Cooney State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cooney State Park
Cooney State Park Location in Montana
Location	Carbon County, Montana, United States
Nearest town	Columbus, Montana
Area	309 acres (125 ha)
Elevation	4,268 ft (1,301 m)
Designation	Montana state park
Established	1970
Administrator	Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Website	Cooney State Park

Cooney State Park is a public recreation area in Montana, United States. It is a great place to visit for outdoor fun. The park is located about 14 miles south of Columbus, Montana, in Carbon County, Montana. It sits right next to the beautiful Cooney Reservoir.

The park covers about 309 acres of land. It stretches along three sides of the reservoir. Cooney Reservoir is a large lake, about 1,078 acres in size. It was created in 1937 when the Cooney Dam was built on Red Lodge Creek. Cooney State Park was officially opened in 1970.

Discover Cooney State Park

Cooney State Park is a special place where people can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. State parks like Cooney are protected areas. They help keep natural spaces safe for plants, animals, and people to enjoy.

What is a State Park?

A state park is a piece of land protected by the state government. Its main goals are to preserve nature and offer fun activities. These parks allow people to connect with the outdoors. They also help protect important natural habitats.

Location and Size

Cooney State Park is found in Carbon County, Montana. It is close to the town of Columbus. The park's elevation is about 4,268 feet (1,301 meters) above sea level. The park itself is 309 acres, which is like having over 230 football fields!

The park's main feature is the Cooney Reservoir. This large lake was formed by the Cooney Dam. The dam was built on Red Lodge Creek. It helps manage water and creates a big area for water sports.

Fun Activities at Cooney

Cooney State Park offers many exciting things to do for visitors. Whether you love being on the water or exploring on land, there's something for everyone.

Boating and Water Sports

The Cooney Reservoir is perfect for boating. You can bring your own boat or use smaller watercraft. It's a popular spot for activities like:

• Motorboating
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Paddleboarding

Fishing Adventures

If you enjoy fishing, Cooney Reservoir is a great place to cast a line. The lake is home to different types of fish. You might catch:

• Rainbow trout
• Walleye
• Yellow perch

Remember to check local fishing rules before you go.

Swimming and Picnics

On warm days, the reservoir is a popular spot for swimming. There are designated areas where you can safely cool off. The park also has picnic areas. These spots are perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors with family and friends. Many picnic areas have tables and grills.

Camping Under the Stars

Cooney State Park offers camping facilities. You can spend the night under the stars and wake up to nature. Camping is a great way to experience the park fully. It allows you to enjoy the quiet evenings and beautiful sunrises. The park has different types of campsites.

Managing Cooney State Park

Cooney State Park is managed by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. This organization is often called Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. They work hard to keep the park beautiful and safe. They also make sure that the park's natural resources are protected for the future. Their job includes:

• Maintaining park facilities
• Protecting wildlife
• Educating visitors about nature
• Enforcing park rules