Activities

 
Boating Boating at Big Sioux Park
The concrete boat ramp and gravel parking lot make Big Sioux Park a great place to access the river. PLEASE NOTE: The ramp is always open, but the road to the park is closed occasionally during some hunting seasons, and during times of flood.
Boating Boating at Millsite River Access
A concrete boat ramp makes accessing the Big Sioux River, near Westfield, easy.
Boating Boating at River's Bend Wildlife Area
A concrete boat ramp makes accessing the 20 acre lake easy for non-gas powered boats as well as kayaks and canoes. 
Boating Boating at Ron Wilmot River Access
A concrete boat ramp and gravel parking lot allow anglers good access to the Big Sioux River. 
Camping Camping at Hillview Recreation Area

Hillview has 3 campgrounds, Deer Ridge, Bur Oak and Beaver Creek. The Deer Ridge Campground is accessible from Wren Road, while Bur Oak and Beaver Creek are accessed from the C60 entrance. All campsites are first come first served, with the exception of the last camping weekend when Halloween at Hillview takes over the park. Sites can be reserved for that weekend on the Tuesday after Labor Day. Call 712-947-4270 to make a reservation for Halloween at Hillview. 

Campers may not occupy a campsite site for more than 14 days during a 21 day period. 
Camping Camping at River's Bend Wildlife Area

River's Bend offers 10 pull-through, 50 AMP campsites, with water hook-ups, overlooking a 20 acre lake. The cost is $20/ night. All sites are first come first served and fees can be paid at the self registration kiosk. A playground, picnic shelter and boat ramp to the lake are also located in this park. Restrooms are vault style. 

There is NO SWIMMING in the lake. 
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Hillview Recreation Area
This small pond is perfect for new paddlers to get used to the feel of their canoe or kayak.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Big Sioux Park
The concrete boat ramp and gravel parking lot make Big Sioux Park a great place to access the river. PLEASE NOTE: The ramp is always open, but the road to the park is closed occasionally during some hunting seasons, and during times of flood.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Ron Wilmot River Access
A concrete boat ramp and gravel parking lot allow anglers, boaters and paddlers good access to the Big Sioux River. 
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Southeast Wildwood

A small pond would give a new paddlers a great chance to try out a canoe or kayak.

This park has  a small pond, oak timber, a reconstructed prairie, and a picnic shelter.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at River's Bend Wildlife Area
A concrete boat ramp makes accessing the 20 acre lake easy for non-gas powered boats as well as kayaks and canoes. 
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Millsite River Access
A concrete boat ramp making launching a canoe or kayak into the Big Sioux River very easy.
Disc Golf Disc Golf at Hillview Recreation Area
Come play a round of disc golf at our 9 hole course.  It has beautiful views and a has a great variety of elevation changes, water hazards, grassland, and timber.  Every hole is unique and keeps you guessing. We have nice concrete pads and bright orange baskets, you won't miss them.  
Education Education at Hillview Recreation Area
A large variety of educational activities take place at Hillview Recreation Area. School field trips, scout programs,  hikes, talks, clinics, and summer camps are just some of the activities offered throughout the year. See the 'Education' tab on the Plymouth County home page to view our Adventure Guide which lists all of our programs in Plymouth County. 
Fishing Fishing at Hillview Recreation Area
A 3 acre, stocked pond offers great fishing opportunities to young and old. Bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish populate this small pond.  
Fishing Fishing at Big Sioux Park
Fish the Big Sioux River from the river bank at the park, or drop your boat in the river. Channel cats and walleye are among a few species to fish for in the river.
Fishing Fishing at E.C. Lippke Wetland
A short walk will take you to an ox bow lake or to the Big Sioux River.
Fishing Fishing at Boyd's Bend
A short hike will take you to great fishing on the Big Sioux River.
Fishing Fishing at Millsite River Access
Whether you prefer to fish from a boat or from the shore, Millsite offers great fishing opportunities for you.
Fishing Fishing at River's Bend Wildlife Area
Anglers can fish this 20 acre lake from shore, boat or dock. A variety of pan and game fish can be caught in this lake. Note...water levels rise and fall with the Big Sioux River.  
Fishing Fishing at Ron Wilmot River Access
A concrete boat ramp and gravel parking lot allow anglers, boaters and paddlers good access to the Big Sioux River. 
Fishing Fishing at Southeast Wildwood
There is a small fishing pond with a dock at this park. A variety of panfish can be caught in this pond.  An oak timber, prairie reconstruction, and picnic shelter are located at this park. At times the gate to the park will be closed, but the park itself is still open to public use. 
Hunting Hunting at Southeast Wildwood
Hunting is allowed at this park during all Iowa hunting seasons. This park has a small pond, oak timber, a reconstructed prairie, and picnic shelter. At times the gate to the park will be closed, but the park is still open to public use. 
Hunting Hunting at River's Bend Wildlife Area
Hunting is allowed from October 15 through January 10th. 
Hunting Hunting at Millsite River Access
The 22 acre Millsite is open to hunting during Iowa hunting seasons.
Hunting Hunting at O'Brien Prairie
Hunting is allowed at O'Brien Prairie during Iowa hunting seasons.
Hunting Hunting at Buryanek Wildlife Area

The 155 acres of this property provide habitat for deer, turkey and pheasant, making Buyranek Wildlife Area a hunter's dream. 

Public hunting, following DNR guidelines, is allowed. Please no target shooting. 
Hunting Hunting at E.C. Lippke Wetland

An oxbow lake, prairie grasses, and a river bottom forest offer great hunting opportunities along the Big Sioux River.

Hunting is open at this park during all Iowa hunting seasons.
Hunting Hunting at Meadow Wildlife Area
Meadow Wildlife Area is open to hunting during all Iowa hunting seasons.
Hunting Hunting at Five Ridge Prairie
This preserve offers 964 acres of prairie and oak timber. The terrain is steep and hilly, but well worth the hike. It is located in the northern Loess Hills. Five Ridge is open to hunting, but it is a state preserve so there are some special restrictions. Public hunting is permitted beginning the 3rd Saturday in September - January 31 according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources regular seasons and hours. Hunting shall also be lawful each day during the spring wild turkey season as established by the Iowa DNR. It is unlawful to hunt badger, woodchuck, or fox at Five Ridge.   
Hunting Hunting at Birkley's Bend
Hunting is allowed in this park during all Iowa hunting seasons. This park has great pheasant, turkey, and deer habitat.
Hunting Hunting at Boyd's Bend

This area has a grassland, oxbow lakes, and timber, making it the perfect spot to hunt deer, turkey, pheasant, waterfowl, and other small game.

Open to hunting during all Iowa hunting seasons.
Hunting Hunting at Big Sioux Park
Hunting is allowed during all Iowa hunting seasons.
Hunting Hunting at Hillview Recreation Area
A portion of Hillview is open to hunting from October 15th - January 10th. Prairie grasses and an oak timber make this area a good place to hunt pheasant and deer.
Picnicking Picnicking at Hillview Recreation Area
A large hilltop picnic shelter with 18 picnic tables, a large grill and electricity is available to rent. The shelter is also available on a first come first served basis without electricity. The shelter has has a water fountain and water hydrant near by as well as a restroom. A large parking lot will allow visitors easy access to the shelter. This shelter is perfect for a family reunion, graduation party, or wedding reception.

In addition to this shelter, the park hosts a number of other picnic areas. 
Picnicking Picnicking at River's Bend Wildlife Area

A small picnic shelter with 4 picnic tables, a serving counter and electricity is available on a first come first served basis. A large grill, water hydrant and restroom is located near by. The park also has a playground. 

Fishing jetties and campsites also have picnic tables on them.
Swimming Swimming at Hillview Recreation Area

The swimming beach at Hillview received a facelift in the summer of 2022. Come check it out! 

The beach is open from 9 am to sunset; Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend.

There are no lifeguards on duty; swimming at your own risk.

Fishing and pets are not allowed on the beach.

Alcohol and glass containers are not allowed on the beach.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Hillview Recreation Area
Hillview has a series of trails that can be a short loop or can  be stitched together is to take a long walk through the park. Trails wind through oak forests, prairies, and around the pond. The trails are a great places to observe the abundant wildlife in the park.  For a work-out that will test your will try out our mountain bike trail!
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Five Ridge Prairie

Mowed fire breaks offer a number of paths for hikers, snowshoers and cross country skiers alike. Fire breaks are typically mowed in July. Metal sign posts with the exit to the parking lot are clearly marked throughout the fire break system. The Loess Hills are a very unique landform found in western Iowa. Five Ridge offers a great chance for visitors to experience the flora and fauna of the Loess Hills up close. Spend an hour or all day hiking.

This is a very large, hilly park, so be sure you let someone know where you will be and when you will be back. Take a map along, and DO NOT cross any fences. Crossing a fence will take you out of our park boundaries and will make it much harder to rescue a lost hiker.

Winter Activities Winter Activities at Five Ridge Prairie

Mowed fire breaks offer a number of paths for hikers, snowshoers and cross country skiers alike. Fire breaks are typically mowed in July. Metal sign posts with the exit to the parking lot are clearly marked throughout the fire break system. The Loess Hills are a very unique landform found in western Iowa. Five Ridge offers a great chance for visitors to experience the flora and fauna of the Loess Hills up close. Spend an hour or all day hiking.

This is a very large, hilly park, so be sure you let someone know where you will be and when you will be back. Take a map along, and DO NOT cross any fences. Crossing a fence will take you out of our park boundaries and will make it much harder to rescue a lost hiker.

Winter Activities Winter Activities at Hillview Recreation Area

Tubing Hill

Cross Country Skiing

Snowshoeing

Ice Fishing