Activities

 
Cabins Cabins at Martins Access
Martin Access offers four modern cabins for rent.
EACH SMALL CABIN INCLUDES:
  • Heating/Air conditioning
  • Full bath
  • Two queen-size bunk beds (Sleeps 4)
  • Table and bench seating
  • Microwave
  • Fridge
  • Coffeemaker
  • Outside grill
  • Fire ring
  • Picnic table
  • Access to 300 acres of outdoor paradise!

LARGE CABIN INCLUDES:

  • Heating/Air conditioning
  • Full bath
  • 6 queen-size beds in 3 bedrooms (Sleeps 12)
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Fridge
  • Coffeemaker
  • Outside grill
  • Fire ring
  • Picnic table
  • Access to 300 acres of outdoor paradise!
Cabins Cabins at River Road Conservation Area

River Road Conservation Area is home to Uncle Tom's Cabin, which is a riverside cabin.

It includes:

  • 2 queen size beds
  • Full kitchen
  • Dining area
  • Bathroom
  • Dishes
  • Cement pad
  • Fire ring
  • Stand up grill

 

You can't beat the view! 
Cabins Cabins at Silver Sioux Recreation Area

Silver Sioux Lodge was a warming house for a sled hill. It has since been remodeled into an overnight facility that includes:

  • Indoor wood stove
  • Heating/Air conditioning
  • Full bath
  • 8 full-size beds in 3 bedrooms (Sleeps 16)
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Fridge
  • Coffeemaker
  • Dishes and seating for 24 people
  • Outside grill
  • Fire ring
  • Picnic table
  • Access to outdoor paradise! 
Camping Camping at Silver Sioux Recreation Area

There are both modern and primitive campsites: 

Modern: $30/night

  • 19 sites available (4 reservable)
  • Water and Sewer Hookups
  • 50 amp

Modern: $20/night

  • 12 sites available (6 reservable)
  • Water and Electric (50 amp)
  • pull through gravel

Primitive: $10/night

  • Water pump and vault toilet 
  • Shelter 

All sites have access to the shower house and bathroom 

 
Camping Camping at Stieneke Area

Stieneke offers 5 primitive sites, each with a fire ring and picnic table. There is also a group shelter that can be used. 

 

Primitive Camping: $10/night
Camping Camping at Ranney Knob Area

Ranney Knob has 3 large primitive campsites, each with a shelterhouse and fire ring. Close by, there is a vault toilet at water pump.

 

Primitive Camping: $10/night
Camping Camping at Larson Lake
Larson lake has 5 primitive campsites that are right next to our 5 acre lake. Each have a shelter/picnic table and fire ring. Close by, you will find water pumps, a vault toilet, and a group shelter with stand up grills and a larger fire pit!
Camping Camping at Martins Access
martins1

Modern and Primitive campsites can be found at Martin's Access!

Modern Sites: South Gate

  • 16 sites available
  • Water, Sewer, and Electric (50 amp)
  • Access to shower house and bathroom
  • Playground and partially enclosed shelter 

Primitive Sites: North Gate

  • You can find 24 sites in 4 camping areas
  • Handicap accessible vault toilets and water pumps are available throughout the park 
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Barnes Access
Barnes Access is an excellent drop in/take out point! Drop in at Martin's Access for a 3 mile float to Barnes Access or drop in at Barnes Access and paddle to Mill Creek Bridge Access for a 6 mile float.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Martins Access
The Inkpaduta Canoe Trail on the Little Sioux runs from Spencer, in Clay County, Iowa, to Smithland, in southern Woodbury County. This span of river is approximately 134 miles in length. The Trail area is characterized by safe, convenient public access areas in each county. Martin Access is one of those access areas.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Redtail Ridge Habitat Area
Redtail Ridge has a new river access! Put your water vessel in at Mill Creek Bridge Access for a 10.5 mile float to Redtail Ridge or put in at Redtail Ridge for a 2.9 mile float to Silver Sioux or a 10.8 mile float to Stieneke Area! A beautiful river float along the Inkpaduta trail!
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Stieneke Area
Stieneke is riverside and has a river access! Hop on the river at Stieneke and end at Washta Access (in another county) for a 9 mile float or jump in at Redtail Ridge or Silver Sioux for a similar float to Stieneke! The beautiful Inkpaduta river trail is not one to be missed!
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Silver Sioux Recreation Area

At Silver Sioux, you can hop on the Inkpaduta River Trail on the Little Sioux River. 

Float to Stieneke Area for a beautiful 2 hour float (7.9 river miles)
Equestrian Activities Equestrian Activities at Martins Access

Martin Access includes five miles of marked horseback riding trails. 

The trails wind through woodlands and prairies, crossing small streams and bringing riders near to the banks of the Little Sioux River. Riders will enjoy beautiful views and the quiet of birdsong and the wind in the trees.

Due to the steep terrain and rare plant communities within the park, horses will not be permitted on trails during wet conditions, nor may they be ridden off-trail or on trails marked with "no horses" signs. Riders that do not comply will be asked to leave, and may be assessed a $50 fine for each offense
Facility Rentals Facility Rentals at Martins Access

There are 4 cabins and a partially enclosed shelter house that are available for rent

3 small cabins: $90/night 

1 large family cabin: $190/night

Partially Enclosed Shelter: $50/day
FALL COLORS FALL COLORS at Martins Access
Martin's Access is 300 acres of prairie, river-side view, and timber land with over 5.5 miles of footpaths and 2.5 miles of road. The diverse flora and trees make autumn beautiful in Cherokee County!
FALL COLORS FALL COLORS at River Road Conservation Area
River Road Conservation Area has many species of trees that turn beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow during the autumn months! Check out the sunset and changing colors over the river when staying at Uncle Tom's Cabin! It's a once-in-a-lifetime sight you will never forget!
FALL COLORS FALL COLORS at Silver Sioux Recreation Area
Silver Sioux is 160 acres of diverse timber and prairie. With over 2 miles of walking paths, the trails have 2 swinging bridges, an interpretive trail with brochure, and a breathtaking outlook over the campground and beautiful colors of the changing autumn! The outlook has benches to sit and rest while enjoying the flora and fauna found in Cherokee County! The bird blind also gives you the opportunity to view nature!
Fishing Fishing at Soo Access
Soo Access provides riverside fishing. The Little Sioux River flows inside this park, where you can find Walleye, Catfish, and Northern Pike. 
Fishing Fishing at Silver Sioux Recreation Area
Silver Sioux is right next to the Little Sioux River where you will find Northern Pike, Walleye, and Catfish.
Fishing Fishing at Stieneke Area
Stieneke is along the Little Sioux River, where you can find Walleye, Catfish, and Northern Pike
Fishing Fishing at Martins Access
martins fishing

The Little Sioux River is a slow (gradient of about 2 ft/mile)river that winds through glacial hills and plains from near the Minnesota/Iowa border to its mouth at the Missouri River near the town of Little Sioux. This river drains the largest watershed of any tributary of the Missouri River in Iowa.

Primary Game Species:

  • Walleye
  • Catfish
  • Northern Pike
Fishing Fishing at Larson Lake
In Larson Lake, you can find bullhead, catfish, bass, along with carp and sunfish within the 5 acre lake
Fishing Fishing at Redtail Ridge Habitat Area
Redtail Ridge is along the Little Sioux River where you can find Walleye, Northern Pike, and Catfish
Fishing Fishing at River Road Conservation Area
River Road Conservation Area has several spots for fishing, river and pond! The Little Sioux River flows directly next to this area where you can find Northern Pike, catfish, and walleye. There are also 2 ponds that can be fished on the property.
Fishing Fishing at Pearse Access
With prime river access, Pearse is a great river fishing area
Fishing Fishing at Ranney Knob Area
Ranney Knob is right next to the Little Sioux River, where you would find catfish, Northern Pike, and Walleye. 
Hunting Hunting at Ranney Knob Area
Ranney Knob has132 acres of timber and grasslands
Hunting Hunting at Prescott Prairie
Prescott Prairie is 6 acres of native prairie
Hunting Hunting at River Road Conservation Area
River Road Conservation Area is 60 acres of grasslands and timber, perfect for hunting
Hunting Hunting at Redtail Ridge Habitat Area
Redtail Ridge offers 217 acres of timber and grassland, perfect for deer, pheasants, turkeys, and more!
Hunting Hunting at Barnes Access
On 9 acres, you can hunt for deer, pheasants, turkeys, and small game!
Hunting Hunting at Brewer Prairie
On 9.3 acres of prairie, you could find small game and pheasants. 
Hunting Hunting at Harold Clark Area
Harold Clark Area is accessible through Pearse Access, but is 33 acres of hunting ground.
Hunting Hunting at Heinl-Johnson-Meyer Area
Heinl-Johnson-Meyer Area is 33 acres of woodland that would be great for hunting
Hunting Hunting at Martins Access
martins hunting

Hunting is permitted from Youth Deer Season in September through Spring Turkey Seasons in May. Access during the winter months is usually limited to walk-in only. 

Species found include:

  • Whitetail Deer
  • Turkey
  • Pheasants
  • Smaller game
Hunting Hunting at Meriden Roadside Park
Meriden Roadside Park is 16 acres of prairie and timber
Hunting Hunting at Nelson Access
Nelson Area is 8.75 acres of near riverside timber
Hunting Hunting at Pearse Access
Pearse Access is nestled in between Harold-Clark Area and River Road Conservation Area, all three being hunted. Pearse is 14 acres, but all three areas combined is 107 acres
Hunting Hunting at Stieneke Area
Stieneke Area is 15.5 acres of grasslands and timber
Hunting Hunting at T.H. Steele Prairie State Preserve
Steele Prairie is 200 acres of virgin prairie that is home to many different types of wildlife
Hunting Hunting at Silver Sioux Recreation Area

Silver Sioux is home to turkeys, pheasants, deer, and smaller game in its 160 acres of woodlands and prairies.

 

Hunting is allowed October 1st- April 30th.
Hunting Hunting at Maple River Area
Maple River Area is 7.9 acres of riverside timber
Picnicking Picnicking at Silver Sioux Recreation Area
At each campsite, you will find a picnic table and at the primitive sites there are shelter houses which can be day-use. We also have a barn that is first come, first served when not reserved (Can be reserved for $150/day). Inside the barn, you will find seating for up to 300 people.
Picnicking Picnicking at Stieneke Area
Stieneke is a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic inside the new group shelter!
Picnicking Picnicking at Martins Access
 Martin's offers multiple small picnic shelters and one large group shelter for your day-use picnic needs.

There are also two scenic picnic areas with shelters located atop hurricane hill prairie.
Picnicking Picnicking at Larson Lake
Each campsite has a smaller shelter that can be used for a picnic along the lake. On the west side of the lake, there is a larger picnic shelter that can seat 32 people. For convenience, there is also a prep table and stand up grill.
Picnicking Picnicking at Ranney Knob Area
With 3 shelter houses, Ranney Knob is a great day use park! With grasslands and timber, nature can surround you while you enjoy a picnic
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Redtail Ridge Habitat Area
Redtail Ridge has multiple trails through timber, where you can find animals, mushrooms, native flowers, and more!
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at River Road Conservation Area
River Road Conservation Area has 1.5 miles of trails along the 60 acres. See grasslands and timber as you hike by the pond and watch the wildlife.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Larson Lake
Along the east and south sides of the lake, you will find a short mowed trail.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Martins Access
The trails wind through woodlands and prairies, crossing small streams and bringing riders near to the banks of the Little Sioux River. Riders will enjoy beautiful views and the quiet of birdsong and the wind in the trees.

  • 5.3 miles of foot trails
  • 2.4 miles of road
  • Day-use Equestrian Trails
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Silver Sioux Recreation Area
With 3 miles of trails, you can easily get enthralled within the beauty of the woodland and prairies. You will see wildlife, wildflowers, mushrooms, and more! Travel over our 2 swinging bridges and peek over the edge at the creek running below you!
Winter Activities Winter Activities at River Road Conservation Area
River Road Conservation Area has 1.5 miles of Cross Country Skiing along the 60 acres. Maintained and groomed when there is enough snow.
Winter Activities Winter Activities at Redtail Ridge Habitat Area
Redtail ridge has a mile of cross country skiing trails that are groomed and maintained as long as there is enough snow