Nature Parks and Attractions

Dickinson County Recreational Trails
175th St. & 240th Ave

These trails wind throughout the Iowa Great Lakes Region and are excellent avenues for bikers, hikers, runners, cross country skiers and snowmobiles. The Spine trail is 14 miles, accommodating two-way traffic winding through the picturesque scenery of the Iowa great lakes. The trail traverses through practically every natural habitat within Dickinson County. The trail system is a safe place for family or solitary enjoyment as the path winds along rural, community and nature areas. Trailhead parking areas are available at: Milford (13th St. & P ave.), Arnolds Park (1/4 Mile east of U.S. 71 on Emerald Rd. And Lower Gar State Park), Okoboji (175th St. & 240th Ave.) Spirit Lake (23rd St. & Lincoln Ave.). Facilities along the trail include resting/viewing benches, information kiosk displays, bathrooms, and picnic areas.

Abbie Gardner Cabin
Monument Drive, (one block west of Arnold's Park)
Phone: 712- 332-7248

The Gardner Cabin was first known as one of the sites of the 1857 "Spirit Lake Massacre" and later became one of Iowa's first tourist attractions. The Cabin thus serves as a reminder of one of Iowa's tragic Frontier events. Here you can learn the dramatic stories of Abbie Gardner and the Dakota leader, Inkpaduta. The State Historical Society of Iowa owns and preserves the Gardner Cabin and Museum.

Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Area
(Hwy 276)
Phone: 515-281-5918

Located about 4 mi north of Spirit Lake, and 12 miles southwest of Arnolds Park on Hwy 276, this 160 acre prairie is a National Natural Landmark and among the finest remaining examples of Iowa's historic landscape.

Caylor Prairie State Preserve
(6 miles west of Spirit Lake on Hwy 9 and 2 miles south on a country graveled road)

This beautiful area is designated as a State Botanical Preserve and Wildlife Management Area. A parking lot is provided along the county road on the southwest side of the prairie.

Kenue Park
(170th street, one mile W of Hwy 71)

Within this park, you will find meadows, oak savanna forest, and a spectacular overlook from the top of a glacial kame- a large bluff remaining of a river running into a glacial hole. Centrally located in the heart of Dickinson County, this park has picnic areas, nature trails, a physical fitness course, and modern bathrooms.

Horseshoe Bend County Wildlife Preserve
3 mi S of Milford on Hwy. 71 and 3 mi W on 240th st.
Phone: 712-338-4786

This 180-acre preserve offers an extensive trail system winding through river valley of the Little Sioux River, and upland forests, meadows, marshes, and oxbow ponds. These diverse habitats are host to a number of creatures including deer, beaver, woodpeckers, songbirds, and hawks. Facilities include a "warming shelter" with a spectacular river valley outlook, a playground featuring a huge 40' enclosed tube slide, wildlife-viewing blind, aesthetic footbridges spanning the river, modern bathroom facilities, and a picnic area.

Judd Wildlife Area
1 mi W of Highway 71 on 240th St. (south of Milford),
1 mi S on 210th Ave., and 1 mi W on 250th St.

Another recent addition, this 136-acre wildlife area is a wonderful destination for an enlightening and enjoyable nature hike. Located along the Little Sioux River, this area includes large open meadows, a winding prairie stream, and a softwood forest along the water's edge. Prairie birds such as Bobolonks, Dickcissels, and Grasshopper Sparrows are numerous, along with many other species of wildlife.

Gull Point State Park
1500 Harpen Street
Milford, IA 51351
Located 2 1/2 miles southwest of Spirit Lake, Hwy 9
Phone: 712-337-3211

This park on West Okoboji Lake is a perfect place to spend a few hours or a whole day! Hiking trails are well-maintained, winding their way through Burr Oak forest and marshes. Gull Point's beach provides a fine place for young and old to sunbathe and splash in the crystal clear water. West Okoboji and the many other lakes are some of the prime fishing spots in Iowa.

Westport Park
9 mi W of Milford on A 34,
1 mile S on M27,
1 mi W on gravel

This county gravel pit has been converted into a fishing pond and picnic area. Small stands of ancient cottonwoods show evidence of active beavers, along with other aquatic plant and animal life. This pond once produced a state record bass!

Orleans Beach
Hwy. 327 (1/2 mile east of Hwy. 276 junction)

Bordering the Big Spirit Lake spillway and across from the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery, this park offers a long sand beach complete with an off-shore diving platform.

Superior Marsh
2 1/2 mi N of Hwy. 71 on N-22 (W of Superior)

This recent addition is a fine example of marsh and upland meadow habitat within the Swan Lake watershed. This area currently has a parking area, but no facilities of trails are yet available.

Freda Haffner Kettlehole Preserve
210th Street, two miles west of Hwy. 86 (turn at Shuck's Bait and Tackle.)

Kettle holes are formed when a chunk of a receding glacier breaks off and melts slowly in place. The result is a steep-sided bowl-shaped depression with a pond due to snow and rain accumulation (no water outlet or inlet). To the west is a breath-taking view of the Little Sioux River valley. This is a very unique feature formed 12,500 years ago.

The Tom Grein Memorial Audubon Sanctuary

Denver street; on the E side of the 2400 block, in Spirit Lake. Webster's Dictionary defines a sanctuary as: "a place of refuge or protection." This definition is appropriate for this natural area located within the city of Spirit Lake. The small park is dedicated to nature appreciation with winding footpaths passing through many types of wildflower and brush/tree plantings. You need not plan a big trip to "get away from it all", and this sanctuary proves it.

Twin Forks Wildlife Area
1 Mi S of Hwy. 9 on 170th Ave. (M-38)

This wildlife area covering the area around the junction Dugout Creek and the Little Sioux River is a great place to explore nature and observe wildlife. There are no established trails.

Public Parks

The following are just a few of the many public parks by the lake that provide perfect settings for family gatherings or romantic picnics.

Gull Point State Park 1500 Harpen st. Wahpeton, IA 51351 712-337-3870 Summer 712-337-3211 Winter	Emerson Bay State Park 3100 Emerson street, Okoboji, IA 51351 712-337-3805 Summer 712-337-3211 Winter
Pikes Point NE Shore W. Okoboji Lake 712-337-3805 Summer 712-337-3211 Winter	Elinor Bedell State Park On Highway M56 Spirit Lake, IA 51360 712-337-3870 Summer 712-337-3211 Winter
Marble Beach State Parks West side of Big Spirit Lake 3200 Hwy. 276 Spirit Lake, IA 51360 712-336-4437 Summer 712-337-3211 Winter