Ski, Nature Watch and More!

Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail
10.5-mile trail (crushed limestone) from Riceville

Hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and nature watching are a few of the activities offered on this trail. With Riceville as the trailhead, the trail extends to the north and runs along the Wapsipinicon River and the Great Western Line Railroad. Built on an abandoned rail bed, the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail runs through Lake Hendricks Park where campers and visitors can find a butterfly garden along the trail for their enjoyment. The butterfly garden is home to about 15 species of butterflies and 3,000 plants.

For MAPS, 2004 Aerial Photos and a RECREATIONAL TABLE showing locations and amenities click here.

	Bigalk's Trout Stream A 3-acre tract located two miles east of County Road V-58 on 30th St Trout fishing skills are put to the test on this special trout stream. The meandering cold water stream empties into the Upper Iowa River and is stocked weekly from early spring to late fall with rainbow and brown trout.
	Bonair Shooting Range A 15-acre tract located 2 miles north of State Highway 9 on Saint Ave Equipped with a 5-acre rifle range with shooting rests and target backstops. The remaining 10 acres are maintained as a wildlife management area.
	Florenceville Park A 3-acre park located in Florenceville on the east side of County Road V-58 This park provides a shelter house, picnic area, playground equipment, ball diamond, electricity, water, and toilets, making it a nice place for family gatherings.
	Lake Hendricks Park A 234-acre park located one mile north of State Highway 9 on Highway T-68 One of the oldest parks in the county conservation board system, it is also the largest and most popular park belonging to the Howard County Conservation Board. This scenic park includes a 54-acre man-made lake and serves as a multiple use area offering a wide variety of outdoor opportunities.
Activities include fishing, picnicking, biking, camping, canoeing and boating (electric engines only), a 150-foot beach for swimming (unsupervised), nature trails, and cross country skiing along with an archery range, softball diamond, and playground equipment.  The park opens each day at 6:00 am and closes at 10:30 pm and is open to camping from May to October. A park ranger resides on the premises year-round and may be reached at 641-985-2127.  For MORE INFORMATION on Lake Hendricks Park click here.
	Lidtke Park A 10-acre park located on the west side of County Road V-36 just north of Lime Springs This scenic park is located along the Upper Iowa River and provides an excellent camping and picnicking location while offering individuals the opportunity to fish and giving canoeists a starting point for their river trips. Camping areas are provided with electricity and water.
Other facilities include a shelter, boat ramp, and playground equipment. Adding to the park’s beauty is the historical Lidtke Mill and dam site.  For MORE INFORMATION on Lidtke Park click here.
	Lubbert Park 3-acre park located in Saratoga on the south side of State Highway 9 This scenic park provides an excellent picnicking location offering an open shelter located next to a meandering stream.
	Lylah's Marsh A 140-acre wildlife area located two miles west of County Road V-18 This area contains a 60-acre man-made marsh located on the Little Wapsipinicon River. It provides excellent nesting and winter cover for wildlife while attracting an abundance of migratory waterfowl and upland game species. Facilities include a open picnic area, playground equipment, boat ramp, and restroom. Maintained as a game management area.
	Taylor's Pond A 7-acre park located 0.25 mile east of County Road V-58 on 180th St Nestled in the southern part of the county, this park makes a cozy fishing and family picnic area. The three acre pond was constructed in 1980. A shelter, playground equipment and toilet facilities are available.
	Turkey River Campground A 6-acre campground located in Vernon Springs Park 2 miles south of Cresco on Valley Ave The Howard County Conservation Board is excited to promote their newest campground area and facilities, the Turkey River Campground in Vernon Springs Park. Protected by woods and amid the scenic view of the Turkey River, the campground is located up a winding country road just beyond the Prairie's Edge Nature Center.
The campground is NOW OPEN to the public for the camping season (May through October). The Turkey River Campground offers campers individual electrical and water hook-ups, camping pads, a bath/shower house, and playground equipment.  For MORE INFORMATION on the Turkey River Campground click here.
	Upper Iowa River Access A 10-acre natural area located on the east side of County Road V-36 just north of Lime Springs A tract of river bottomland along the Upper Iowa River, this lightly timbered area serves as fishing and canoe access to the Upper Iowa River.
	Vernon Springs Park A 14-acre park located two miles south of State Highway 9 on Valley Ave This scenic park lays adjacent to the beautiful Turkey River and a 17-acre pond, offering several year round activities such as fishing, boating and canoeing, picnicking, and features a number of trails for nature hikes, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing.
The park houses the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center along with an open picnic shelter, grills, boat dock, playground equipment, and toilet facilities. A 140-year-old historical dam adds to the park’s picturesque view. There is also a 40-acre wildlife area containing river bottomland, upland timber, and grassland, with the Turkey River winding along its southern border.

For maps of Howard County and a table showing locations and amenities click here.

2004 Aerial Photos Available! Click on each area's name to see a close up view.
**Please note: the boundaries in red on these aerial photos are only to be used as guides and are not legally binding. Please use signs at the areas to find actual boundaries.

Cleghorn Wildlife Area
A 40-acre natural area located two miles south of State Highway 9 on 345th Ave

The Turkey River passes through the area which is divided into open grassland, river-bottom, and wetland. Maintained as a game management area.

Crane Creek Wildlife Area
A281-acre natural area located on the east side of US Highway 63 two miles south of Lourdes

This wildlife area contains natural and man-made wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and food plots. Crane Creek meanders through this wildlife mecca. The purchase of this of this property was made possible through the assistance of the Iowa Habitat Stamp Fund, Pheasants Forever, and Ducks Unlimited. Excellent upland, deer and turkey hunting can be expected. Access is provided on the North, East, and South sides of this maintained game management area.

Dieken Wildlife Area
A 14-acre wildlife area located on the west side of US Highway 63 between Lime Springs and Chester

This long, narrow wooded area borders the spring fed Beaver Creek. Left in its natural state, it provides excellent wildlife habitat. A walk-in access is provided.

Evans-Hughes Forest
A 36-acre forested area located 3 miles west of County Road V-58 on 25th St

This heavily timbered forest is divided into two sections (east and west). It contains rolling hills with an abundance of oak, hickory, and walnut. Timber stand improvements are practiced on this area.

Hart Pond Wildlife Area
A 249-acre natural area located on the south side of County Highway B-17 near Elma

This wildlife area is primarily upland and wetland habitat. Water resources include the Little Wapsipinicon River and an 8.5-acre pond which can be found near the center of the property. Access is provided on the East side. This is a game management area.

Joachim Woods Wildlife Area
A 20-acre forested area located on the west side of County Road V-18, 1 mile south of Elma

This heavily wooded area contains excellent quality mixed hardwood timber which provides for excellent woodland environment.

Kleckner Wildlife Area
A 53-acre wildlife area located on the east side of County Road V-10, just north of County Road A-23

This area is a mixture of timber, marsh, and prairie, with Staff Creek meandering through the midsection. Purchase of the area in 1987 was made possible from through the Iowa Habitat Stamp Program and with assistance from the Natural Heritage Foundation. Maintained as a game management area.

Martinek Wildlife Area
A 27-acre forested area located one mile east of County Road V-58 on Well Road

This heavily wooded wildlife area contains an excellent quality of mixed hardwood timber dominated by hard maple. Managed primarily for wildlife habitat, it provides a nice woodland environment. Timber stand improvements are practiced on the area.

Meiricks Pond Access
A 13-acre wildlife area located one the north side of County Road B-17, west of Cedar Ave

This abandoned quarry includes a three acre pond and is maintained as a wildlife habitat area. A walk-in access is provided.

Mullen Wildlife Area
A 141-acre wildlife area located on the south side of State Highway 9 and on the east side of Robin Ave

This area is mostly native grasses offering excellent upland hunting opportunities. Water resources include several man-made ponds offering limited waterfowl hunting. Access is provided on the North and West side of the property. This is a game management area.

Reis Wildlife Area
A 120-acre wildlife area located on the south side of State Highway 9, east of Howard Ave
This area encompasses a mixture of wetland, upland and woodland habitat. A native grass planting can be found on the Southwest side of the area offering upland hunting opportunities. Access is provided on the North side of the area. This is a game management area.

Souhrada Forest
A 117-acre corridor located 4 miles north of County Road A-46, with access on 10th St

Overlooking the Upper Iowa River to the South, this beautiful area contains excellent timber and wildlife habitat. Maintained as a game management area.

Souhrada Wildlife Area
A 155-acre wildlife area on the east side of State Highway 63, 1 mile north of Highway 9

This area is mostly native grasses offering excellent upland hunting opportunities. Access is provided on the east side of the property. This is a game management area.

Thomson Marsh
A 40-acre undeveloped natural area located one mile north of County Road A-46, between Unity Ave and Valley Ave

This open wildlife area encompasses a mixture of timber, grassland, and a one acre marsh. Public access is provided from the east road.

Turkey Bend Wildlife Area
A 20-acre forested area located two miles south of State Highway 9, with access on 115th St near Valley Ave

This acre consists of primarily oak and hickory species overlooking the Turkey River. Trails are provided for cross country skiing and hiking. Access is provided through a walk-in access lane located from the east road.

Wittenbreer Marsh
A 40-acre wildlife area located two miles north of State Highway 9, with access on 90th St between Fir Ave and Grove Ave

This upland and wetland wildlife area includes a 3-acre marsh and 24 acres planted with red, white, and scotch pine, which serves as an excellent habitat area. Maintained as a game management area.

When the summer sun turns into snowy fields there’s still plenty of activities to do in Howard County.

Cross country skiers are offered a complex system of trails, many of which are groomed. A smaller system of trails is located around Crestwood High School. This system features a lighted loop for night skiing. Cross country skis are available free of charge from Prairie's Edge Nature Center.

Snowmobiles also fly around Cresco in the winter snow. More than 250 miles of trails span out from Cresco to many other local towns. The trails wind around forests, across streams, and through rolling fields. Very little of the trails consist of road ditches, creating some of the most beautiful and scenic rides throughout Iowa.