Activities

 
Biking Biking at Lime Creek Nature Center & Conservation Area
A nine-mile network of trails dissects a 440-acre area of upland timber, open fields, restored prairie, flood-plain forest, and limestone bluffs.
Biking Biking at Prairie Land Trail
Bike the lime chip portion of the trail. As of fall 2020, 11 miles have been completed. Completed area is from Mason City to Swaledale.
Biking Biking at Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve
A 7.5 mile bicycle ride along the limestone bluffs on the Shellrock River leads through 590 acres of woods, meadows, and ponds.
Biking Biking at Sister' Prairie Trail
 This scenic paved trail traverses just over a mile through a private prairie-wetland complex (via an easement for public trail use) representative of Iowa’s beautiful prairie pothole region.   The trail leads from Ventura Heights access to an access off 235th St., just west of Cardinal Avenue on the north side of the road.  Trail users are reminded that public use is restricted to the paved trail, as the property is privately owned and the access easement allows for public trail use only.     
Biking Biking at Wilkinson Pioneer Park
The road through the park provides an excellent trail along the Shellrock River and includes a unique covered bridge and rare native prairie.
Camping Camping at Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve
The Shellrock River Greenbelt Preserve provides both primitive and equestrian camping opportunities all year round.  Two small shelters, fire rings, pit toilets, and hitching posts are provided at this site.
Camping Camping at Wilkinson Pioneer Park
A beautiful 80-acre park with complete camping facilities.  42 camping sites with electricity.
Camping Camping at Lime Creek Nature Center & Conservation Area
The Lime Creek Conservation Area (LCCA) provides two sites for primitive camping.  Campsites are carry in and carry out.  Please carry out any waste.  Any unregistered vehicles on the LCCA property after park hours will be towed at the owners expense so please provide us information on all vehicles of people that will be staying at the campsite.
Camping Camping at Linn Grove Park
The first county conservation board park has complete camping facilities on 38 acres along a meander of Beaver Dam Creek.  66 Camping Sites with Electricity
Camping Camping at Ingebretson Park
Complete camping facilities on 23 acres along a branch of Beaver Dam Creek just off of Interstate 35.  22 Camping Sites with Electricity.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Kingfisher Hollow
Canoeing access on the Winnebago River.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Kuhn Wildlife Area
Canoeing on the Winnebago River.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Goranson Access
A great place to put in/take out on the Winnebago river. Starting here will take you south of Mason City or float through Mason City and take out here.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Averydale Access
Six acres of fishing and canoe access on the Winnebago River.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Claybanks Forest
Access to the Winnebago River.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Mallard Marsh
Three man-made ponds and wooded hills make up 227 acres of diverse wildlife habitat.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Mike Zack Wildlife Area
Fin & Feather Lake and Clark Lake are found on this 153-acre wildlife habitat area.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Zirbel Slough
Canoe the prairie marshes of Zirbel Slough.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Winnebago Oxbow
Canoe access on the Winnebago River.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve
The Shell Rock River parallels Cerro Gordo counties Shell Rock River greenbelt and Preserve.  Beginning at Wilkinson Park in Rock Falls, the river runs approximately 6 miles to Nora Springs.  The first two thirds of this river stretch takes you through limestone shorelines and bottom with a forested buffer along the rivers edge.  The final third of the river slows down and the bottom and shoreline transfer to a soft soil bottom and soil lined banks.  There is still good tree cover on the river edges.  The takeout point will be above the dam in Nora Springs.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Wilkinson Pioneer Park
The Shell Rock River parallels Cerro Gordo counties Shell Rock River greenbelt and Preserve.  Beginning at Wilkinson Park in Rock Falls, the river runs approximately 6 miles to Nora Springs.  The first two thirds of this river stretch takes you through limestone shorelines and bottom with a forested buffer along the rivers edge.  The final third of the river slows down and the bottom and shoreline transfer to a soft soil bottom and soil lined banks.  There is still good tree cover on the river edges.  The takeout point will be above the dam in Nora Springs.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Strand Park
Canoe Access on the Shellrock River.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at White Wildlife Area
Canoe access on the Shellrock River.
Equestrian Activities Equestrian Activities at Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve
A 7.5 mile horseback ride along the limestone bluffs on the Shellrock River leads through 590 acres of woods, meadows and ponds.
Equestrian Activities Equestrian Activities at Lime Creek Nature Center & Conservation Area
A nine-mile network of trails dissects a 440-acre area of upland timber, open fields, restored prairie, flood-plain forest, and limestone bluffs.
Fishing Fishing at Linn Grove Park
Fishing along a meander of Beaver Dam Creek.
Fishing Fishing at Mike Zack Wildlife Area
Fin & Feather Lake and Clark Lake are found on this 153-acre wildlife habitat area.
Fishing Fishing at Claybanks Forest
Access to the Winnebago River.
Fishing Fishing at Blue-Bill Wildlife Area
40-acre lake stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish. Also features a boat ramp and fishing jetty.
Fishing Fishing at Averydale Access
Six acres of fishing and canoe access on the Winnebago River.
Fishing Fishing at Blair Meadows Preserve
This 11-acre property includes Willow Creek and a small pond stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Fishing Fishing at Goranson Access
Fish the Winnebago for Northern Pike, Small Mouth Bass and an occasional Walleye.
Fishing Fishing at Ingebretson Park
Fishing in Beaver Dam Creek.
Fishing Fishing at Kuhn Wildlife Area
Fishing in the Winnebago River and also a fishing pond on site.
Fishing Fishing at Kingfisher Hollow
Fishing on the Winnebago River.
Fishing Fishing at Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve
You can fish in the Shellrock River along this 7.5 mile long corridor.
Fishing Fishing at Spring Creek Preserve
Fishing access on the Winnebago River.
Fishing Fishing at White Wildlife Area
Fishing on the Shellrock River.
Fishing Fishing at Strand Park
Fishing access on the Shellrock River.
Fishing Fishing at Wilkinson Pioneer Park
Fishing in the Shellrock River.
Hunting Hunting at White Wildlife Area
Public Hunting Allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Walch Wildlife Area
Public Hunting Allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Stille Wildlife Area
Public Hunting Allowed
Hunting Hunting at Winnebago Oxbow
Public Hunting Allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Zirbel Slough
Public Hunting Allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Kingfisher Hollow
Public Hunting Allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Kuhn Wildlife Area
Public Hunting Allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Haugen Wildlife Area
Public Hunting Allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Grover's Meadow
Public Hunting Allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Blue-Bill Wildlife Area
Public Hunting Allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Claybanks Forest
Public Hunting Allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Blue-Wing Marsh
Public Hunting Allowded.
Hunting Hunting at Blazingstar Prairie
Public Hunting Allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Mike Zack Wildlife Area
Public Hunting Allowed.
Hunting Hunting at Prairie Land Trail
Rural portions of the trail may be hunted. Pheasants would be the primary quarry.
Hunting Hunting at Ring-Neck Wildlife Area
Public Hunting is allowed and you will find Waterfowl, Pheasant, Deer and Rabbit on this area.
Hunting Hunting at Mallard Marsh
Public Hunting Allowed.
Other Activities Other Activities at Lime Creek Nature Center & Conservation Area
Excellent Wildlife and Birdwatching Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Mallard Marsh
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Goranson Access
Wildlife Viewing - A local Bald Eagle nest can be observed. Numerous songbirds pass through the timber as they follow the River. Several species of waterfowl are often observed.
Other Activities Other Activities at Limestone Prairie
This 10-acre old quarry site is a good area to search for unique prairie plants and fossils, and see waterfowl and other aquatic life.
Other Activities Other Activities at Prairie Pothole Wildlife Area
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Ring-Neck Wildlife Area
This area consists of wildlife viewing common to a prairie/wetland complex.
Other Activities Other Activities at Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve
Year-round dog training is allowed on this area.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Prairie Land Trail
View predominantly grassland wildlife along the trail and a few areas with shrubs and trees
Other Activities Other Activities at Mike Zack Wildlife Area
Year-round dog training is allowed on this area.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Blazingstar Prairie
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Blue-Wing Marsh
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Claybanks Forest
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Donna Walker Nature Area
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Blue-Bill Wildlife Area
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Blair Meadows Preserve
Bird Watching Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Grover's Meadow
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Haugen Wildlife Area
Wildlife View Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Ingebretson Park

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities and Disc Golf Course
Other Activities Other Activities at Kuhn Wildlife Area
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Kingfisher Hollow
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Zirbel Slough
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Winter Garden Recreation Area
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Other Activities Other Activities at Winnebago Oxbow
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Stille Wildlife Area
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Sister' Prairie Trail
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Spring Creek Preserve
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Walch Wildlife Area
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Strand Park
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Tennis and Basketball Court and Playground Available.
Other Activities Other Activities at White Wildlife Area
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Willow Creek Preserve
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities.
Other Activities Other Activities at Wilkinson Pioneer Park
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Picnicking Picnicking at Wilkinson Pioneer Park
Two open air shelters with picnic tables are available for use.
Picnicking Picnicking at Strand Park
Picnic table available for use.  Enclosed shelter with picnic tables available for rent.
Picnicking Picnicking at Spring Creek Preserve
Open Air Shelter with Picnic Tables available for use.
Picnicking Picnicking at Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve
Small Open Air Shelter with 2 Picnic Tables available for use at the Preserve section of the Greenbelt.
Picnicking Picnicking at Ingebretson Park
Open Air Shelter with Picnic Tables.
Picnicking Picnicking at Linn Grove Park
Two open air shelters with picnic tables are available for use.
Picnicking Picnicking at Lime Creek Nature Center & Conservation Area
Two picnic areas can be found on the Lime Creek Conservation Area.  One is just outside of the nature center and the other is in an open air shelter just north of the parking lot.  Picnic areas are not reservable but are on a first come first serve basis.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Lime Creek Nature Center & Conservation Area
A nine-mile network of trails dissects a 440-acre area of upland timber, open fields, restored prairie, flood-plain forest, and limestone bluffs.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Mike Zack Wildlife Area
A one mile trail encircles Fin & Feather Lake on the west side of Mike Zack Wildlife Area.  This trail is also an excellent area to walk dogs due to its status as a designated dog-training area.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Prairie Land Trail
Hike the lime chip trail of completed portions of the trail or the mowed area of the unfinished portions.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Ring-Neck Wildlife Area
The area is predominantly a hike on your own area. There are a few firebreaks that may be followed in late summer through spring.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Goranson Access
A hiking trail follows the river and winds around a small wetland.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Donna Walker Nature Area
Hiking is allowed on this property.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve
A 7.5 mile long trail along the limestone bluffs on the Shellrock River leads through 590 acres of woods, meadows, and ponds.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Sister' Prairie Trail
This scenic paved trail traverses just over a mile through a private prairie-wetland complex (via an easement for public trail use) representative of Iowa’s beautiful prairie pothole region.   The trail leads from Ventura Heights access to an access off 235th St., just west of Cardinal Avenue on the north side of the road.  Trail users are reminded that public use is restricted to the paved trail, as the property is privately owned and the access easement allows for public trail use only.     
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at White Wildlife Area
A boardwalk trail loops through open marsh, wooded swamp, restored prairie and streamside timber.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Willow Creek Preserve
3/4 mile trail that borders Willow Creek
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Wilkinson Pioneer Park
The road through the park provides an excellent trail along the Shellrock River and includes a unique covered bridge and rare native prairie.
Winter Activities Winter Activities at Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve
The North Iowa Snow Seekers maintain a 7.5 mile groomed snowmobile trail through the greenbelt and preserve.  Snowmobiles are not allowed on any other Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board Areas and must remain on the designated trail.
Winter Activities Winter Activities at Lime Creek Nature Center & Conservation Area
Over eight miles of trail are groomed for diagonal stride and skate skiing and snowshoeing when snow conditions are favorable.