We will be temporarily closing the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail between 560th Avenue  (just east of Huxley) and the South Skunk River bridge (just east of Cambridge) for Phase 2 of the paving project. We hope to be finished by mid-September. 

Currently the trail is completed to limestone surfacing from:
Slater to Huxley (4.5 miles) with 1/4 mile of gravel road on 535th Avenue and one mile of paved shoulder along E63 on the west side of Huxley.
Huxley to Cambridge (4 miles)
S14 to Maxwell (3 miles)
Maxwell to Collins (4.5 Miles) 
Marshall County Trailhead on 730th Avenue (two miles east of Collins)  to Rhodes (4.1 miles).  This section contains the Hoy Bridge over Clear Creek.

The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail connects to the paved High Trestle Trail which runs from Ankeny to Woodward at Slater.

Peterson Park has approximately 31 acres of water along the Skunk River Greenbelt.  This is an old mining area with three gravel pits which contain a variety of fish including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. 

Only electric trolling motors are allowed on Story County Conservation Lakes; gasoline-powered motors are prohibited.  Canoes and kayaks are welcome.

Dakins Lake is a twenty-acre lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and perch.  

Only electric trolling motors are allowed on Story County Conservation Lakes; gasoline-powered motors are prohibited.  Canoes and kayaks are welcome.

The main campground features:

• 12 full hook-up sites 
• 17 sites with electricity and water - one of these sites is ADA accessible
• Modern shower house
• Natural playscape
• Dump station

The primitive campground features:

• 10 electric only sites 
• Portable toilets only

Reservations are only available online for all primitive campsites and the odd numbered campsites in the main campground.  The rest of the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.  Camping Reservations

The water trail offers approximately 34 miles from Story City Park (below the dam in Story City) to C.J. Shreck Access (South of Cambridge).  The Skunk River Paddlers provide excellent information about the water trail on their website and have provided much of the labor needed to create and maintain the trail.

Skunk River Water Trail Access Points (listed from north to south):

Story City Park #246 ** Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation

Broad Street, Story City, 50248

Lekwa Access #242

56156 130th Street, Story City, 50248 (0.25 miles east of 560th on E-18)

Anderson Access #239

56743 150th Street, Story City, 50248 (0.1 miles west of Pleasant Valley Road on 150th Street)

Soper’s Mill Access #235

56364 170th Street, Ames, 50010 (Intersection of 170th and 563rd)

Peterson Park Access #233

17952 Templeton Road, Ames, 50010 (1.5 miles east of Highway 69 on 180th)

Sleepy Hollow Access #230

646 W. Riverside Road, Ames, 50010 (Intersection of Riverside Road and Highway 69)

River Valley Park Access #227  ** Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation

725 East 13th Street, Ames, 50010

South 16th Street #224 ** Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation

Ames

265th Street Access #220

56091 265th Street, Ames, 50010 (Near 560th Avenue)

Askew Bridge Access #217

57887 290th Street, Cambridge, 50046 (Intersection of 580th Avenue (R70) and 290th Street)

C.J. Shreck Access #212

59627 Highway 210, Cambridge, 50046 (South of Cambridge on Highway 210; north side of road)

For up-to-date information on water levels, view the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's website: River Gauges. 

Best float periods:

· April-July

· September-October

· When river is high

​

Hazards:

· Log jams are usual between Story City and Soper’s Mill

· There is a major log jam 0.5 miles below the Anderson Access which must be portaged

· Sharp turns and other obstacles are present in many sections

· Dam above Sleep Hollow/Riverside Road; portage on river right

· Dam at River Valley Park must be  portaged  

Water Trail - South Skunk River​

Peterson Park Access is part of the Skunk River Water Trail.   The water trail offers approximately 34 miles from Story City Park (below the dam in Story City) to C.J. Shreck Access (South of Cambridge).

Skunk River Water Trail Access Points (listed from north to south):

Story City Park #246 ** Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation

Broad Street, Story City, 50248

Lekwa Access #242

56156 130th Street, Story City, 50248 (0.25 miles east of 560th on E-18)

Anderson Access #239

56743 150th Street, Story City, 50248 (0.1 miles west of Pleasant Valley Road on 150th Street)

Soper’s Mill Access #235

56364 170th Street, Ames, 50010 (Intersection of 170th and 563rd)

Peterson Park Access #233

17952 Templeton Road, Ames, 50010 (1.5 miles east of Highway 69 on 180th)

Sleepy Hollow Access #230

646 W. Riverside Road, Ames, 50010 (Intersection of Riverside Road and Highway 69)

River Valley Park Access #227  ** Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation

725 East 13th Street, Ames, 50010

South 16th Street #224 ** Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation

Ames

265th Street Access #220

56091 265th Street, Ames, 50010 (Near 560th Avenue)

Askew Bridge Access #217

57887 290th Street, Cambridge, 50046 (Intersection of 580th Avenue (R70) and 290th Street)

C.J. Shreck Access #212

59627 Highway 210, Cambridge, 50046 (South of Cambridge on Highway 210; north side of road)

For up-to-date information on water levels, view the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's website: River Gauges. 

Best float periods:

· April-July

· September-October

· When river is high

​

Hazards:

· Log jams are usual between Story City and Soper’s Mill

· There is a major log jam 0.5 miles below the Anderson Access which must be portaged

· Sharp turns and other obstacles are present in many sections

· Dam above Sleep Hollow/Riverside Road; portage on river right

· Dam at River Valley Park must be  portaged  

Water Trail - South Skunk River​

Askew Bridge Access is part of the Skunk River Water Trail.   The water trail offers approximately 34 miles from Story City Park (below the dam in Story City) to C.J. Shreck Access (South of Cambridge).

Skunk River Water Trail Access Points (listed from north to south):

Story City Park #246 ** Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation

Broad Street, Story City, 50248

Lekwa Access #242

56156 130th Street, Story City, 50248 (0.25 miles east of 560th on E-18)

Anderson Access #239

56743 150th Street, Story City, 50248 (0.1 miles west of Pleasant Valley Road on 150th Street)

Soper’s Mill Access #235

56364 170th Street, Ames, 50010 (Intersection of 170th and 563rd)

Peterson Park Access #233

17952 Templeton Road, Ames, 50010 (1.5 miles east of Highway 69 on 180th)

Sleepy Hollow Access #230

646 W. Riverside Road, Ames, 50010 (Intersection of Riverside Road and Highway 69)

River Valley Park Access #227  ** Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation

725 East 13th Street, Ames, 50010

South 16th Street #224 ** Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation

Ames

265th Street Access #220

56091 265th Street, Ames, 50010 (Near 560th Avenue)

Askew Bridge Access #217

57887 290th Street, Cambridge, 50046 (Intersection of 580th Avenue (R70) and 290th Street)

C.J. Shreck Access #212

59627 Highway 210, Cambridge, 50046 (South of Cambridge on Highway 210; north side of road)

For up-to-date information on water levels, view the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's website: River Gauges. 

Best float periods:

· April-July

· September-October

· When river is high

​

Hazards:

· Log jams are usual between Story City and Soper’s Mill

· There is a major log jam 0.5 miles below the Anderson Access which must be portaged

· Sharp turns and other obstacles are present in many sections

· Dam above Sleep Hollow/Riverside Road; portage on river right

· Dam at River Valley Park must be  portaged  

Water Trail – South Skunk River Map

Water Trail - South Skunk River​

The Praeri Rail Trail is a 10.5-mile recreational corridor that runs from Roland through McCallsburg to Zearing.  Sections of the trail at Roland and McCallsburg have a limestone surface; the remainder of the trail is moved grass.  Horses are allowed on the trail except for finished surfaces of the trail through McCallsburg.

Peterson Park is a 200-acre park (approximately 31 acres of water) along the Skunk River Greenbelt.  This is an old mining area containing three gravel pits suitable for fishing.  

There are 3.7 miles of trails open to off-road bicyclists, hikers, equestrians, and cross-country skiers.

Trail Etiquette - Trail users should respect the environment and their trails by following these user ethics:

• Educate yourself by reviewing trail maps and regulations and following signs.
• Respect the rights of others.
• When cyclists encounter hikers, slow down to their speed, or stop and pull over.  If approaching from the rear, greet them or sound a handlebar bell; then pass slowly. 
• If approaching equestrians from the front, ALWAYS stop, pull over and let them pass. If approaching from the rear, ask them which is the best way to proceed. Ride slowly or walk around the horse and rider.
• Use designated trails approved for your particular activity.
• Stay on the trail treadway.
• Enjoy the flora, fauna, geological, and archaeological wonders, and leave them for others to appreciate.
• Avoid excessively wet or muddy trails. Waiting 24 hours after a rain event is recommended.
• Ride in small groups, keeping them smaller than five if possible.
• Wear a helmet.  Park staff appreciate your concern for your own safety, as well as for others.

The open shelter overlooks Dakins Lake and features a large charcoal grill, water fountains, modern restrooms, electrical outlets, and a kitchenette serving area with a sink and counters (no appliances).

The shelter is available to reserve from 7:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.

Reservations for the next calendar year are accepted starting November 1.

 Dakins Lake Shelter Reservations

This water trail access is a public fishing area on the Skunk River featuring bullhead, buffalo, carp, channel catfish, & smallmouth bass.   

Iowa fishing regulations apply, for a listing of state rules/regulations please click here:  Iowa DNR - Fishing

Seek permission from landowners for access to private property.  Although the water is public, some of the land along the river is private property.  

Each water trail access is a public fishing area on the Skunk River featuring bullhead, buffalo, carp, channel catfish, & smallmouth bass.   

Iowa fishing regulations apply, for a listing of state rules/regulations please click here:  Iowa DNR - Fishing

Seek permission from landowners for access to private property.  Although the water is public, some of the land along the river is private property.   

Robison Wildlife Acres has a 1 acre pond.  Bluegill, largemouth bass, and crappie have been caught in the pond. 

Iowa fishing regulations apply, for a listing of state rules/regulations please click here:  Iowa DNR - Fishing

Fishing is a popular year-round activity at Hickory Grove Park. Crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass reproduce naturally. Channel catfish are stocked by the IDNR. SCC cooperates with the IDNR in managing the lake.

Shore fishing is allowed on the south side of the lake after park hours. Fishing boats (electric motors only) are allowed on the lake surface 24 hours a day with access from the south boat ramp.

A fish cleaning station is located at the north boat ramp.

Ice houses are allowed on the lake. All ice houses must be removed by February 20 or ice melt, whichever comes first.

Iowa fishing regulations apply, for a listing of state rules/regulations please click here:  Iowa DNR - Fishing

This water trail access is a public fishing area on the Skunk River featuring bullhead, buffalo, carp, channel catfish, & smallmouth bass.   

Iowa fishing regulations apply, for a listing of state rules/regulations please click here:  Iowa DNR - Fishing

Seek permission from landowners for access to private property.  Although the water is public, some of the land along the river is private property.  

Public Fishing Brochure

This water trail access is a public fishing area on the Skunk River featuring bullhead, buffalo, carp, channel catfish, & smallmouth bass.   

Iowa fishing regulations apply, for a listing of state rules/regulations please click here:  Iowa DNR - Fishing

Seek permission from landowners for access to private property.  Although the water is public, some of the land along the river is private property.  

Public Fishing Brochure

This newly expanded park features a new 15-acre lake built below (and in series with) the previously existing 5-acre lake.  There are two boat ramps (electric motors only), two fishing jetties, a dock with a fish cleaning station, and plenty of underwater fish habitat making the new lake very “angler” friendly.

There is a variety of fish species including largemouth bass, crappie, bullhead, and channel catfish.

Iowa fishing regulations apply, for a listing of state rules/regulations please click here:  Iowa DNR - Fishing

Crooked Bend is part of the Skunk River Greenbelt.  The Skunk River Greenbelt features 620 acres with deer, furbearers, and small game.  Some greenbelt properties are posted "No Hunting."  Other areas are easements and not available for public hunting.  Observe boundary signs.  Trapping is allowed in the public hunting areas.  No target shooting is allowed. Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed.

All state hunting laws apply.  Hunters must possess the proper license(s).  Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land.  For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918.  

Pets must be on leashes at all times.  Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15t o protect nesting birds  and must be kept under control at all times.

Bear Creek is part of the Skunk River Greenbelt.  The Skunk River Greenbelt features 620 acres with deer, furbearers, and small game.  Some greenbelt properties are posted "No Hunting."  Other areas are easements and not available for public hunting.  Observe boundary signs.  Trapping is allowed in the public hunting areas.  No target shooting is allowed. Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed.

All state hunting laws apply.  Hunters must possess the proper license(s).  Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land.  For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918.  

Pets must be on leashes at all times.  Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times.

The 43 acre prairie is a designated public hunting area.  Hunting and trapping are allowed.  No target shooting is allowed.  Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land.  

Only non-toxic shot is allowed.

All state hunting laws apply.  Hunters must possess the proper license(s).  For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918.  

Pets must be on leashes at all times.  Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times.

Hunting and trapping are allowed on the 80 acres located to the south and east sides of the lake (outside the paved road). This area provides upland and waterfowl species.  No target shooting is allowed at Hickory Grove Park. Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed.

All state hunting laws apply.  Hunters must possess  the proper license(s).   Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land.  For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918.  

Pets must be on leashes at all times.  Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times.

Archery Range Rules

Safety is the top priority; individuals participating in unsafe practices may be asked to leave. The use of the range is free of charge.
● Only archery equipment is allowed on the range. You must bring your own target. The range is marked at 10, 20, 30, and 40 yards.
● No firearms are allowed.
● Downrange area must be unoccupied prior to shooting. Never shoot an arrow until you are positive that no one is in front of you or behind the targets.
● NEVER point a bow and arrow at another person.
● NEVER shoot an arrow straight up into the air. You can injure another person or yourself.
● Shoot from firing line only. The only safe place is behind the shooting line. Don’t stand in front of a bow while it is being shot, even if you are to one side of the shooter.
● No camping is allowed in the range area
● Range hours are sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
● Erecting tree stands is not permitted

171 acres with upland, waterfowl, and woodland species.  (Some ground is still being farmed). 

Hunting and trapping are allowed.  No target shooting is allowed.  Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land.  Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed.

All state hunting laws apply.  Hunters must possess the proper license(s). For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www.iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918. 

Pets must be on leashes at all times.  Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times.

This 12 acres marsh with upland and waterfowl species is a designated public hunting area.  Hunting and trapping are allowed.  No target shooting is allowed.  Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed. Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land.  

All state hunting laws apply.  Hunters must possess the proper license(s).  For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918.  

Pets must be on leashes at all times.  Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times.

Hunting and trapping are allowed.  No target shooting is allowed.  Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed.

Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land. 

All state hunting laws apply.  Hunters must possess the proper license(s). For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www.iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918. 

Pets must be on leashes at all times.  Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times.

The Skunk River Flats is a 117 acre public hunting area with upland species.  A small area of floodplain forest is present near the Skunk River, but the area is mostly reconstructed prairie with a small restored wetland.  A parking area is provided and a mowed perimeter path is present.   Hunting and trapping are allowed.  No target shooting is allowed.

All state hunting laws apply.  Hunters must possess  the proper license(s).   Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land.  For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918.  

Pets must be on leashes at all times.  Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times.

620 acres with deer, furbearers, and small game.  Some greenbelt properties are posted "No Hunting."  Other areas are easements and not available for public hunting.  Observe boundary signs.  Trapping is allowed in the public hunting areas.  No target shooting is allowed. Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed.

All state hunting laws apply.  Hunters must possess the proper license(s).  Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land.  For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918.  

Pets must be on leashes at all times.  Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times.

Peterson Park is a 200 acres public hunting area with upland, waterfowl, and woodland species.  Hunting is permitted only with shotgun, bow, and black-powder rifle; trapping is allowed.  No target shooting is allowed. Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed on this area. Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land.  

All state hunting laws apply.  Hunters must possess the proper license(s).   For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www.iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918.

Pets must be on leashes at all times.  Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times.

Hickory Grove Park is the largest and most popular of the conservation board's parks. This 445-acre multiple-use recreational area southwest of Colo offers camping, swimming, fishing, hunting, an archery range, playground, trails, and much more. 

Swimming is allowed in the designated swimming area only.  Swim at your own risk - no lifeguard is on duty.  Children must be supervised at all times.

Swimming Beach Rules and Regulations.  ​

A.     Users of the beach facility at are subject to the following rules and regulations. 

   1.)  The beach area is closed and swimming is prohibited from sunset to sunrise. 

         2.)  Swimming is allowed inside the roped area only when the beach is open.

   3.) Certified divers may be allowed outside of the roped area by permit from the  director or an authorized representative.

  B.   The following are prohibited at the beach area:  

    1.)    Hanging from or attaching people or items to buoys.

    2.)    Using abusive language.

    3.)  Use of alcoholic beverages, liquors, and glass containers.

    4.)  Amplification greater than 75 decibels or using external speakers from the parking lot.

    5.)  Sitting or standing on another’s shoulders or back, throwing people, jumping on top of people.

    6.)  Dunking people.

    7.)  Throwing foreign objects, i.e. rocks, sand.

    8.)  Standing on inflatable beach items in the water.

    9.)  Fishing and boating from the beach or in the beach area.

    10.) Using paddles or oars from inflatable beach items.

    11.) Pets.