Biking at Old Creamery Nature Trail
The Old Creamery Nature Trail connects the communities of Vinton, Garrison and Dysart. A former railroad that connected Cedar Rapids to South Dakota, the Iowa Trails Council, purchased this 15-mile section in 1994. Hundreds of volunteer hours later, the Old Creamery Nature Trail was opened to the public for use in 2000 and donated to Benton County Conservation in 2010.
The Old Creamery Nature Trail is composed of limestone and rock surfacing. Please plan accordingly if you plan on riding your bike. Street tires are not recommended.
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Boating at Benton City-Fry Recreation Area
A scenic, quiet recreation area located along the Cedar River in northeastern Benton County offering camping, hiking, and river access. If you like a peaceful camping experience, then Benton-Fry Recreation Area is the perfect campground for you and your family. A wonderful location for family-gatherings and events. It is open for hunting from September 15th to May 15th.
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Boating at Hannen Lake Park
Lake Access - Only Electric Motor, Kayaking, and Canoeing
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Boating at Polk Township Wildlife Area
Benton County Conservation offers 9 boat ramps throughout the county.
Polk Township Wildlife Area offers a 7 acre pond.
Pond Access - Only Electric Motor, Kayaking, and Canoeing - Gravel Boat Ramp
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Camping at Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area
23 electric campsites and 3 non-electric campsites available. First come first serve.
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Camping at Rodgers Park
This beautiful park and campground located in northern Benton County, offers spectacular opportunities for camping, fishing, and enjoying nature. The camping areas are situated to overlook the 21 acre lake and offer perfect views of summer sunsets. The swimming beach is adjacent to camping areas and the new playground is sure to thrill your child. A favorite of local visitors and is fast becoming a regional destination. RV Friendly Campground! Easy access and large footprints.
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Camping at Hannen Lake Park
57 electric campsites, 16 non-electric campsites, 3 Shower facilities, and a rustic cabins
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Camping at Hoefle-Dulin Recreation Area
9 campsites (9 electric; 2 non electric)
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Camping at Benton City-Fry Recreation Area
A scenic, quiet recreation area located along the Cedar River in northeastern Benton County offering camping, hiking, boat ramp, and river access. If you like a peaceful camping experience, then Benton City-Fry Recreation Area is the perfect campground for you and your family. A wonderful location for family-gatherings and events.
Benton City-Fry Recreation Area is open for hunting from September 15 to May 15.
Benton City-Fry Recreation Area Provides:
- 25 acres
- 17 Campsites (16 with electric; 1 primitive)
- Pit toilet
- Boat ramp
- Fishing
- Picnic areas
- Fry Shelter - Reserve Here
- Playground Hunting access, excluding campground, September 15 - May 15
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Canoeing & Kayaking at Benton City-Fry Recreation Area
Benton-City Fry Recreation Area:
Boat ramp on Cedar River for boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
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Canoeing & Kayaking at Rodgers Park
Rodgers Lake offers ample opportunities for canoeing and kayaking!
Canoe and Kayak launch provided
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Disc Golf at Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area
Wildcat Bluff is a fantastic professional caliber course that plays through the woods, up and down hills, and across deep ravines. Beautiful scenery and rugged trails! This is an extremely challenging and technical course!
To keep up with the latest events and updates, “Like” Wildcat Bluff Disc Golf Course on Facebook and come play!
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Education at Benton County Nature Center
Benton County Conservation offers a wide variety of environmental education and outdoor recreation programming for families year around. Please check our Facebook for the latest events.
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Equestrian Activities at Winegar and Tobin Wildlife Area
With nearly two miles of Cedar River shoreline, the Winegar and Tobin Wildlife Area offers spectacular opportunities to enjoy nature. This area covers 490 acres with six miles of equestrian and multi-use trails throughout, Wild Rose Cabin resides in this wildlife area.
Winegar and Tobin Wildlife Area contains beautiful lowland areas surrounding oxbow lakes which offers great fishing and hunting opportunities as this area is maintained as a Game Management Area. This area is open to hunting September 15 - May 15.
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Facility Rentals at Rodgers Park
Rodgers Park has one open shelter and one enclosed shelter, and a grilling garden that can be rented in season. To view the facilities and to rent, click here.
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FALL COLORS at Rodgers Park
Fall Family Fest at Rodgers Park! Friday, September 29th and Saturday, September 30!
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FALL COLORS at Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area
Miles of hiking on beautiful trails. All are welcome to hike the world ranked disc golf course at Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area.
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FALL COLORS at Hannen Lake Park
2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off at Hannen Lake Park, Saturday, October 7th from 11:30 - 3:00pm.
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Fishing at Benton City-Fry Recreation Area
Benton-City Fry Recreation Area Fishing:
Boat ramp on the Cedar River allowing access to shoreline and vessel fishing.
Common fish caught on the Cedar River include: walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.
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Fishing at Milroy Access
Bank fishing on the Cedar River
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Fishing at Hannen Lake Park
Come fish Iowa's first man-made County Conservation lake! Hannen Lake is 40 acres and is a popular fishing spot.
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Fishing at Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area
Maintained bank fishing on the Cedar River
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Fishing at Rodgers Park
With two handicap fishing docks, a bridge, and lots of accessible shoreline Rodgers Park is a great fishing destination. Fish that are commonly caught are Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Red-eared Sunfish, and Channel Cat. This beautiful park and campground, located in northern Benton County, offers spectacular opportunities for camping, fishing, and enjoying nature. The camping areas are situated to overlook the 21 acre lake and offers perfect views of summer sunsets. The swimming beach is adjacent to camping areas and the new playground is sure to thrill your child. A favorite of local visitors and fast becoming a regional destination. RV Friendly Campground! Easy access and large footprints.
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Fishing at Polk Township Wildlife Area
Benton County Conservation a variety fishing opportunities throughout the county.
Polk Township Wildlife Area 7 acre Pond Access - Only Electric Motor, Kayaking, and Canoeing - Gravel Boat Ramp
Species frequently found in our lakes and ponds include: black crappie, large mouth bass, green sunfish, red ear sunfish, channel catfish. Live bait, including minnows, is allowed.
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Geocaching at Benton County Nature Center
Numerous active caches located throughout the area
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Other Activities at Benton County Nature Center
The Nature Center is an ideal location for your next family visit! The Nature Center provides many outdoor recreation opportunities such as an outdoor playscape and playground, bird watching and a fire ring.
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Picnicking at Benton County Nature Center
The Nature Center is a great location for your next picnic! The Nature Center has a few picnic tables available.
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Swimming at Hannen Lake Park
Swimming is permitted inside the swim rope. No lifeguard on duty.
Please check the Iowa DNR website for updated status of swimming conditions.
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Swimming at Rodgers Park
Swimming is permitted inside the swim rope. No lifeguard on duty.
Please check the Iowa DNR website for updated status of swimming conditions.
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Trails & Hiking at Rodgers Park
Enjoy the sounds of nature on the trails at Rodgers Park
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Trails & Hiking at Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area
This park offers winding trails covered with large oak and hickory trees above the Cedar River
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Trails & Hiking at Hannen Lake Park
Enjoy the sounds of nature on the trails at Hannen Lake Park.
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Trails & Hiking at Old Creamery Nature Trail
The Old Creamery Nature Trail connects the communities of Vinton, Garrison and Dysart. A former railroad that connected Cedar Rapids to South Dakota, the Iowa Trails Council, purchased this 15-mile section in 1994. Hundreds of volunteer hours later, the Old Creamery Nature Trail was opened to the public for use in 2000 and donated to Benton County Conservation in 2010.
The Old Creamery Nature Trail is composed of limestone and rock surfacing.
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