Recreation
Getting away from it all is easy to do in the Red Rock Area. Hiking and biking trails take you along the serenity of the winding Des Moines River. Let your worries drift away as you boat on Lake Red Rock. Pass the time of day fishing for bluegill, crappie or bass. Hunt for everything from pheasant to mushrooms. Take a swing at one of our golf courses. Gather the family for bowling, disc golf or soccer. There’s something for everyone; making the area perfect for family outings and weekend getaways.
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Bussey
Bussey Park
- Bussey Town Park
- Bussey
- 641.944.5532
2 Non-Reservable Open Shelters
Knoxville
Come enjoy our welcoming atmosphere and 24/7 availability.
Auld Park
- 3rd Street & Douglas Street
- Knoxville
- 641.828.0550
- Website
1 Reservable Enclosed Shelter
Bessie Spaur Butterfly Garden
- 1002 South Lincoln
- Knoxville
- 641.628.4236
- 641.842.2151
1 Reservable Open Shelter
10 acres
Women's fitness and weightloss facility.
Hours
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 5 a.m.-noon & 3:30-7 p.m.
Wednesday 5-11:30 a.m. & 3:30-7 p.m.
Friday 5-11:30 a.m. & 3:30-6 p.m.
Saturday 8-10 a.m.Â
Fairlane Bowl
- 1607 N. Lincoln Street, Knoxville
- Knoxville
- 641.828.7173
Bowling entertainment for all ages.
Hers and His Fitness
- 111 S. 3rd Street, Knoxville
- Knoxville
- 641.828.7414
Hers and His fitness offers fitness for everyone from seniors to students! Staff is available to teach you how to use the equipment.
Knoxville Recreation Center
- 800 South Park Lane, Knoxville
- Knoxville
- 641.828.0580
- Website
The Indoor swimming pool, sauna and whirlpool are located at the Knoxville Recreation Center.
Knoxville Recreation Center
- 800 South Park Lane, Knoxville
- Knoxville
- 641.828.0580
- Website
Fitness facility that includes a gymnasium, racquetball court, strength training room, cardio room, studio cycling, indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool and fitness classes.
Knoxville Skate & BMX Park
- 1812 West Madison Street, Knoxville
- Knoxville
- 641.828.0550
- Website
One of the largest outdoors skate parks in Iowa. Located near the Knoxville Community High School.
Marion County Fishing Pond
- 306 Willets Drive, Knoxville
- Knoxville
- 641.828.2214
This 7-acre fishing pond is located near camping at Marion County Park.
Marion County Park
- 306 Willetts Drive
- Knoxville
- 641.828.2214
5 Reservable Open Shelters
Fishing-Pond
Camping
Boat Ramp
Ball Fields
Sledding
115 Acres
This lovely semi-private 9-hole golf course is located in southeast Knoxville.
Skate Pit
- 1000 N. Lincoln Street, Knoxville
- Knoxville
- 641.842.6471
Roller skating rink located near the Knoxville Raceway.
Youngs Park
- North Highway 14
- Knoxville
- 641.828.0550
- Website
Ball Fields
Lake Red Rock
Cordova Boat Ramp
- Cordova Park
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.627.5935
Closed when Lake Red Rock is at elevation 767' or over. To find out the daily lake level and dam outflow go to www.rivergages.com or call 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690.
Cordova Butterfly Garden
- Cordova Park, 1378 Highway G-28, Otley
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.627.5935
Cordova Observation Tower
- 1378 Highway G-28, Otley
- Located at Cordova Park
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.627.5935
This tower is the tallest observation tower in a public park in the Midwest. The observation deck measures 106 feet tall with 170 steps to the top. It also has the longest continuous fiberglass staircase in the world.
Cordova Park
- 1378 Highway G-28, Otley
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.627.5935
6 Reservable Open Shelters
Nature Trail
Cordova Observation Tower
Cordova Cabins
Boat Ramp
Butterfly Garden
Birding Area
Fishing-Lake
1,050 Acres
Located near teh Ranger Residence, this boat ramp is closed when Lake Red Rock is at elevation 760' or over. To find out the daily lake level and dam outflow go to www.rivergages.com or call 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690.
This 13-mile trail has scenic beauty for horseback riders and nature lovers. A picturesque view of the mile long bridge is a highlight of this trail.
1 Reservable Open Shelter
Camping & Equestrian Camping
Equestrian & Hiking Trail
Boat Ramp
Hunting Area
Fishing-Lake
2,218 Acres
Closed when Lake Red Rock is at elevation 780' or over. To find out the daily lake level and dam outflow go to www.rivergages.com or call 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690.
4 Reservable Open Shelters
Volksweg Trail Access
20 Acres
Gladys Black Bald Eagle Refuge
- Located below the dam (southside) just off Jewell Drive
- Lake Red Rock
- 515.281.4815
This 38-acre refuge is prime habitat for bald eagles as well as neo-tropical migrants and other wildlife.
Hours
Open April-November , outdoors
(Note:Â Refuge is closed to all public access and use December 1-March 31)
Horn's Ferry Bridge
- 198th Place, near Howell Station Recreation Area
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.828.2213
The 1881 Horn's Ferry Bridge was Marion County's first river crossing and Wagon Bridge over the Des Moines River. The bridge is an excellent location to watch bald eagles soar over the river and observe wildlife.
Howell Station Boat Ramp
- Howell Station Recreation Area
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.828.7522
- 641.628.8690
- Website
The Howell Station Boat Ramp is located on the river just downstream from the Red Rock Dam. To find out the daily lake level and dam outflow go to www.rivergages.com or call 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690.
Howell Station Prairie Trail
- Howell Station Recreation Area, Lake Red Rock
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.828.7522
- 641.628.8690
- Website
this 1.5 mile trail takes you through establised prairie grasses of different species. The trail also features two small ponds which are frequented by waterfowl and various small mammals.
Karr Nature Trail at Cordova
- Cordova Park
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.627.5935
This 1-mile trail was named after a small early village that was located within the confines of the park. A portion of the trail is designated as a self-guided interpretive trail with 24 points of interest. This trail is located near the Cordova Tower.
Lake Red Rock
- 1105 North Highway T-15, Knoxville
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.828.7522
- 641.628.8690
- Website
Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake. The area has over 50,000 acres of public land which allows for several types of recreational activities. Fisherman will find bluegill, catfish, crappies, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleye. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Marion County Conservation Board all operate recreational facilities around Lake Red Rock. Lake Red Rock has 15,253 surface acres of water.
Spring is prime time for morel mushrooms. The wooded areas around Lake Red Rock are a great location to start your hunt.
1 Reservable Open Shelter
Volksweg Trail & Nature Trail
Camping
Beach
Lake Fishing
84 Acres
North Overlook Beach
- North Overlook Recreation Area, 1007 Highway T-15, Pella
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.828.7522
- 641.628.8690
- Website
Located near the North Overlook campgrounds, this beach has just been reconstructed to increase access during high water periods. The North Overlook beach is located to the north of the Red Rock dam.
Public Hunting Areas
- Lake Red Rock, US Army Corps of Engineers
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.828.7522
- 641.628.8690
- Website
Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Unit 515.848.3108
Certain areas of land at Lake Red Rock are closed to hunting while other areas are open for hunting. Please check with Park Offices to find out more information. For information on hunting seasons go to www.iowadnr.com.
The Red Rock Marina is closed when Lake Red Rock is at elevations 780' or over. The Red Rock Marina is the only marina located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. To find out the daily lake level and dam outflow go to www.rivergages.com or call 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690.
Hours
Mon-Thurs 8 a.m.- 5p.m.
Fri-Sat 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Sun 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more info go to www.boatredrock.com or info@boatredrock.com
Red Rock Visitors Center
- 1105 Highway T-15, Knoxville
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.828.7522
- 641.628.8690
- Website
In addition to the exhibits, the center provides a great view of the lake, and the center's staff and volunteers are available to provide lake information. The bell from the Red Rock Church is located on teh lawn of the Red Rock Visitor Center. Red Rock was the first permanent river town in Marion County and received its name from the red sandstone, which is nearby.
Nature equipment is available for check-out at the Red Rock Visitor Center.
Hours
February-March
Saturday & Sunday Noon-4 p.m.
April
Saturday & Sunday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
May
Monday-Friday Noon-4 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 9:30 a.m.-6 p
Robert Creek Archery Range
- Roberts Creek Park, 1617 Filmore Drive, Otley
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.627.5507
Roberts Creek
- 1617 Fillmore Drive, Otley
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.627.5507
Roberts Creek is located on the north side of highway G-28 and drains into Lake Red Rock. Roberts Creek is the site of the annual ice fishing tournament coordinated by the Red Rock Lake Association. Anglers enjoy crappie fishing at Roberts Creek.
Roberts Creek Disc Golf Course
- Roberts Creek Park, 1617 Fillmore Drive, Otley
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.627.5507
9-hole disc golf course through wooded timbers of Roberts Creek Park.
Roberts Creek East Boat Ramp
- Roberts Creek Park
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.627.5507
Roberts Creek is located north of highway G-28 and flows into Lake Red Rock. The East Boat Ramp at Roberts Creek is open during high waters on Lake Red Rock. To find out the daily lake level and dam outflow go to www.rivergages.com or call 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690.
Roberts Creek Nature Trail
- Roberts Creek Park
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.627.5507
Roberts Creek Park offers a short .5 mile interpretive trail through the woods. It is located at the park's west area.
Roberts Creek Park
- 1617 Fillmore Drive, Otley
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.627.5507
3 Reservable Open Shelters
Camping
Disc Golf Course
Archery Range
Fishing-Roberts Creek
Boat Ramp
Hunting Area
Nature Trail
1,535 Acres
Roberts Creek West Boat Ramp
- Roberts Creek Park
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.627.5507
The Roberts Creek West boat ramp is closed when Lake Red Rock is at elevation 775' or over. To find out the daily lake level and dam outflow go to www.rivergages.com or call 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690.
2 Reservable Open Shelters
Boat Ramp
Sledding
16 Acres
South Overlook Boat Ramp
- South Overlook Recreation Area
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.828.7522
- 641.628.8690
- Website
This boat ramp is closed when Lake Red Rock is at elevation 760' or over. To find out the daily lake level and dam outflow go to www.rivergages.com or call 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690.
1 Non-Reservable Open Shelter
Volksweg Trail Access
Fishing-River
Birding Area
10 Acres
Volksweg Trail
- north side of Lake Red Rock from Fifield Recreation Area to Pella
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.828.7522
- 641.628.8690
Volksweg is Dutch for the people's path. The Volksweg Trail extends from Pella to the area below the Red Rock Dam and then onto the wooded areas on the north side of Lake Red Rock. This trail was funded under the Des Moines River Greenbelt program. The trail is 13 miles in length. Recreation areas along the trail include: Fifield, Wallashuck, North Overlook, North Tailwater, Howell Station and Ivans. The Volksweg Trail is a combination of private, federal, state and county efforts.
1 Non-Reservable Open Shelter
Volksweg Trail Access & Nature Trail
Fishing-Lake
Camping
56 Acres
Wallashuck Boat Ramp
- Wallashuck Recreation Area
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.828.7522
- 641.628.8690
- Website
This boat ramp is closed when Lake Red Rock is at elevation is less than 765'. To find out the daily lake level and dam outflow go to www.rivergages.com or call 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690.
Access to this 1.17 mile trail is easy with five separate entrances within Wallashuck Campground and one from the Volksweg Trail. Habitat transitions can be observed as you travel through mature forests and grasslands.
2 Non-Reservable Open Shelters
1 Reservable Enclosed Shelter (Miner's Retreat)
1 Reservable Open Shelter
Nature Trail
Beach
Camping
Boat Ramp
Fishing-Lake
70 Acres
Whitebreast Boat Ramp
- Whitebreast Recreation Area
- Lake Red Rock
- 641.828.7522
- 641.628.8690
- Website
This boat ramp is closed when Lake Red Rock is at elevation 777' or over. To find out the daily lake level and dam outflow go to www.rivergages.com or call 641.828.7522 or 641.628.8690.
Melcher-Dallas
Melcher-Dallas Park
- Main Street & Center Street
- Melcher-Dallas
- 641.947.6501
1 Non-Reservable Open Shelter
Pella
A.N. Kuyper Athletic Complex adn Ron Schipper Fitness Center-Central College
- Central College Campus, Pella
- Pella
- 641.628.5131
- Website
The Fitness Center has a 7,200 sq. ft. multi-purpose room for exercise classes. The Athletic Complex is one of the top collegiate facilities in the region.
You can rely on our 24/7 availability and superior service to get results
Big Rock Park
- West end of Big Rock Road
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
Nature Trail
Birding Area
83 Acres
Big Rock Park Trail
- Big Rock Park
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
Enjoyed by hikers, joggers, cross-country skiers and nature lovers alike, the park is located in the northwest corner of Pella at the end of Big Rock Road. It has remained in its natural state as much as possible. Information signs guide you through the maze of trails to get you to the Big Rock itself.
The wooded 18-hole public course also has golf packages available.
Course Length: 5,155-6,932
Par: 72
Driving range, cart/club rentals and club house
Brook Circle Park
- Brook Circle Drive
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
1 Reservable Open Shelter
Caldwell Park
- University & Huber Street
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
2 Reservable Open Shelters
Fishing-Pond
Basketball Courts
Skate Park
Indoor/Outdoor Pool
Tennis
Soccer Field
15 Acres
Central Park
- Main & Franklin Street
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
Flowers
Tulip Toren
Information Windmill
4 Acres
Jaycee Park
- North Broadway Street
- Pella
1 Non-Reservable Open Shelter
Kiwanis Park
- Maple & Orchard Street
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
1 Reservable Open Shelter
Tennis
4 Acres
Lions Park
- Idaho Drive & Bos Landen Drive
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
1 Reservable Open Shelter
1 Acre
Pella Aquatics Center
- 602 East 8th Street, Pella
- Pella
- 641.628.1882
- Website
Indoor and outdoor facilities. Indoor pool is a 6-lane 25-meter facility. The Aquatic Center is outdoors with various features and slides.
Pella Community Services
- 712 Union Street, Pella
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
Gym and recreational classes.
Pella Excit-A-Bowl
- 204 SE 9th Street, Pella
- Pella
- 641.628.3010
14-lane bowling alley with cosmic bowling available.
This is a pleasant 9-hole course located in north Pella.
Par: 36
Club/cart rental available.
Pella Soccer Complex
- South of Neil Drive, Pella
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
The facility includes 9 soccer fields.
Rotary Park
- Columbus & East 3rd Street
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
1 Reservable Open Shelter
2 Acres
South Park
- Main & Huber
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
1 Reservable Open Shelter
1 Non-Reservable Open Shelter
3 Acres
Sunken Gardens Park
- 1100 Block of Main Street
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
Flowers
Wooden Shoe Shaped Pond
3 Acres
West Market Park
- Franklin & West 2nd Street
- Pella
- 641.628.4571
- Website
3 Reservable Open Shelter
4 Acres
Fitness Center with raquetball, classes, equipment and gym. Work Systems Rehab and Fitness is a complete and fulfilling exercise facility for individuals and families.
Hours
Monday-Thursday 5 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Friday 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday 1-6 p.m.
Pleasantville
Cora Shadle Park
- 704 West Jones Street
- Pleasantville
- 515.848.3316
1 Reservable Enclosed Shelter
1 Non-Reservable Open Shelter
Paved Trail
Fishing-Pond
Ball Fields
Tennis
Soccer
10 Acres
Gladys Black Memorial Garden and Chimney Swift Tower
- Cora Shadle Park, Pleasantville
- Pleasantville
- 515.848.3316
This beautiful little garden with a 20-foot chimney swift tower and shelter as a focal point serves as a reminder of Gladys Black. She was known as the bird lady of Iowa and conservationist.
This new trail in Pleasantville travels around town and links to recreation areas.
Pleasantville Golf & Country Club
- 957 Highway 5, Pleasantville
- Pleasantville
- 515.848.5716
- Website
Semi private 9-hole golf course. Obstacles include water, sand and matured trees; offer a challenge to golfers of any skill level. Course also has outdoor swimming pool and Bar & Grill. Located just 25 minutes southeast of the Des Moines Metro area.
Hours
Summer 7 a.m.-9 p.m. (Closed after 12 p.m. on Wednesday for league)
Fall & Spring 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Rural Marion County
Bauer Park
- Located just off of G-76 west of Melcher-Dallas
- Rural Marion County
- 641.828.2213
Fishing pond
13 Acres
Carlson-Kuyper Field Station/Central College
- Rural Marion County
- Rural Marion County
- 641.628.9000
- Website
The field station hosts several environmental education events each year.
Lake Prairie Hunting Preserve
- 645 Highway T-14, Pella
- Rural Marion County
- 641.628.2572
Pheasant, quail and chukar hunting. Also available is sporting clays and rustic lodge. Trained hunting dogs and kennel services are available to participants.
Wilcox Wildlife Area
- Highway T-17
- Rural Marion County
- 641.828.2213
Fishing-Pond
Hunting Area
400 Acres
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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
- 9
- Country Royalty
- Jason Petty and Carolyn Martin pay tribute to country legends Hank...
- 10
- Knoxville Community Wide Ice Skating
- Event from 6-9 p.m.
- 11
- Knoxville Community Wide Ice Skating
- Event from 6-9 p.m.
- 17
- Knoxville Community Wide Ice Skating
- Event from 6-9 p.m.
- 18
- 2nd Annual Red Nose Ice Fishing Tournament
- 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Roberts Creek. Event information and...
- 18
- Knoxville Community Wide Ice Skating
- Event from 6-9 p.m.
- 24
- Knoxville Community Wide Ice Skating
- Event from 6-9 p.m.
- 25
- Knoxville Community Wide Ice Skating
- Event from 6-9 p.m.
March, 2012
- 3
- Bald Eagle Day
- 10 am - 5 pm.Outdoor viewing of bald eagles below the Red Rock Dam.
