GREEN VALLEY STATE PARK
Green Valley's 390-acre lake draws hundreds of visitors on hot summer days. Not only does it offer excellent fishing, boating and swimming, it is also the focal point for a great variety of other outdoor recreation pursuits.
Before its establishment as a park, the area encompassing Green Valley was primarily agricultural land with rolling hills and prairies. The transformation into recreational space began when a dam created an artificial lake in 1953 for water supply purposes.
Historical features nearby include Native American mounds and artifacts indicating past indigenous presence before European settlement. As settlers arrived, they utilized the fertile soil for farming.
Conservation efforts led to reforestation projects around the reservoir enhancing wildlife habitats. Today's amenities evolved from basic camping facilities to modern lodges, hiking trails, boat launches and fishing areas reflecting increased outdoor recreation demand.
The landscape has seen shifts towards ecological management practices aimed at preserving natural resources while accommodating visitors' interests such as bird watching or nature photography.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
The rustic pine log camper cabins offer visitors a sense of pioneer lifestyle. The cabins have electricity, a covered porch and basic furnishings. Visitors must provide their own bedding, towels, cooking utensils and other camping items. Cabins are located near the campgrounds so cabin users will have use of the shower and toilet facilities. The cabins can be reserved for a fee through the Internet at www.reserveiaparks.com or by calling toll-free 1-877-IAPARKS.
There are 145 campsites (85 with electrical hookups), modern rest rooms and showers, and a trailer dump station. 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. A playground is located near the campground.
1. Green Valley State Park offers a sandy beach for swimming on the shore of its 380-acre lake.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is free and open to all park visitors during daylight hours.
4. The water quality in the lake is regularly tested to ensure safe conditions for swimmers.
5. There's ample space around the beach area for sunbathing or picnicking after a refreshing swim.
Green Valley Lake is used for all types of boating; water skiing is allowed in a designated area. For safety reasons, there are special regulations governing water skiing. All other boats must keep out of the general traffic pattern of boats pulling skiers and must not operate at speeds greater than five miles per hour when within 50 feet of another craft or person. All water skiers, including those using surfboard-type devices, must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life-saving jackets. No boat is allowed to be operated within 100 feet of shore at speeds greater than five miles per hour. Boats must also maintain a "no wake" speed when outside the ski zone. Four boat ramps on Green Valley Lake provide convenient lake access.
Enjoy fishing in a 390-acre lake, home to species like largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. Catfish are also abundant here. The park offers boat rentals for those who prefer deep water angling or you can fish from the shoreline if that's more your style. Ice fishing is popular during winter months too.