Henry

Oakland Mills Park is the headquarters for the Henry County Conservation Department. This park is divided into five areas: South Shore Area, North Shore Area, Virden Area, Water Works Area and Top-of-Hill Area. The offices and maintenance facilities of the Conservation Department are located in the Top-of-Hill Area.

Location

Oakland Mills Park 

2593 Nature Center Drive

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641

(319) 986-5067

Features

Oakland Mills was an unincorporated town along the banks of the Skunk River. At the height of its existence, it was the hub of commerce in the area with a woolen mill and a grist mill, a hotel, a general store, a school, a church, a depot for the K-Line Railroad, and a ferry crossing. In 1872, a bridge was constructed across the Skunk River replacing the ferry and, in 1932, a hydroelectric plant was built, providing electricity to the area and surrounding towns.

Today, remnants of the old mills can still be found today. The hydroelectric plant ceased operations after 40 years and now used as a fishing access to the Skunk River. Oakland Mills is still recognized as the premier fishing site for channel catfish and flathead catfish in Iowa.

Oakland Mills Park features the Oakland Mills Nature Center and Outdoor Classroom, four recreational cabins, three camp grounds, and a swinging bridge.

Activities in Oakland Mills Park includes the Skunk River Water Trail, a self-guided nature trail and a smart trail (CODE Trail), a fishing pond, an 18-hole disc golf course, and horse shoe pits. 

Operating Hours & Seasons

Oakland Mills Park is open year-round.

Office Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Maintenance Staff Hours:

Monday through Friday: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Closures