Parks

Big Hollow Recreation Area

General Park Rules

1. Camping permitted in designated areas only
2. Golf carts are not allowed. UTV / ATV's must stay on gravel roads and follow all State laws
3. Pets must be controlled by their owners at all times
4. Horseback riding is permitted on designated trails only when conditions are such that no damage will be done to the trail surface. Horses are not allowed in any of the campgrounds
5. Fires in grills and fire rings only
6. Public hunting is permitted following all state laws governing public lands
7. Permit required to use the Big Hollow Shooting Range
8. All boats must operate at no wake on the lake. There are no motor size restrictions
9. Report all accidents to a park ranger or County Conservation office 319-753-8260

[button url=https://www.facebook.com/bighollow] Big Hollow Facebook Page[/button] [button url=/files/conservation/des_moines_county_park_rules_brochure_38784.pdf] DMCC Rules & Regulations [/button] [button url=/files/conservation/dmc_refund_policy_94536.pdf] DMCC Refund Policy [/button]

Learn More

• History
• Master Plan
• Water Quality Project

Starr's Cave Park and Preserve

Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve is a 184-acre state nature preserve and park area owned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and managed by Des Moines County Conservation.

The area features two miles of scenic hiking trails, a segment of the Flint River Trail, and is a place rich with natural and cultural history. 

Starr's Cave is home to Starr’s Cave Nature Center, the headquarters of Des Moines County Conservation’s award-winning Environmental Education Program, as well as the main Conservation Department Administration point.

Rock formations along Flint Creek in Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve are found nowhere else in the world. The bluffs are composed of limestone and dolomite and contain hints of the area’s past, frozen in time as fossils. These fossils include brachiopods, crinoids, cup coral, and gastropods. 

Besides Starr’s Cave itself (which is closed indefinitely to protect bats, see below), there are two other caves: Devil’s Kitchen and Crinoid Cavern (see map in photo gallery). Unlike Starr’s Cave, these two were not formed naturally but instead are manmade. Word has it that mineral prospectors were looking for zinc back in the 1920s. To see what lay behind the surface, they blasted the rock with dynamite, creating large openings for future park explorers to marvel at and explore.

Rules for the Preserve Area

• The preserve is intended only for visitor observation and other passive recreation.
• The preserve is open to casual visitors, organized groups, and research visitors. Research permission must be secured in advance from the State Preserves Board and Des Moines County Conservation.
• Visitor activities are limited to walking and observing. Visitors may traverse anywhere on the preserve without special permission from the Board, providing they stay on marked trails and do not disturb the preserve beyond the limit it can support without permanent deterioration.
• Park hours are 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• No hunting or trapping
• No fishing
• Rock climbing on cliffs is dangerous and illegal
• Pets must be leashed
• Fires in grill or fire ring only
• No collection or destruction of plants, mushrooms, animals, fossils, rocks, or artifacts
• No motorized vehicles on or off trails
• Cross-country skiing is allowed when there is 4" or more of snow on the trails
• No littering or defacing natural features or park property
• Report all accidents to Des Moines County Conservation at 319-753-8260

[button url=/conservation/about_starrs_cave/]About Starr's Cave[/button] [button url=https://www.facebook.com/StarrsCaveNatureCenter] Starr's Cave Facebook[/button]

4th Pumping Station Campground

The 4th Pumping Plant Recreation Area north of Burlington is a popular destination for picnickers, boaters, RVers, tent campers, and boaters. The park is located along the Mississippi River and offers a total of 46 campsites. Of these campsites, 22 have electricity. Amenities at the 4th Pumping Plant include a central water supply, a central RV dump station, a shelter house, three outhouses, and a playground. A boat ramp and dock with fish cleaning station provide boating and fishing access to the backwater lake.

[button url=/files/conservation/4th_campground_map_47361.pdf]Campground Map[/button]  [button url=/files/conservation/des_moines_county_park_rules_brochure_38784.pdf]Rules Brochure[/button] 

Rates

Electric sites: $20 per night
Non-electric sites: $10/night

Note: All campsites at this park are first-come, first-served. Campsites may not be reserved in advance

Rules

1. All campers must self register
2. Maximum length of stay is fourteen (14) days
3. All pets must be on a leash
4. Fires permitted only in containers provided
5. Do not remove or deface natural features or park structures
6. No littering
7. No ATV's, snowmobiles, or horses
8. Keep all vehicles on roads or designated parking areas
9. Quiet hours: 10:30 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.

Welter Recreation Area

[button url=/files/conservation/des_moines_county_park_rules_brochure_38784.pdf] Rules Brochure [/button]

Located along the quiet banks of the Skunk River, Welter Recreation Area is Des Moines County Conservation's southernmost Recreation Area. It has been developed primarily as a camping destination and is popular among picnickers, RVers, tent campers, and boaters.

Welter Recreation Area actually consists of three separate loops: Sycamore, Maple, and Cottonwood Loops, the entrances of which are all found along Skunk River Road. Because the loops span a 2.5 mile stretch of the Skunk River, Welter Recreation Area is also a popular launching/unloading point for float groups, canoes and kayaks.

The campgrounds only take up a small portion of the overall area which consists of 63 acres spanning between Sycamore and Maple loop, and from Skunk River Road to the river. Above Augusta, Cottonwood Loop resides on additional 16 acre corridor between Skunk River Road and the river. Both sites are open to public hunting outside of the camping season.

Welter Recreation Area offers the following amenities.:

• 79 total acres (63 acre tract below Augusta, 16 acre tract above)
• Three separate areas
• Central water
• Central RV dump station
• Picnic shelters
• Horseshoe pit
• Volleyball court
• Restrooms
• Boat ramp

Camping Rates 

Electric sites: $20 per night
Non-electric sites: $10/night

Note: All campsites at this park are first-come, first-served. Campsites may not be reserved in advance.

Rules 

1. All campers must self register
2. Maximum length of stay is fourteen (14) days
3. All pets must be on a leash
4. Fires permitted only in containers provided
5. Do not remove or deface natural features or park structures
6. No littering
7. No ATV's, snowmobiles, or horses
8. Keep all vehicles on roads or designated parking areas
9. Quiet hours: 10:30 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.

History

In June, 1964, this area was acquired under a 25-year management agreement with the Iowa Conservation Commission (now the Iowa DNR). This area was then developed into 3 "areas" to provide camping facilities. The management agreement was renewed with the Department of Natural Resources in February, 1990 for a 25-year period. The agreement was subsequently renewed in 2015 and runs through 2040.

Augusta is situated in a small pocket in the hills along the Skunk River. The first of the European settlers in the area was John Whittaker who located at Flint Hills (Burlington) in 1832, but he and other settlers were driven back across the Mississippi River by Indians. With the Black Hawk Purchase, settlers could legally return to the Iowa side and Whittaker staked a claim near the site of Augusta where he built a log cabin. He later built a stone house, parts of which can still be seen. He also selected a site for a dam on the Skunk River, but sold it in 1835. Levi Moffitt then built a mill-one of the first in Iowa. Part of the rock dam for the mill can still be seen at the site when the river is low. One of the stone burrs from Moffitt's Mill has been used as a base for the fountain in the Shakespeare Garden in Crapo Park. At one time, Augusta was expected to become an important town, but plans for a railroad did not materialize and the town gradually declined.

After this area was taken over by the DMCCB, intensive tree and shrub planting occurred. Facilities were constructed to enhance the use of the areas.

Rathbun Regional water was installed in June, 1992.

Chautauqua Park

Acquired in 1964, this was the first area acquired by the Des Moines County Conservation Board. Located just east of Mediapolis, the ten acre day use park has been converted into a pollinator garden. A variety of tree species, some of which are very old, adorn the historic property. A monument inscribed with the names of the charter members of the Kossuth Presbyterian Church founded in 1839 can be found in the southeast corner of the park.

• 10 acres
• Planted as a Pollinator Habitat in Fall of 2022

History

The Jefferson Academy was founded on the site in 1844. The school was reorganized as Yellow Spring Collegiate Institute in 1852, and as Yellow Spring College in 1855. During the Civil War (1865) most of the men attending the school enlisted and the college closed in 1869. In 1873, the school was reopened as Kossuth Academy, but closed before the end of the century. The last four-year class to graduate, four boys and four girls, was in 1897.

The grounds and school building were next acquired by the Mediapolis Chautauqua Association. Beginning in 1904 and continuing until 1944, up to 5,000 people per day for ten days each year gathered to enjoy musical talent and outstanding speakers, such as Willing Jennings Bryan, Senator Robert LaFollette of Wisconsin, and Billy Sunday. As many as 200 tents were pitched at one time by people who came from surrounding towns and farms to attend the Chautauqua program.

Flint River Trail

About

Portions of the Flint River Trail are still in planning/construction phases. On the county side, a seven-mile section extending from Flint Bottom Road to Big Hollow was officially opened to the public in October 2013.

[button url=/files/conservation/flint_river_trail_map_84696.pdf]Map of North Section of the Flint River Trail[/button] 

On the city side, the trail extends from the Port of Burlington to Mill Dam Road near the Leopold Recreation Area.

Once complete, the hiking/bicycle trail will be approximately 20 miles and will extend from downtown Burlington to Big Hollow Recreation Area. It will connect the Mississippi River Trail, downtown Burlington, the Port of Burlington, Riverside Park, Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve, Hickory Bend Recreation Area, Historic Zion School, and Big Hollow Recreation Area through the Flint River Valley. The trail will be primarily separated from roadways for the safety and enjoyment of the users.

Completion of the trail will require significant community investment. To help make the trail a reality, consider donating.

[button url=https://www.flintrivertrail.org/]Trail Website[/button]

Project Background

This project began as part of the Great River Gateway Vision Iowa project, which is providing funding for improvements to City of Burlington and Des Moines County community and tourism attractions - including Big Hollow Recreation Area, Burlington Public Library, Des Moines County Heritage Center, Burlington Memorial Auditorium, Burlington Bees baseball (Community Field) and the Flint River Trail. The City of Burlington and Des Moines County have been working cooperatively to complete all of these projects, including the Flint River Trail.

Rules

1. Use the trail at your own risk; the County is not responsible for accidents or injuries. Trail may be slippery or blocked by debris.
2. Trail is open from sunrise to sunset.
3. Stay on the trail. No trespassing onto adjacent private property.
4. Keep pets on a leash. Clean up after your pet.
5. Respect other trail users by sharing the trail, passing on the left, and using bell or voice prior to passing.
6. The following are prohibited on the trail:
   • Motorized vehicles (except those for ADA compliance) and horses.
   • Littering, vandalism, or theft
   • Alcoholic beverages
   • Fires and grills
   • Loud noise or music

Harold and Mildred Linder Conservation Area

The Harold and Mildred Linder Conservation Area is a 105-acre parcel of land along 170th St., a mile west of Highway 61 between Burlington and Sperry. The land was partially donated to the county by the Linder Family in 2018. The remainder of the purchase was made possible through a REAP grant. The property is maintained as a conservation area so its primary purpose is wildlife habitat and natural resources. Activities such as hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing are allowed on the property as per state laws pertaining to public wildlife areas. Portions of the property are still farmed through a local tenant agreement. Visitors should take care to avoid damaging crops. 

Harold and Mildred Linder Conservation Area

This donated land is dedicated to the People of Iowa.

Go out, go out I beg of you

And taste the beauty of the wild.

Behold the miracle of the earth

With all the wonder of a child.

-Edna Jaques (1891-1978)

The effort to turn the Linder Property into a public wildlife area dates back nearly two decades when the landowner, local conservationist Harold Linder, suggested the conservation department purchase the property and turn it into a public wildlife area. Unable to secure the necessary grants, the project was tabled while the department focused on the major development efforts at Big Hollow and the Flint River Trail. Aware of their father's desire to see land protected and made available to the public, Harold's two children renewed the effort to have the conservation department acquire the property following his passing. Throughout 2016 and 2017, the conservation department worked with the Linders and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, eventually agreeing to accept a donation of almost half the land's value and securing a REAP grant for the remainder of the purchase. 

Rules

1. No target shooting
2. No ATVs, snowmobiles or horses
3. Keep all vehicles on roadways or designated parking areas
4. Do not remove or deface natural features or park structures
5. No camping
6. No fires
7. No littering
8. All statewide hunting and public wildlife area regulations apply

Hickory Bend Conservation Area

Hickory Bend Conservation Area is probably the most remote, and one of the most undeveloped areas in the county’s park system. It is managed exclusively for natural resources and wildlife.

The Flint River Trail skirts the eastern edge of the property and a spur off the trail at the very north end of the property goes up to a volunteer-built shelter at the top of a hill with a stunning view of the creek and valley below. This is the only developed site on the whole property. The rest of the area is left for wildlife, making it a popular destination for hunters and wildlife watchers. DMCC staff do plant the occasional food plot on the property to further enhance the wildlife benefit (including sometimes sunflowers for doves).

The original property consisted of a mostly forested 130+ acre tract of land then called Thye Woods. The property was expanded by 50+ acres in 2009 with funds from multiple Pheasants Forever chapters, local donors, and a Wildlife Habitat Stamp Grant. It was then renamed Hickory Bend in recognition of the mature hickories that dominate much of its forests and the U-shaped bend in Flint Creek directly south of the property.

In 2018, the Iowa Department of Transportation purchased on behalf of the county over 60 acres of adjacent fields to the southeast of the existing property to mitigate the stream and forest impacts from the Highway 61 four-lane project north of Burlington. As part of the mitigation, the DOT had contractors construct some shallow wetland basins and planted nearly the entire area to trees. The area was added to the existing complex, bringing the whole acreage to approximately 250 acres.

In 2023, an additional 19.4 acres was purchased along Flint Creek from neighboring landowner Colton Shanstrom bringing most of the south boundary of the property more or less to the creek. The purchase was made entirely with grants and donations from the hunting community. 

The following organizations have contributed to the purchase:

• Aldo Leopold Pheasants Forever Chapter (Des Moines County)
• Iowa Wildlife Habitat Stamp Grant (funded through hunting license sales)
• Iowa Pheasants Forever State Trust Fund
• Whitetails Unlimited (Lee County Chapter + State Fund)
• National Wild Turkey Federation State Superfund
• Henry County Pheasants Forever Chapter
• Black Hawk County Pheasants Forever Chapter
• North Polk Pheasants Forever Chapter
• Warren County Pheasants Forever Chapter
• Story County Pheasants Forever Chapter
• Boone County Pheasants Forever Chapter

Rules

1. No camping
2. All pets must be on a leash
3. No littering
4. Do not remove or deface natural features or park structures
5. No ATV's, snowmobiles or horses
6. Keep all vehicles on roadways or designated parking areas

Hunt Woods Recreation Area

Hunt Woods is a 58 acre forest located near Burlington’s southwestern corner, along 65th St. It is a timber and woodland management demonstration area, designed to show landowners how to manage their own property in an environmentally responsible manner. There have been regular timber management practices applied to the area including harvests, timber stand improvement, prescribed burning, and the planting of thousands of seedlings.

With its large network of trails winding through quality wildlife habitat, Hunt Woods is a popular destination for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. 

History buffs are attracted to the one acre Porter Cemetery with headstones dating back to the early 1800’s found at the property's western edge.

The main entrance along 65th St. features a picnic shelter, restroom and access to multiple trails as well as a memorial bench placed in memory of David Garrels. The area is also open to public hunting but due to its small size and proximity to residential properties, the use of rifles or slugs is prohibited.

[button url=/files/conservation/hunt_woods_trail_map_30655.pdf]Trail Map[/button]

Special Hunting Regulations

All statewide hunting regulations apply, in addition to the following:

1. Small game and turkey hunting with shotgun or archery only; No rifles or slugs allowed.
2. Deer hunting by archery methods only. Shotgun deer hunting prohibited.
3. No permanent tree stands; no screw-in steps
4. Stands may be placed two weeks prior to season and must be removed within two weeks of the close of the season.
5. No trapping.

Rules

1. No camping
2. All pets must be on a leash
3. Fires permitted only in containers provided
4. No littering
5. Do not remove or deface natural features or park structures
6. No ATV’s or snowmobiles
7. Keep all vehicles on roadways or designated parking areas
8. Special hunting regulations apply

History

In the early 1800’s, C.W Hunt purchased this area from EP Rand. Samuel B. Hunt then purchased this property from C.W Hunt. In 1967, the heirs of the WE Hunt Estate contacted DMCC to see if they were interested in purchasing 58 acres of heavily wooded timber situated in Union Township.

In 1968, the Board purchased this 58 acres for $8,400. A 50/50 cost share was received from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation (BOR) for this acquisition. This area was opened for public use in spring of 1969.

The trail that runs through Hunt Woods was extended in 1974-75. The two foot bridges along the trail were both reconstructed in 1988-89. Prairie grass was established under the powerline that cuts through the area in 1980-81.

The original Timber Management Plan was developed in 1984 and updated 2009. An intensive treatment schedule, along with plans for timber sales, was instituted to insure that this predominately oak timber survives for generations to come. A timber sale was held in 1985 with 258 trees plus 52 pulp trees and 35 cull trees harvested. In 1992-93, a second sale was held for the cutting of 235 saw trees plus pulp and cull trees. A salvage harvest on part of the property was conducted in 2020. Timber stand improvement work (TSI) along with the planting for thousands of hardwood seedlings has occurred in the area since the early 1980’s. 

Hunt Woods serves as a conservation education and demonstration area for timber and woodlands management. Thanks in part to the generous yearly donations from Mrs. Virginia Murray, the Des Moines County Conservation Board has been able to develop and implement a comprehensive woodland management plan showcasing a variety of management techniques. In 1990, the “Hunt-Murray Timber Management Trail” was established.

Kevin J. Gahn Memorial Recreation Area

The 56 acre Kevin J. Gahn Memorial Recreation Area rests directly behind Des Moines County Conservation’s main office. Having previously been part of the county home facility, it was transferred to the department for management in 1993 and named in honor of Kevin Gahn, a board member tragically killed in an auto accident the year before. The site features open fields, woodlands, and a one-acre pond. The property is maintained as a natural resource area with limited public access.

From 1995 to 2011, a four-acre area surrounding the pond was used as a captive trumpeter swan enclosure, part of DMCC’s participation in the Iowa DNR’s statewide trumpeter swan reintroduction efforts. When the state's swan restoration goals were met in 2010, DMCC discontinued its swan program, leaving the property sitting idle.

Today, the property continues to be managed as a natural resource area and is only open for public access during Memorial and Labor Day weekends and during DMCC-sponsored events at the park. Check the Calendar for upcoming events.

However, organized groups such as Boy/Girl Scout Troops and youth groups are given the opportunity to use the area for programs and events upon request. Please contact us at 319-753-8260 for reservation details.

Reservation Policy

The Kevin Gahn Memorial Recreation Area will be available for use by organized clubs and groups by reservation at times established by the Des Moines County Conservation Director or his/her designee. Organizations reserving the area shall provide proof of insurance. Organized clubs and groups are expected to have a competent group leader in control of the event at all times. A reservation fee of $25 per day will be required. The Director may waive or reduce this fee at his/her discretion such as when a reservation allows for public use, completes a service project to the benefit of the area, or is a cooperative event with Des Moines County Conservation.

Rules:

1. All pets must be on a leash
2. Fires permitted only in containers provided
3. Do not remove or deface natural features or park structures
4. No littering
5. No ATV’s, snowmobiles or horses
6. Keep all vehicles on roads or designated parking areas
7. Quiet hours: 10:30 p.m. - 6 a.m.
8. All statewide regulations apply

[button url=/files/conservation/gahn_management_plan_70354.pdf]Management Plan[/button]

Leopold Recreation Area

Located on the north edge of the city of Burlington is a 235 acre property named after the renowned local-born conservationist, Aldo Leopold. The Leopold Recreation Area lies along, and is partially dissected by Flint Creek approximately 2.5 miles upstream from where the creek empties into the Mississippi River. The property is approximately 1.2 miles west of the Mississippi River at its nearest point.

The property also lies within the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Southeast Iowa Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area - the first of its kind in the nation.

The Leopold Recreation Area was purchased entirely with grants in 2015. Funding sources include the Iowa DOT Scenic Byways Program, Land and Water Conservation Fund, REAP, Partners for Conservation Foundation, Pheasants Forever, the Witte Foundation and other local contributions.

The property is managed for natural resources and is open to public hunting and other outdoor recreation activities. 

Weaving along the hills to the north of the property is North Gorge Trail, a volunteer built multi-use hiking and mountain biking trail. The access to this trail system is from Golf Course Road. The trail utilizes city and county property under a cooperative agreement between the two entities.

[button url=/files/conservation/leopold_rec_area_map_27302.pdf]Area Map[/button]

Rules

1. No target shooting
2. No ATV’s, snowmobiles or horses
3. Keep all vehicles on roadways or designated parking areas
4. Do not remove or deface natural features or park structures
5. No camping
6. No fires
7. No littering
8. All statewide hunting and public wildlife area regulations apply

Luckenbill Woods

Luckenbill Woods is a 76 acre area of forest, prairie, and wetland located approximately five miles east of Mediapolis. More than a mile of hiking trails weave through the park's southern end, crossing

Dolbee Creek. They are an excellent place to view wildlife. The park is managed as a wildlife refuge and natural resource area.

In 1999, the National Guard constructed a pond on the property's north end that today offers excellent bluegill, bass, and channel cat fishing.

In 2009, the property's north prairie became the site of Operation: Save the Quail, a cooperative bobwhite quail habitat restoration project between Julie Schnedler's 6th grade science class from Mediapolis and Des Moines County Conservation.

The project won the Disney Planet Challenge's Grand Prize and was featured on Good Morning America and the Disney Channel. The entire class went to Disneyland where they were guests of honor for three days. Since then, Luckenbill Woods has become a regular site for numerous other class projects.

[button url=/files/luckenbill_trail_map_75014.pdf]Trail Map[/button]

Rules

1. No hunting
2. No camping
3. All pets must be on a leash
4. No littering
5. Do not remove or deface natural features or park structures
6. No ATV's, snowmobiles, or horses
7. Keep all vehicles on roadways or designated parking areas

History

In 1970, the original area was acquired as a gift from M. Virginia Sharar, heir to Benjamin Luckenbill, the original homesteader in Huron Township in 1853. The area was deeded to the DMCCB with the stipulation that the land be returned to its original state before homesteading.

A study was conducted listing all species of vegetation native to the area. Another study recorded the species presently existing in Luckenbill Woods. The main objective was to reestablish the areas a native timber. Tree and shrub plantings began in May 1971. Planting was completed in the spring of 1972. Very little unnatural development is planned for the area.

M. Virginia Sharar donated an additional 5.148 acres to DMCCB in August, 1979 to the original 32 acres at Luckenbill Woods. This area was developed into an arboretum. The purpose of this area is to be able to compare the arboretum with the adjacent re-established native timber and prairie.

An additional 20 acres was deeded by M. Virginia Sharar in April, 1985. This 20-acre area was restored to native grasses.

In April, 1986, M. Virginia Sharar deeded an additional 19 acres to DMCCB. A survey was conducted by Smith and Associates of the entire area. It was the desire of Mrs. Sharar for the DMCCB to own and maintain all of her previous property except for the 3.71 acres around her residence. This brought the total acres deeded to DMCCB to 76.2 acres.

In January, 1992, the DMCCB approved the "Luckenbill Woods Restoration Plan" for the area. The restoration plan included habitat improvement, improvement to the trails, and updating the nature trail and school curriculum.

Zion Schoolhouse

A one-room school house on a one acre lot, Old Zion School is maintained as a historic landmark. The limestone schoolhouse was built in the 1840’s and served the Zion School District from 1846 until 1964 when school district consolidation closed nearly all of the 100 one room school houses in the area. The Zion School District donated the property to Des Moines County Conservation in 1965. The property resides along the Flint River Trail. In order to protect its interior, the building remains locked except during special events.               

Casey Barrow River Access

Casey Barrow River Access is one of DMCC’s two ramps accessing Mississippi River Pool 18 and the southernmost access in that pool. It features a concrete ramp and a gravel parking lot with a picnic shelter and fire grill. With the parking area on top of the levee, Casey Barrow provides access to the Mississippi at higher river stages than any of DMCC’s other ramps. A dock is provided during the summer and fall boating season and due to the site’s tolerance for higher river stages, it is usually the first to go in and the last to come out. However, since it is built down the side of the levee, the boat ramp is steep and slightly curved so boaters are advised to be extra cautious when loading and unloading at this site.

• 1.88 acres
• Boat ramp
• Picnic shelter
• Fire grill
• Accessible at all below-flood-stage river levels

Rules

1. No camping
2. No loitering
3. No fires
4. No littering
5. Docks are for loading/unloading only
6. Keep all vehicles on roadways or designated parking areas
7. Do not obstruct access to ramp

History

In October, 1980, the DMCCB entered into a 25-year management/lease agreement with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers for the land that is now Casey Barrow River Access. This 1.88-acre area was previously known as Dahlsteen’s Landing and was developed to include a single lane, concrete boat ramp with boat dock and parking and maneuvering areas using a 50/50 cost share grant through the Iowa Marine Fuel Tax Fund. In 1987, the shelter house was built using funds donated by the George Roberts memorial. Mr. Roberts was a resident of the area.

River level at Burlington

Edgewater Beach River Access

Edgewater Beach, also known as the “Wing Dam” consists of about an acre of ground between the Mississippi River and the levee, 4 miles northeast of Burlington. This site is bordered on each side by private lots. DMCC entered into a 25-year management agreement with the Iowa Conservation Commission (now the DNR) in July, 1964 and has managed it ever since.

The land itself provides access to a wing dam extending across the river to Otter Island. The wing dam is the most significant feature of the existing area and is used mostly by fishermen.

An approximate 30-foot gap in the wing dam, approximately 150 yards from shore, prevents continuous access to the entire dam. This also prevents access to Otter Island, which is owned by the City of Burlington.

Edgewater Beach River Access is DMCC’s only undeveloped river access. It offers shore fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. It has no boat ramp or parking lot and is only accessible by crossing the levee on foot. It can be found roughly a half mile south of Tama Beach River Access.

• One acre
• Accessible only by foot
• Things to do: Fishing

Hawkeye Dolbee River Access

Hawkeye Dolbee River Access is Des Moines County Conservation’s northernmost of four Mississippi River Accesses. Along with Casey Barrow, it provides a second access to Mississippi River Pool 18. The area features a concrete boat ramp and gravel parking lot. DMCC provides a dock during the summer and fall boating seasons as river stages allow. The area is inaccessible when the river stage at Keithsburg exceeds 12.8 feet. When river stages allow, a stone bench resides at Hawkeye Dolbee Access in memory of Charlie Poisel.

• 10.1 acres
• Boat ramp
• Accessible only when Mississippi River stage at Keithsburg is below 12.8 feet

Rules

1. No camping
2. No loitering
3. No fires
4. No littering
5. Docks are for loading/unloading only
6. Keep all vehicles on roadways or designated parking areas
7. Do not obstruct access to ramp

History

The DMCCB entered into a 25-year management/lease agreement with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers for the Hawkeye Dolbee Access in May, 1981. Located in Huron Township, this 10.1-acre area was developed to include a double lane, concrete boat ramp with boat dock and parking and maneuvering areas.

A 50/50 cost share through the Iowa Marine Fuel Tax Fund aided in paying for the development of the area.

River level at Burlington

Sullivan Slough River Access

Sullivan Slough River Access is the southernmost of Des Moines County Conservation’s four boat ramps on the Mississippi River. The property features a concrete ramp and gravel parking lot as well as 22 acres of adjacent bottomland timber open to public hunting. DMCC provides a public boat dock during the summer and fall boating season. The ramp provides access to quality boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities on Mississippi River Pool 19. The access lies directly across the river from a sand island locally known as “johnboat beach,” a popular summer boater hangout. Due to the property’s low elevation, it is inaccessible when the river stage at Burlington exceeds 13.5’.

• 22 acres
• Boat ramp
• Accessible only when Mississippi River stage at Burlington is less than 13.5 feet.

Rules

1. No camping
2. No loitering
3. No fires
4. No littering
5. Docks are for loading/unloading only
6. Keep all vehicles on roadways or designated parking areas
7. Do not obstruct access to ramp

History

In May, 1989, the DMCCB entered into a 15-year management/lease agreement with Sidco Inc., Centerville, IA. Located in Concordia Township, this 22-acre area was developed to include a river access plus a wildlife area.

A single-lane, concrete boat ramp with boat dock and parking with maneuvering areas was constructed on a two-acre area. Two cost share grants through the Iowa Marine Fuel Tax Fund, as well as DNR funding aided in paying for the project. The remaining 20-acre area is used as a wildlife area.

River level at Burlington

Tama Beach River Access

Tama Beach River Access is Des Moines County Conservation’s second of two ramps accessing Mississippi River Pool 19. It lies about 4 miles north of Burlington, just off Tama Road. It features a gravel parking lot and concrete boat ramp between the levee and the river. DMCC provides a boat dock during the summer and fall boating season when river levels at Burlington are below 9.5’. Due to its low elevation, the ramp is inaccessible at Burlington river stages above 10.5 feet.

• 3 acres
• Boat ramp
• Accessible only when Mississippi River stage at Burlington is less than 10.5 feet.

Rules

1. No camping
2. No loitering
3. No fires
4. No littering
5. Docks are for loading/unloading only
6. Keep all vehicles on roadways or designated parking areas
7. Do not obstruct access to ramp

History

In July 1964, the Des Moines County Conservation Board entered into a 25-year management agreement with the State Conservation Commission (now the Iowa DNR). This area, located in Tama Township, was developed into a boat launching ramp with a parking area to provide citizens with access to the Mississippi River. This 25-year agreement was renewed with the Department of Natural Resources in October, 2015.

This area lies adjacent to the unincorporated settlement of Tama Town or Hoochtown, as it was known in prohibition days.

The bluffs bordering the Mississippi at Sho-quo-quon or Flint Hills were adjacent to a place of importance to the Indians because of the rich deposits of flint. This was neutral ground, where Indians from many tribes came for the raw material for their weapons and tools.

In 1808, Colonel J.W Johnson, an agent of American Fur Co., established a trading post at the mouth of what is now Flint Creek, just below Tama Beach. The post was destroyed by fire in 1812. There followed a period of Indian occupation in 1920 when Chief Tama came here from Henderson Creek in Illinois. After a short time, he moved on to the prairie north of Burlington, to a place now known as Tama Town Prairie. Chief Tama, a friend of white men, gave his name to Tama County, Tama Township, and the Town of Tama. A memorial marker, 3 miles north of Burlington on the Great River Road (Highway 99), has been placed near Chief Tama’s burial plot.

River level at Burlington