A 115-acre man-made lake has a large sandy beach and offers unsupervised swimming. Boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats are available for rent through the concessionaire. Bait is also available through the concessionaire.
A modern boat ramp is located at the northern end of the park. Another ramp is located in the campground. Lake Ahquabi is popular with anglers. A number of fishing jetties and a handicapped accessible fishing pier provide great places for a day of shoreline fishing.
"Ahquabi" is a Sauk and Fox word meaning "resting place," and it is a fitting name for this scenic 770-acre park. The park site was recommended by "Ding" Darling, nationally known Iowa political cartoonist and conservationist, and was dedicated in 1936. Many of its structures were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's and remain available for the enjoyment of park visitors.
Facilities and Activities
Camping
The campground is located by the lakeshore. There are a large amount of campsites including electrical hookups, modern rest rooms and showers and two trailer dump stations. Each campsite has a picnic table and fireplace. An organized youth group camping area is inside the main campground in the "non-electric" area. Advance campsite reservations can be made online through the park reservation system. One fourth of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis. A playground is located near the campground.
Trails
Hikers, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers have access to almost 6 1/2 miles of trail, most of which is gravel surfaced. The Lake trail hugs the shoreline for 4 miles while 2 1/2 miles of trail wind through the woods.
Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
A 115-acre man-made lake has a large sandy beach and offers unsupervised swimming. Boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats are available for rent through the concessionaire. Bait is also available through the concessionaire.
A modern boat ramp is located at the northern end of the park. Another ramp is located in the campground. Lake Ahquabi is popular with anglers. A number of fishing jetties and a handicapped accessible fishing pier provide great places for a day of shoreline fishing.
Amenities
Within park
Bait, Beach, Bicycling, Bird Watching, Boat Launch Ramp, Boat Rental, Boating, Camping - Electric, Camping - Nonelectric, Camping - Youth Group, Canoeing, Concession, Cross Country Skiing, Day-use Lodge, Dock, Fishing, Dump Station, Firewood Sales, Fish Cleaning Station, Fishing, Hiking, Horseshoe Pits, Jogging/Running, Kayak Rental, Kayaking, Modern Campground, Mountain Biking, Paddle Boat Rental, Paddle Boating, Park Lake, Picnic Area, Picnic Shelter, Pier, Fishing, Playground, Restrooms, Retail, Firewood, Retail, Ice, Retail, Snacks, Showers, Snowmobiling, Swimming - Beach, Trails, Cross Country Skiing, Trails, Hiking, Trails, Mountain Bike, Trails, Snowmobile, Water Hydrants , Wildflower Viewing, Wildlife Viewing
Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT
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Online Event
Friday, Nov 15, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT
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Online Event
Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. CT
Palmer's Deli & Market
Des Moines, IA