Lake Darling State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Darling State Park |
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Lake Darling State Park entrance sign.
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 Lake Darling State Park
Location in Iowa
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| Location | Washington, Iowa, United States |
| Area | 1,417 acres (5.73 km2) |
| Elevation | 682 ft (208 m) |
| Established | 1950 |
| Named for | Jay Norwood Darling |
| Governing body | Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Lake Darling State Park |
| Lake Darling | |
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 Lake Darling
Location in Iowa
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| Location | Washington County, Iowa, US |
| Coordinates | 41°12′10″N 91°54′22″W / 41.20278°N 91.90611°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 302 acres (1.2 km²) |
| Surface elevation | 656 ft (200 m) |
Lake Darling State Park is a fun place to visit in Iowa, USA. It's a special state park located in Washington County. You can find it about 3 miles (5 km) west of Brighton and 6 miles (10 km) east of Richland.
The park is huge, covering about 1,417 acres (5.7 km²)! Inside the park, there's a beautiful lake called Lake Darling. This lake is about 302 acres (122 ha) big and has a long shoreline of about 18 miles (29 km). It gets its water from Honey Creek, which flows into the Skunk River.
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Park History: How Lake Darling Got Its Name
Lake Darling State Park opened its doors on September 17, 1950. This park is named after a very important person named Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling.
Who Was Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling?
Jay Norwood Darling was a famous cartoonist and a strong supporter of protecting nature. He won two Pulitzer Prizes for his cartoons. He also worked hard to save wildlife and natural places. Naming the park after him was a way to honor his efforts.
Fun Things to Do at Lake Darling State Park
Lake Darling State Park offers many activities for visitors of all ages. It's a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
Camping and Picnics
The park has areas for picnics, perfect for a meal with family and friends. You can also find camping cabins and campsites if you want to stay overnight. Restrooms are available for visitors.
Play and Explore
Kids can have fun on the playground equipment. There are also several trails for hiking and exploring the park's natural beauty.
Water Activities
Lake Darling is a great spot for water fun. You can rent boats to explore the lake. There is also a beach where you can relax and enjoy the water.
Fishing at Lake Darling
The lake is home to many different kinds of fish. This makes it a popular spot for fishing.
