Jones County Parks – A Breath of Fresh Air!

Jones County is crossed by the Maquoketa and Wapsipinicon Rivers that provide abundant parks, wildlife areas, trails, and recreational activities.  Central Park, with a newly renovated 25-acre lake and 7-acre pond, features camping, trails, fishing/boating and a nature center.  There are also many local area parks offering playgrounds, hiking and a great chance for a Breath of Fresh Air. Plan a visit to our parks!

Wapsipinicon State Park – Anamosa, Iowa

This park features 400 acres of beauty. Located on county road E-34 in the southwest corner of Anamosa along the Wapsipinicon River, the park boasts modern campsites, some with electrical hookups.

The grounds include a shower building (warm weather only), complete with basins, flush toilets and showers. Trails are available for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing.

The Wapsipinicon Country Club is a nine-hole golf course tucked between the scenic bluffs and the Wapsipinicon River. It features very tough rolling hills. The course is laid out over 2,990 yards. Carts are available. Call (319) 462-3930 for more information.

The park features fishing and a boat launch into the river. The park features two caves: Ice Cave, feel the cool air as you enter, and Horse Thief Cave, which at one time was used to hide stolen horses. There are pavilions for rent for all types of occasions.

Call (319) 462-2761 for rental or more information.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Campsites
• Picnic Areas
• Shelters
• Golf Course
• Playground

PICTURED ROCKS PARK – Monticello, Iowa

Just 5 miles south of Monticello, 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. The terrain makes it ideal for the smallmouth bass fisherman, canoeist, climber, deer and turkey hunter, woodland wildflower enthusiast, and hiker.  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.   Picnic shelters, restrooms, playground equipment, and a boat ramp are available. No reservations are necessary.  Visit Picture Rocks Park online.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Campsites
• Caves
• Maquoketa River Access
• Primitive restroom facilities
• Hiking
• Picnic Shelters

CENTRAL PARK – Center Junction, Iowa

Located near the center of Jones County, Central Park houses the administrative offices of the Jones County Conservation Board.  This 297-acre park includes a 25-acre lake with good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish for those who enjoy fishing.     Around five miles of hiking trails transverse the woodlands, restored prairie, and wetland habitat.     A new playground area, swimming beach, sand volleyball court, and horseshoe pits are all close to the enclosed pavilion which is a popular reunion location.       Central Park has modern, semi-modern, electric, primitive camping, and camping cabins available from April 15 – October 15.   Primitive camping is available year-round.  – Visit Central Park online. 

The Jones County Nature Center draws thousands of visitors each year.  Public educational programs are given almost every Saturday from Memorial – Labor Day Weekend.  Upcoming programs are posted at the nature center, with the campground hosts, and in the campground kiosks.  The Nature Center is open from 1 – 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day thru Labor Day Weekend.

Call (563) 487-3541 for more information.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• 100 Campsites
• 25-Acre Lake, 7-Acre Pond
• Nature Center – with many events held each week!
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Paddle boating.
• Trails
• Picnic Pavilions

There are also many local area parks offering playgrounds, hiking and a Breath of Fresh Air.