
Lake Red Rock
Eagles soaring, crappie fishing, bike trails, camping under the stars and hours of recreation await you at Iowa’s largest lake: Lake Red Rock. Climb to the top of the Cordova Tower and enjoy a day at the beach.
Schedule of Events
Here's what's coming up:
- Bald Eagle Day Sat Mar 3, 2012
- Pella Cycling Club Tour de Rock Sat Sep 8, 2012
Attractions
Things you wont' want to miss:
- "Stu" Kuyper Trail
- Carlson-Kuyper Field Station/Central College
- Coal Ridge Church & Museum
- Cordova Boat Ramp
- Cordova Butterfly Garden
- Cordova Observation Tower
- Eagle Lair Loop
- Elk Rock East Boat Ramp
- Elk Rock Equestrian Trail
- Elk Rock West Boat Ramp
- Gladys Black Bald Eagle Refuge
- Horn's Ferry Bridge
- Howell Station Boat Ramp
- Howell Station Prairie Trail
- Karr Nature Trail at Cordova
- Lake Red Rock
- Mushroom Hunting
- North Overlook Beach
- North Overlook Trail
- Public Hunting Areas
- Red Rock Dam
- Red Rock Line
- Red Rock Marina
- Red Rock Visitors Center
- Robert Creek Archery Range
- Roberts Creek
- Roberts Creek Disc Golf Course
- Roberts Creek East Boat Ramp
- Roberts Creek Nature Trail
- Roberts Creek West Boat Ramp
- South Overlook Boat Ramp
- Volksweg Trail
- Wallashuck Boat Ramp
- Wallashuck Trail
- Whitebreast Beach
- Whitebreast Boat Ramp
Traditions
Birding
Lake Red Rock is one of Iowa's premier bird watching areas, with more than 50,000 acres of nature. Spring and fall migration offer species of many types. In the winter, bald eagles take center stage. Pack your binoculars, identification book or zoom camera lens to be part of this fine birding tradition.
Towns
Many of the park areas and campgrounds around Lake Red Rock are named after towns that were located on the banks of the Des Moines River before Lake Red Rock was built. Red Rock itself was a colorful town with a rich history. Many old timers around the area still share stories of the towns that now lie beneath the lake.
Campground Programs
If you are camping at Lake Red Rock, be sure to look for campground programs presented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers covering a wide array of topics. It’s a great evening activity to add to your vacation. Programs move between campgrounds, so stop by the Red Rock Visitor’s Center to get a copy of the schedule.
Tower Race
The Cordova Observation Tower measures over 100 feet tall. Each year in June during Red Rock Fest, there is an annual race up the tower. Racers from all around come to test their stair-climbing skills. Top racers last year finished the climb in less than 30 seconds.
Ice Fishing
One of the most popular new events at Lake Red Rock is the Red Nose Ice Fishing Tournament at Roberts Creek. This event has great prizes and provides a fun atmosphere for those who love the sport. For more information on this new tradition, go to www.lakeredrock.org.
The reinactment of the Dutch cheese market is a fun activity to watch.
The Tulip Toren in Central Park is the site of entertainment before each parade.
Colorful costumes share the traditions of our Dutch ancestry.
Windmills can be found all around Pella...event on our floats!
The colorful tulips are the star of the festival.
The Vermeer Mill, Pella Opera House and Klokkenspel are all must stops on a visit to Tulip Time.
Dutch dancing is great fun...and visitors often are invited to join the fun.
Young and old join in street scrubbing
Tulips are planted each year in fall.
Tulips bloom from early to late spring.
Tulips come in many forms.
Tulips come in many varieties.
Tulips come in many colors.
Tulips are delicate.
One thing we call all agree is that no matter the color, type or variety they are the most beautiful flower you will ever see.

Trip Builder
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Upcoming Events
December, 2011
- 14THRU 25
- The Joan Kuyper Farver Art Gallery presents: Eric COGu Robinson
- The show will be on exhibit until March 25, 2012. The gallery hours...
February, 2012
- 25
- Grape Escape Winery's 4th Annual Mardi Gras
- 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Grape Escape Wine glass, Mardi Gras beads,...
March, 2012
- 3
- Bald Eagle Day
- 10 am - 5 pm.Outdoor viewing of bald eagles below the Red Rock Dam.
- 8
- One Night of Queen
- 7 pm. Ticket price $35.Gary Mullen and The Works recreate the look,...
- 24
- License to Chill - A Beach Party Night
- A Jimmy Buffett-themed beach party to benefit the Pella Opera...
- 29THRU 1
- The Night of January 16
- 30
- Celebrando
- 7:30 pm. Ticket price $18. A concert of Brazilian jazz songs...
April, 2012
- 17
- Pella Cycling Club Show'n Go Ride
- Ride starts at 6 p.m. Please arrive before 6 p.m. to make sure...
- 21
- Knoxville Championship Cup Series #1 Season Opener
- Plus 305's - Pella Motors / Lion's Club Night.Races at 6:45 p.m.





