McFarlane Park
McFarlane Park has seen many changes since it was established in 1955 as a State Conservation Commission wildlife habitat area of 75 acres. Black Hawk County Conservation acquired land adjacent to the state area in 1959 and in 1965 accepted management of the state area. This brought the total to 150 acres.
The area has been called different names including LaPorte City Access, Husman Riffles, and Indian Hills. To alleviate confusion between the names of the state and county areas, the entire park is now named after a local conservationist, Arch McFarlane.
The rolling topography of terraces and floodplain is heavily timbered. The timber provides shade for park visitors and habitat for wildlife. The eastern portion, owned by the state, provides a place to hunt. The western developed part, owned by the county, is closed to hunting. A newly built wetland surrounded by prairie greets the visitor as they enter the park from King Rd.
Special regulations as posted are in effect. Wolf Creek and the Cedar River form the park’s northern boundary.
Over two miles of walking trails will lead you on a trek through the park where wildlife, trees, woodland flowers and scenic meadows await you. The park is also located adjacent to the popular Cedar Valley Nature Trail.
Location
McFarlane Park is located 20 miles southeast of the Waterloo/Cedar Falls metro area and 45 miles north of the Cedar Rapids metro area.
From Waterloo-Cedar Falls follow US 218 south to La Porte City and follow park signs through town.
From Cedar Rapids follow I-380 N / IA 27 N to Exit 55 on CRV65. Travel 1 mile and turn right onto Brandon Road/CR-D48. Follow this 5 miles and keep left at the fork to continue on Brandon Road/CR-D48 another 2 miles when the road becomes 8th Street. Turn left onto N. Spruce St. for .03 miles, turn left onto Bishop Road for 1.9 miles, turn left onto King Road for .02 miles to the park entrance.
Features
- 150 acres total
- 62 acres hunting
- Blacktop roads
- Wetland
- Boat ramp
- 64 electrical campsites in the main campground (28 reservable)
- WiFi in Campground
- Playground
- Modern restrooms and shower house
- Efficiency cabin (reservable)
- Large open shelter (reservable)
- Basketball, volleyball and horseshoes available
- Group campground
- Extensive hiking trails
- Picnic areas with tables and grills
- Cedar Valley Nature Trail at the entrance to the park
States hunting and fishing regulations
Operating Hours & Seasons
Contact Us:
McFarlane Park13619 King Road
LaPorte City, IA 50651
(319) 342-3844
conservation@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov
McFarlane Park hours are 6am to 10:30pm.
Campgrounds close on December 1st and will reopen when weather permits in the spring.
