Boating at Eby's Mill River Access
River enthusiasts heading downriver from Pictured Rocks can now take out at the new Eby's Mill River Access, located on the east side of the Eby's Mill Road, just downstream of the bridge, on the left side of the river.
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Boating at Stone City Boat Ramp
The Stone City Access is a one acre access on the Wapsipinicon River in Stone City. Canoeists can enjoy the solitude and beauty of the limestone bluffs, cliffs and wooded shorelines.
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Cabins at Central Park
The Jones County Conservation Board has two rental cabins located side by side at Central Park. These cabins are on the campground side of Central Park and overlook the lake. They provide a great opportunity for those who would like to camp but don't want to worry about the wind or rain.
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Camping at Central Park
Enjoy camping at Central Park with modern, semi modern and primitive camping available on a first come first serve basis. Park hours 4:30 AM - 10:30 PM. Quiet hours 9 PM - 8 AM.
Camping available April 15 - October 15 weather permitting.
Check out the Camping Availability to find what sites are available before you go to Central Park. Updates are provided Thursday-Sunday during the camping season.
Central Park Campground Map
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Canoeing & Kayaking at Central Park
This 297 acre park includes a 25 acre lake as well as a 7 acre pond. Paddleboat and kayak rentals are available Thursday - Sunday starts at 10 am and must have rentals back in at 7:30 pm from Memorial Day - Labor Day weather permitting. (Life jackets are provided with the rentals) Paddleboat and Kayak Rentals are $10/hour or $5/half hour. Visit the Camp Host located across the road from the beach for rental and payment.
Otherwise, bring your own kayak or canoe and enjoy a leisurely float around the picturesque lake.
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Canoeing & Kayaking at Pictured Rocks
People today enjoy the river by water and from shore. The Maquoketa River has several public river access points in Jones County including the Mon Maq Dam Access, Pictured Rocks, Indian Bluffs, Hwy 136 Access, and Supples Access.
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Education at Central Park
The Central Park Nature Center has several educational displays, hands on activities and live animal exhibits which can be viewed weekdays Monday - Friday. It is also the main office for the Jones County Conservation Board. It is recommended to call the office at ph:563-487-3541 to ensure it is open since off site programs and outdoor activities may require closing the Nature Center for short periods of time.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day the Nature Center is open from 1 PM - 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Education at Hamilton Tapken Prairie Preserve
This 80 acre site includes many rare and uncommon species of prairie flowers and grasses and is managed as a prairie preserve open to hunting. Preservation and enhancement of the sites rare plant and animal communities are a primary goal of future management. The area is also priceless in terms of educational opportunities for local school groups and anyone interested in learning more about Iowa’s native landscape.
Hamilton Tapken Prairie Preserve Map
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Facility Rentals at Central Park
The enclosed pavilion near the beach at Central Park and the 2 cabins located on the south side of the lake are available to reserve.
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FALL COLORS at Eby's Mill Wildlife Area
This large scenic tract of 525 acres along the Maquoketa River is within ¼ mile of the IDNR’s Indian Bluffs/Pictured Rocks Wildlife Management Areas.
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FALL COLORS at Central Park
Located near the center of Jones County, this 297 acre park includes a 25 acre lake as well as a 7 acre pond. Both have good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish for those who enjoy fishing. Around five miles of hiking trails traverse the woodlands, restored prairie, and wetland habitat.
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FALL COLORS at Whitewater Canyon
This 562 acre wildlife management area of forest, upland, and riparian habitats is located just 5 miles east of Cascade in extreme northeast Jones County. Watch for and follow the familiar brown arrowhead directional signs as you travel east on Hwy 151.
For Dubuque County Conservation, this area was purchased from Cliff and Jennie Waller through the cooperation of the state and federal agencies, a REAP grant, Habitat Stamp funds, and donations from private citizens/wildlife groups. An additional 140 acre tract from Dick and Arlene Henneberry was purchased by the Jones County Conservation Board and is referred to as Lost Canyon. (Both Dubuque and Jones County Conservation Departments partner in preserving this wildlife area.)
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Fishing at Hale Wildlife Area
Hale Wildlife Area includes 8 wetlands and 6 Ponds. Three of the wetlands or catch basins were constructed upstream from ponds to improve water quality and add diversity for wildlife. The ponds are stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie and channel catfish. The area is walk in only, no motorized vehicles.
Hale Wildlife Area Map
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Fishing at Oxford Junction Wildlife Area
This public area emerged from the Wapsipinicon River floodplain because the river has a habit of leaving its banks.
561 acres; 3/4 grassland, 1/4 timber/wetlands
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Fishing at Central Park
This 297 acre park includes a 25 acre lake and a 7 acre pond. Both have good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish for those who enjoy fishing.
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Hunting at Eby's Mill Wildlife Area
Dolomite rock outcrops, bluffs, and scenic river views dominate this predominately wooded area. Over the years, the Bruggeman family used timber stand improvement management on this site, encouraging a high quality woodland community dominated by oak, hickory, and walnut. One 18 acre walnut planting was added in 1989. Some areas of the woodlands include hard maples and linden trees. The area is open to hunting, hiking, bird watching and cross country skiing
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Hunting at Hale Wildlife Area
This undeveloped 260 acre natural area accessible by foot includes areas for hunting, ponds that are stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Channel Catfish and 2.7 miles of hiking trails. The restored ponds, wetlands, and prairie, as well as a small wooded draw, provide vital habitat and recreational opportunities. The area is walk-in only, no motorized vehicles.
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Other Activities at Pictured Rocks
Pictured Rocks is cooperatively managed by the Jones County Conservation Board and the Iowa DNR. Jones County manages about 70 acres, which includes the area open to rappeling and rock climbing on the map. The Iowa DNR manages in excess of 1,000 acres as a wildlife management area, open to hunting, fishing, paddling and hiking.
ROCK CLIMBING
Getting to know Pictured Rocks: Collin’s Wall is right at the parking lot. Gumby Wall is left of Collin’s Wall, it is the wall and detatched pillar which can be seen right before you take your left into the parking lot on the left side. Chicago Wall can be reached by going to the right instead of left. The rest of the walls are accessed from the main trail as you walk farther into the park. Due to the steep narrow road leading down into Pictured Rocks a gate is closed and locked at the beginning of the winter season. Contact the Jones County Ranger at (563)487-5038 for more specific information on gate closure dates. Pictured Rocks Climbing Map
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Picnicking at Pictured Rocks
Pictured Rocks has picnic tables as well as an open air shelter to enjoy a picnic or find a shady spot and lay down a blanket.
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Picnicking at Oxford Mills
A large picnic shelter provides a nice resting and picnic site. This area includes a primitive restroom facility.
A paddling access to the Wapsipinicon River is available with a paved ramp at the west/upstream edge of the property.
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Picnicking at Central Park
Central Park has several picnic tables throughout the park as well as an open air shelter to enjoy a picnic. Explore the many trails, play at the playground, swim by the beach or visit the Nature Center. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the ADA sidewalk and step out onto the new fishing pier.
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Swimming at Central Park
Located near the center of Jones County, this 297 acre park includes a 25 acre lake (newly renovated) as well as a 7 acre pond. A playground area, swimming beach and sand volleyball court are near the enclosed pavilion next to the 25 acre lake. The beach is open to the public for enjoyment but no life guard is on duty. Swimming is at your own risk and children should be with an adult when near the beach / water area.
Paddleboats and kayaks are available for rent Thursday - Sunday for $5/half hour and $10/hour. Visit the Camp Host (located across the road and up from the beach in the modern campground) to pay and reserve during those times.
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Trails & Hiking at Central Park
Central Park has many trails to enjoy on your next visit. You will be able to see an abundance of wildlife, trees, grasses and beauty along the various paths.
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Trails & Hiking at Pictured Rocks
Hiking trails transverse the undeveloped hardwood forest at Pictured Rocks and the adjacent state preserve, Indian Bluffs. Several small caves along the bluff face attract spelunkers from across Iowa. This 1,138 acre wildlife management area can be found along the banks of the Maquoketa River. It is named for the steep limestone bluffs that enclose the narrow river valley.
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Trails & Hiking at Scotch Grove Prairie
Once farmland, this area has become 69 acres of restored prairie and seasonal wetlands. The project was undertaken in 1999 by the Twin Rivers chapter of Pheasants Forever and is now owned and managed by the Jones County Conservation Board. Author of a “Prairie Reunion” and native resident, Barb Scot, sold these 69 acres at a discounted price with the agreement that the area be restored to tall grass prairie.
Scotch Grove Prairie Trails Map
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Trails & Hiking at Whitewater Canyon
Whitewater Canyon and Wildlife Management Area is cooperatively managed by the Dubuque and Jones County Conservation Boards. This area features a large parking lot, interpretive signage, and a hiking trail system. Scenic overlooks and vistas as well as several caves and rock shelters await to be discovered. Those willing to work can enjoy hunting and stream fishing. Winter opportunities include snowshoeing and cross country skiing on ungroomed trails.
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Winter Activities at Central Park
Dress warm and spend some time ice fishing in the newly renovated 25 lake or the 7 acre back pond. Both are stocked and ready for fishing opportunities. Remember snowshoes are available for use within Central Park. Schedule a time to checkout a pair of snowshoes from the Jones County Naturalist and try your snowshoeing skills. Some areas within the park work well for cross country skiing. Bring your own skis and give it a try.
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