Geode State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Geode State Park |
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Lake Geode
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| Type | Iowa State Park |
| Location | Danville, Henry County, Iowa, United States |
| Area | 1,640 acres (6.6 km2) |
| Elevation | 669 ft (204 m) |
| Created | 1937 |
| Etymology | Named for a large geode found there |
| Operated by | Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
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Geode State Park, Civilian Conservation Corps Area
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| Built | 1939 |
| Built by | Civilian Conservation Corps |
| Architect | Central Design Office, Ames |
| MPS | CCC Properties in Iowa State Parks MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001673 |
| Added to NRHP | November 15, 1990 |
Geode State Park is a fun state park in Iowa, USA. It sits between Henry County and Des Moines County. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources takes care of the park. It's named after the state rock, the geode. Geodes are cool rocks with shiny crystals inside! You can see a display of geodes at the park office. Remember, it's against the rules to take geodes from state parks.
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Lake Geode: Fun on the Water
The best part of Geode State Park is Lake Geode. This lake is 187 acres big and was built in 1950. It's a great spot for fishing!
Fishing at Lake Geode
Many people come to Lake Geode to fish. The lake is known for different kinds of fish. You can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie here. Channel catfish, bullhead, and red-eared sunfish are also common. It's a perfect place to spend a day fishing with friends or family.
History of Geode State Park
Geode State Park became part of Iowa's park system in 1937. Before that, it was a popular picnic spot for local people.
Early Days and the CCC
Local groups helped buy the first 143 acres for the park. They raised $4,800 to make it happen. Soon after, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) came to help. The CCC was a group that built many parks in the 1930s. They cleared trees, built roads, and put up buildings.
Building the Park and Lake
After the CCC, other workers continued building the park. In 1951, the lake, a beach, and a beach house were finished. The beach house looked like the buildings the CCC used to make. For a while, the park even had an airstrip! This meant people could fly their private planes right to the park. The airstrip is now closed.
Nature and Wildlife
Geode State Park is home to different kinds of wildlife. It's important to be aware of the animals around you.
Timber Rattlesnakes
Some areas near the park have been reported to have timber rattlesnakes. These snakes are shy and usually avoid people. If you see a snake, it's best to leave it alone and give it space.
Getting to Geode State Park
The park is easy to reach from several nearby towns.
Nearby Towns
- Burlington is about 15 miles east.
- New London is about 6 miles north.
- Danville is about 6 miles northeast.
- Middletown is about 6 miles east.
- Lowell is right at the park's southwest corner.
Directions
You can get to the park from Middletown by taking Iowa 79. If you are coming from Lowell, you can use County Road J-20.
