Recreational Areas

Buffalo Grove

This addition to Boone County Conservation offers 127 acres of prairie and woodlands with Beaver creek passing through the park. It was acquired by the Boone County Conservation Board in 1998 and is located in the Southwest edge of Boone County. Recreational opportunities include wildlife viewing, fishing, and public hunting.

Des Moines River Water Trail

The Boone County portion of the Des Moines River was designated as a state watertrail in the fall of 2009. Being a state watertrail, there are signs pointing you to the launch sites, informational kiosks, and signs along the bridges. There are approximately 38 river miles with 8 boat ramps making the Des Moines River a perfect place to canoe, kayak, boat, or float down. It’s a great place to fish, view wildlife, and relax.

River users beware of the dams near Fraiser and Boone Waterworks!

[button url=/files/conservation/des_moines_river_water_trail_25705.pdf]Trail Map[/button]

Dickcissel Park

This small 38 acre parcel includes a 15 acre pond open for year round fishing. Species you may find here include largemouth bass and yellow perch. Dickcissel has been managed by the Boone County Conservation Board since 1973. Hunting is not permitted at this area.   

Notice: Because of a carp problem, during the spring of 2015, Dickcissel Lake underwent a fish renovation project. All fish were eliminated and the lake was restocked with largemouth bass and yellow perch. Funding for this project came from a State Fish Habitat Grant.   

In August of 2016, Dickcissel was stocked with 950, 4-5" perch, provided by the Iowa DNR Fisheries!

Don Williams Recreation Area

This park was the first area acquired by the Boone County Conservation Board. Construction of the dam at Don Williams began in the fall of 1964, and the first water to flow over it was in June of 1967.  This 600-acre park allows for a wide variety of recreational activities including: 

• 150 electric campsites, several hydrants throughout the campground, and two dump stations
• Campground A and B, and C have 50/30/110 amp breakers
• 30 non electric campsites
• Modern bathroom and showering facilities
• Luxury cabins (reservations only)
• Boating (no wake lake)
• Fishing and bait shop
• Golfing on a 9-hole course and clubhouse
• Hiking trails
• Updated playgrounds
• Swimming beach
• 2 Enclosed Shelters (by reservation only)
• 2 Open Air Shelters
• A Dining establishment at the clubhouse   
• Wildlife viewing

Camping

Campground A is by reservation only. Reservations can be made at MyCountyParks.com. 

2025 Campground A changes include:

• 14 night maximum stay.
• No 7th day free after 6 days.
• All sites are by reservation only. 

Campgrounds B and C are first come/first served. Reservations are not accepted.  In 2026 Campground B and C will also go online. 

Campground is open April 15 - October 15, dates may be affected by weather.

Campground will reopen April 15th, 2025

• Electric 50 amp (Campground A, B,  C)- $20.00
• Non-Electric - $12.00

Don Williams Campground Map

Campground Map Area A

Campground Map Area B

Campground Map Area C 

Maps & Resources 

Shelter Rules

Park Rules

Park Map

Park Brochure

Grant's Woods

In the winter of 2013 Harold Grant of Madrid graciously donated his nearly 28 acre property to the Boone County Conservation Board.  Portions of this newest addition to the Conservation Board are adjacent to the High Trestle Trail near the bridge.  Currently parking is available on this property.  A wildlife viewing blind has been constructed and is available for public use.  Trail construction is also underway which will allow access from the parking area to the High Trestle Trail without walking on the road.  Look for more to come on potential conservation and recreational opportunities that will be available. 

[button url=/files/conservation/grants_woods_master_plan_32191.pdf]Grants Woods Master Plan[/button]

High Trestle Trail

Please Note: Horses are not allowed on the bridge. 

To ensure safety and enjoyment, the Boone County Conservation Board has established the following ordinance for the High Trestle Trail.  Please take time to read and understand them, and please enjoy this wonderful new attraction. 

High Trestle Trail Ordinance

If you are planning on making a trip out to the High Trestle Trail Bridge, a weather station has been placed right at the bridge. 

Accurate current weather conditions

Hours

During the summer months of approximately April 1 - October 31, the bridge lights will turn on at dusk and off at 12:00a.m.

During the winter months of approximately November 1 - March 31, the bridge lights will turn on at dusk and off at 9:00 p.m.

Trail Maintenance

Trail maintenance is ongoing within our parks and trails. Please consider donating to the long term maintenance of the High Trestle Trail and Bridge at one of our donation boxes along the trail. 

A green donation box is located in the trail parking lot off QF Lane. Look for it under the wooden kiosk by the handicapped parking spaces. A second donation box is placed on the West Overlook. Another donation box is located on the west side of the bridge near the Des Moines River Valley Overlook. 

Proceeds will go to the Boone County Conservation Foundation where they can be designated toward trail projects. For more information please call 515-353-4237. Thank you for your consideration and dedication to this wonderful multiuse trail.

Awards

The High Trestle Trail won two awards at the Iowa Bike Expo held January 23, 2016 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The Best of Iowa Trail 2016 Award and The Best of Iowa Bridge 2016 Award went to the High Trestle Trail. A big THANK YOU to all who volunteer to help keep the High Trestle Trail an award winning trail. Also, thank you to those staffing the Madrid Action Committee booth at the Iowa Expo for accepting the awards.

J. Carlson Wildlife Area

While here you will find a planted sand prairie, 22 acre lake with bluegill, catfish, crappie, bass, and rough fish. This area is also open for public hunting. You may find upland birds, rabbits, deer, and waterfowl.

An osprey nest has been constructed to draw the bird to the area. Pelicans can also be seen swimming around the lake at different times of the year.

This 156 acre wildlife area has been under a management lease from the USACE since 2002.

Long Memorial Park

Not maintained by or part of the Boone County Conservation Board park properties.

An approx. 9-acre remnant of what was once the Boone County Home property is today maintained as a public space through a cooperative agreement between Boone County and the Dodge Township Trustees. 

Upon demolition of the County Home, the park was named in honor of Jack and Ilah Long, long-time caretakers of the home and its residents.  Today it offers an expansive greenspace for many varied activities.  No fires, firearms or fireworks are premitted in the park.  Organized groups must first seek written permission from the Boone County Board of Supervisors to hold events and must provide proof of liability insurance, with Boone County listed as an insured party.  

Mabaska

Mabaska means “swan” in Native American language and you may find a pair of Trumpeter Swans at this pond. Mabaska is 17 acres in size. Fishing and Hunting are prohibited in this area.

Rhoades Acres

Acquired in 1997 with help from the National Wild Turkey Federation, Rhodes Acres is two stripes of land consisting of 160 acres of public hunting land. Here you will find deer, turkey, pheasant, rabbit, and squirrel. This wildlife area is located north of Pilot Mound on the Des Moines River flood plain. Parking is limited to the road.

Swede Point

This 128-acre park was acquired in November of 1974 by the US Army Corps of Engineers for the Saylorville Lake Project. It was previously known as Camp Laurie, a state Salvation Army Camp. The Boone County Conservation Board has been fortunate enough to acquire 25 year management leases from the USACE since September 1976. The park got its name because of its location being near the original location of Swede Point, IA founded in 1846 by early Swedish settlers. This little gem is located just west of Madrid, off of Highway 210.  It's within two miles of the newly constructed High Trestle Trail. This small park offers:

• 16 electric camping sites, 2 electric ground camping sites, and 10 non electric tent camping areas.
• Modern bathroom and showering facility
• Two hiking trails
• Picnicking
• Updated Playground 
• Enclosed shelter (by reservation only)
• Youth Group Camping area availble by phone call to the office. 
• Campground and park open April 15 - Oct 15 (may change due to weather)

Camping   

Campsites must be reserved on MyCountyParks.com for all electric sites prior to arrival. Tent sites can only be reserved on a first come, first served baisis. Tent sites will be paid for at the site via QR code on the site's sign post.  

2025 Changes in Swede Point campground include:

• 14 day stay maximum for all campsites.
• No 7th day free after staying for 6 days. 
• All reservations must be made online. 

Campground is open April 15 - October 15, dates may be affected by weather.

Campground Closed For 2024 Season

• Electric (30 amp) - $18.00
• Non-Electric Tent - $12.00

Park Maps

Swede Point Park

Swede Point Campground Area