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Iowa
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Iowa State Parks

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USA Parks
Iowa
Southeast Region
Geode State Park
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Geode State Park © Diane
Geode State Park Upstream of concession stand © Diane
Area closed still except hiking
Geode State Park Beach © Diane
Nice playground. No vehicle access yet.
Geode State Park Boat launch © Diane
Water not up to Ramp yet
Geode State Park bumble bee © Lucas D. Paul
Geode State Park hey little fella © Lucas D. Paul
Geode State Park butterfly © Lucas D. Paul
Geode State Park © Lucas D. Paul
Geode State Park spider web © Lucas D. Paul
Geode State Park Snail © Lucas D. Paul
Geode State Park locust thorns © Lucas D. Paul
Geode State Park Sun Down At Geode © Lucas D. Paul
Geode State Park late evening at Geode © Lucas D. Paul
Geode State Park © Amber Biggs
Geode State Park © Amber Biggs
Geode State Park © Amber Biggs
Geode State Park © Lucas D. Paul
Geode State Park © James Graham
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GEODE STATE PARK
GEODE STATE PARK
3249 Racine Ave.
Danville, Iowa   52623

Phone: 319-392-4601
Reservations: 319-392-4601
Email: park email button icon
Geode State Park, nestled in southeast Iowa near the town of Danville, is a picturesque 1,640-acre haven renowned for its abundance of geodes. Opened to the public in 1937 as one of Iowa's state parks, it has since attracted nature enthusiasts and rock collectors keen on discovering these unique geological formations.

The park's main feature is Lake Geode-a sparkling 187-acre lake that offers ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Surrounding trails provide scenic hikes through diverse habitats including forests and prairies teeming with wildlife. The fall season brings vibrant foliage colors making it an especially popular time for visits.

Facilities within Geode State Park include campgrounds equipped with modern amenities such as showers and electric hookups catering to both tent camping and RVs. Picnic areas dotting the landscape make ideal spots for family gatherings or tranquil lunches amidst nature's beauty.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
There are 186 campsites with enough variety to suit anyone's tastes (96 sites have electricity). There are two modern shower buildings and a sewage dump station in the campground. Starting February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis. Two camp pads and rest rooms are accessible to the mobility-impaired.
Fishing
Fishing:

The prime attraction of the 1,640-acre park is Lake Geode, a 186-acre lake built in 1950. Over the years, the lake has become well known for excellent fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, bullhead, red-eared sunfish and tiger muskie.


Location
Geode State Park is located near Burlington, Fort Madison and Mount Pleasant

Picnicking
Geode State Park is one of the most scenic and popular picnicking spots in southeast Iowa. Several open picnic shelters are available for group use. These may be reserved for a fee through the park manager. A picnic site accessible to the mobility impaired is available.
Trails
Several hiking trails challenge the outdoor lover at Geode. The main trail starts at the north end of the lake and follows it all the way to the dam. Part of this trail has been developed into a nature trail with a printed brochure identifying points of interest. This trail is accessible from several picnic areas along the lake. Another trail begins at the dam on the west side of the lake and ends at picnic shelter number one.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various species like warblers, vireos and thrushes. The park's lake attracts waterfowl too.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 13 Lake Geode by Diane
park review stars; one to five Ok to canoe or kayak 5/12/21
April 2 Great trails! by Terri
park review stars; one to five My husband, dog, and I hiked entirely around the lake today. Took us about four hours, and we went eight miles! It was a gorgeous day and an invigorating hike, but we were unprepared for all the steep hills. Wow! How challenging! If you hike the entire trail like we did, wear good walking or trail shoes, make sure you take plenty of water and other provisions, like trail mix or something. And make sure you remember exactly where your car is parked. Great park. We will be back.
November 19 Peaceful by C.M.E.
park review stars; one to five I often walk the trails with my dog in the evening before it gets too dark. It is rare that I hear people, and when I do it is only when we pass right near a campground site. I enjoy listening to the animals (mostly deer) walking around me, the frogs, and the birds chirping. It is among my favorite places.
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