Boating at Deep Lakes Park
There are two boat ramps at Deep Lakes Park. One is located at the Main Access (2554 Pettibone Ave.) to Lake Chester. There is also an accessible fishing dock nearby and latrine. The second ramp is located at Lake Jewell (2443 57th Street) which also allows access to Violet Lake.
Bluegill, crappie, bass, and catfish are some of the most popular game fish. The lakes are electric trolling motor only, except for loading.
Kayaks are available for rental by contacting the office with at least 3-day prior notice.
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Boating at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area
There are two boat ramps at Saulsbury. One provides access to the Cedar River and the other to Chicken Creek. Chicken Creek also has an accessible fishing dock.
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Cabins at Deep Lakes Park
Cabins at Deep Lakes Park
Four cabins with varying amenities are available for rent. All cabins have heat and air conditioning, modern bathrooms with showers, and a kitchen with stove/oven, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker and toaster.
Cabin 1
This cabin overlooks Valentine Chute. It has one bedroom with a queen bed and a queen sleeper sofa in the living room. Cabin 1 sleeps a maximum of four.
Cabin 2
This cabin overlooks Valentine Chute. It has two bedrooms; one with a queen bed and one with a queen bed and a twin-over-twin bunk bed. The living room has a queen sleeper sofa. Cabin 2 sleeps a maximum of eight.
Cabin 3
This cabin overlooks Lake Patricia. It has one bedroom with a queen bed and a queen sleeper sofa in the living room. Cabin 1 sleeps a maximum of four.
Cabin 4
This cabin overlooks Lake Patricia. It has two bedrooms; one with a queen bed and one with a queen bed and a twin-over-twin bunk bed. The living room has a queen sleeper sofa. Cabin 2 sleeps a maximum of eight.
Click on the link below for more information on the Deep Lakes Park cabins.
http://muscatinecountyconservation.com/mccb-rentals/cabins/
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Camping at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area
The Main Campground at the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area has the following amenities
· 24 camping spurs
· Electrical hookups with 50-amp service
· Modern restrooms and showers
· Drinking water
· Dump station
· Firewood
· Playground
· Campground host
Campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, and on-site parking. Campsites are $25 per night. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. No reservations are taken.
The River Campground at the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area has the following amenities
· 9 camping spurs along the Cedar River
· Restrooms (vault toilets)
· Showers available in Main Campground
Campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, and on-site parking. Campsites are $20 per night. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. No reservations are taken.
There is a primitive camping area at the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area. Fees are $10 per night.
· Primitive environment, hike-in sites
· Tents only
· No vehicle parking at the campsite
· Limited picnic tables and fire rings
· Restrooms in Main Campground
· Showers available in Main Campground
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Canoeing & Kayaking at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area
CANOES
Ten canoes are available for float trips on the Cedar River in Muscatine County. Trips go from Jack Shuger Memorial Park in Moscow to the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area ( approximately 9 miles), where the Cedar River meanders through floodplain forests and Wiese Slough, a State-owned wildlife management area. It is typically wide and fairly shallow during the summer months. There is no white water and it is a safe and interesting stretch of the river for experienced and novice canoeists.
Trips may be scheduled Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays, May through September as river conditions allow. Fee includes canoe, paddles, and life jackets. We transport the canoes to the launch point in Jack Shuger Memorial Park. Canoeists are responsible for shuttling themselves between Jack Shuger Memorial Park and the Cedar River Boat Ramp in the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area. A minimum of four canoes must be rented for the trips.
Reservations required in advance (no later than the Wednesday before the trip date). Fee is $25/canoe for two people, no pets allowed.
Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays in May-September. Departure time is 9:00 am.
KAYAKS
We offer 12-foot kayaks and 10.5-foot kayaks. All are one person kayaks. They can be reserved with a deposit, then you pick up the kayak and take it to your destination. Kayaks can be rented for one or more days. A trailer is available for transportation of the kayaks. These are recreational kayaks with a larger opening and no skirting so getting in and out is easy. They are designed for easy paddling on lakes, ponds, streams and gentle rivers.
For rental rates, to check availability, or reserve kayaks contact the Conservation Board at (563) 264-5922 or conservation@co.muscatine.ia.us
Reservations required a minimum of 48 hours in advance of desired rental date.
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Canoeing & Kayaking at Deep Lakes Park
This 435-acre park includes over 120 acres of water in numerous small lakes and ponds.
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Education at Discovery Park
The Muscatine County Environmental Learning Center hosts a permanent exhibit, "Iowa's Changing Landscape," describing our changing landscape and how it affects native wildlife. There are also two large aquariums, temporary nature exhibits, and live snake, turtle, amphibian, and raptor displays. The Environmental Learning Center is home to the Conservation Board offices and has a large classroom that is available for businesses and organizations to rent for meetings. Two full-time naturalists are on staff to provide environmental education programs to schools, Scouts and other youth groups, civic organizations, and the public.
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Facility Rentals at Discovery Park
Discovery Park Picnic Shelters
Shelter #1 – Near the Environmental Learning Center
This Discovery Park shelter is located near the Environmental Learning Center. It features seating for 80-100 people, electricity (no lights), adjacent parking and a modern restroom (water available at the restroom). This shelter has green space for play and access to the trail system in the park. Fee to reserve: $40
Shelter #2 – Near the Playground & Harmony Lane Entrance
This Discovery Park shelter is near the Harmony Lane park entrance and is located adjacent to the new playground, making it a great location for birthday parties. This shelter has seating for 50-70 people. There is a modern restroom with flushing toilets nearby (seasonally, water is turned off from approximately October 15-April 15 each year).Fee to reserve: $40
Shelter #3 – Near Discovery Pond and the Cedar Street Entrance
This Discovery Park shelter is near the Cedar Street park entrance. This small shelter has seating for 15-20 people. It offers a beautiful view of Discovery Pond and is located on the Discovery Park trail system. There is a nice latrine nearby that is the only outdoor restroom at Discovery Park that is open year-round. Fee to reserve: $20
The Muscatine County Environmental Learning Center is home to the Conservation Board offices and has a large classroom that is available for businesses and organizations to rent for meetings. For prices and to check availability contact the Conservation Board at (563) 264-5922 or conservation@muscatinecountyiowa.gov
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Facility Rentals at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area
Saulsbury Lodge
Saulsbury Lodge is situated near the Cedar River at the foot of the old Saulsbury Bridge. It is available for rent year-round and offers indoor space for dining and relaxing as well as outdoor space for play and access to nature trails. Saulsbury Lodge is suitable for large picnics, family gatherings, or small wedding receptions. For prices and to check availability contact the Conservation Board at (563) 264-5922 or conservation@co.muscatine.ia.us
Chicken Creek Shelter #1
This shelter is near the park entrance in the Chicken Creek picnic area. It features seating for 60-80 people, electricity (no lights), upright grill and ground level fire ring, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pit and parking. The area also offers bank fishing, a handicapped accessible fishing dock, and boat ramp on Chicken Creek, playground and vault toilets. This shelter is available on a first-come, first served basis, if not otherwise rented. Rental fee is $25.
Boat Ramp Shelter #2
This shelter is near the Cedar Riverboat ramp. It features seating for 60-80 people, electricity (no lights), upright grill and ground level fire ring, horseshoe pit and parking. Nearby features include vault toilets and a campground. This shelter is available on a first-come, first served basis, if not otherwise rented. Rental fee is $25.
To check availability or reserve one of these shelters contact the Conservation Board at (563) 264-5922 or conservation@co.muscatine.ia.us
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FALL COLORS at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area
Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is a 675-acre park located just outside Muscatine. 601 acres are managed for wildlife and public hunting, 74-acres are maintained for multipurpose recreational use including picnicking, hiking, and camping. There are boat landings for the Cedar River, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, the reservable Saulsbury Lodge, and more!
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FALL COLORS at Discovery Park
Discovery Park is an excellent place to view fall colors. There is a combination of prairie, wetlands, ponds, and woodlands that offer a great variety of colors and textures. Hike the paved walking trail that winds past it all. In addition the Muscatine Arboretum features an excellent diversity of native trees.
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Fishing at Discovery Park
Discovery Park features two stocked ponds for fishing.
Discovery Pond has a handicap accessible fishing dock. Catfish, bluegill, bass, crappie, and redear sunfish can be found in Discovery Pond. Trout are also released each spring and fall.
Heron Hideaway Pond has a fishing dock, and catfish, bluegill, bass, crappie, and redear sunfish can be found in it.
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Fishing at Deep Lakes Park
This 435-acre park includes over 120 acres of deep clear water in numerous small lakes and ponds. The largest lake, Lake Chester, is 55 acres and has a boat landing, accessible fishing dock, and swimming beach. Bluegill, crappie, bass, and catfish can be found in the lakes and ponds. The lakes are trolling motor only.
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Fishing at McKeown Bridge River Access
Bank fishing on the Cedar River as well as a boat ramp.
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Fishing at Jack Shuger Memorial Park
Bank fishing on the Cedar River, as well as boat access.
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Fishing at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area
Bank fishing on the Cedar River and Chicken Creek as well as boat ramps on both.
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Historic Visits at Nye Cemetery
Nye Cemetery is a one-acre pioneer cemetery near Wildcat Den State Park. It is the final resting place for Benjamin Nye, the first settler in Muscatine County.
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Hunting at Pike Run Wildlife Area
Pike Run Wildlife Area is182 acres of rugged area that offers a variety of habitats featuring dense cover, wetlands, and woodlands. Pike Run runs through the northwest corner of the area.
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Hunting at Richardson Wildlife Area
Richardson Wildlife Area is 77 acres that was previously farmed, but is reverting to a more natural state. Habitat improvement projects, including food plots, make this an attractive area for hunting.
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Hunting at Cedar Bluffs Recreation Area
Cedar Bluffs Recreation Area is 176 acres on high ground near the Cedar River valley. It offers a mixture of upland and woodland habitats. This area has some very hilly terrain. Hunting opportunities abound for turkey, deer, pheasant, squirrel, and rabbit.
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Hunting at Shield Prairie
Much of Shield Prairie's 80 acres has never been plowed. Previous owners over seeded the area with cool season grasses for livestock forage. Nearly 30 years of protection have allowed native plants to begin to reestablish themselves. Shield Prairie is owned by the Iowa DNR and managed by the Muscatine County Conservation Board. It was the first area purchased in Iowa with donations through the “Chickadee Check-Off” program.
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Hunting at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area
The Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is a 675-acre recreation area that includes 74 acres maintained for multipurpose recreational use and 601 acres managed for wildlife and public hunting.
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Other Activities at Discovery Park
Muscatine Arboretum is located in Discovery Park, and is operated by the Muscatine Arboretum Association.
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Picnicking at Discovery Park
Discovery Park Shelter #1- Near the Environmental Learning Center
This large open picnic shelter is located near the Environmental Learning Center. It features seating for 80-100 people, electricity (no lights), adjacent parking and a modern restroom. There is green space for play and access to the trail system in the park. This shelter is available on a first-come, first served basis, if not otherwise rented. Rental fee is $40.
Discovery Park Shelter #2- Near the Playground and Harmony Lane Entrance
This shelter has seating for 50-70 people. There is a modern restroom nearby with flushing toilets. Rental fee is $40.
Discovery Park Shelter #3 - Near Discovery Pond and the Cedar Street Entrance
This small open picnic shelter is located near the park entrance. It features seating for 15-20 people. Parking is available and a portable toilet is nearby. The shelter is near Discovery Pond and offers access to the trail system in the park. This shelter is available on a first-come, first served basis, if not otherwise rented. Rental fee is $20.
To check availability or reserve one of these shelters contact the Conservation Board at (563) 264-5922 or conservation@muscatinecountyiowa.gov
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Picnicking at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area
Chicken Creek Shelter #1
This shelter is near the park entrance in the Chicken Creek picnic area. It features seating for 60-80 people, electricity (no lights), upright grill and ground level fire ring, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pit and parking. The area also offers bank fishing, a handicapped accessible fishing dock, and boat ramp on Chicken Creek, playground and vault toilets. This shelter is available on a first-come, first served basis, if not otherwise rented. Rental fee is $20.
Boat Ramp Shelter #2
This shelter is near the Cedar Riverboat ramp. It features seating for 60-80 people, electricity (no lights), upright grill and ground level fire ring, horseshoe pit and parking. Nearby features include vault toilets and a campground. This shelter is available on a first-come, first served basis, if not otherwise rented. Rental fee is $20.
To check availability or reserve one of these shelters contact the Conservation Board at (563) 264-5922 or conservation@muscatinecountyiowa.gov
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Picnicking at Jack Shuger Memorial Park
Jack Shuger Memorial Park Shelter
This large open shelter has seating for 50-60 people. Nearby features include a large playground, drinking water, and vault toilets. This shelter is available on a first-come, first served basis, if not otherwise reserved. Rental fee is $20.
To check on availability or reserve this shelter contact the Conservation Board at (563) 264-5922 or conservation@co.muscatine.ia.us
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Swimming at Deep Lakes Park
There is a designated swimming beach on Lake Chester. All swimming must be in the marked boundary. Alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed on the beach. Swimming is at your own risk-no lifeguards on duty.
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Trails & Hiking at Discovery Park
Discovery Park has 1.5 miles of hard-surfaced trails, and 2 miles of primitive trails. Guests are allowed to walk, jog, or ride on the trails. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after. The trail winds through the park, passing two ponds, the Old Barn and goes through the Muscatine Arboretum.
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Trails & Hiking at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area
There are approximately six miles of primitive trails in the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area.
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