Lake Manawa State Park facts for kids
Lake Manawa State Park is a fun place to visit in Council Bluffs, Iowa. It's built around Lake Manawa, which is a special lake made by people. This lake was created to help control the water from the Missouri River. You can find it in the southwest part of Council Bluffs.
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What Can You Do at Lake Manawa State Park?
Lake Manawa State Park offers many exciting activities for families and friends. It's a great spot for outdoor adventures and enjoying nature.
Camping Adventures
If you love camping, Lake Manawa State Park has a great campground! There are 72 spots where you can set up your tent or park your RV. About half of these spots have electricity, which is super handy for charging your devices or running small appliances. The campground also has modern showers and restrooms, plus a place to empty your RV's tanks. Some spots can be booked ahead of time, while others are available first-come, first-served.
Boating Fun
Lake Manawa is perfect for boating! You can bring boats of any size, even those with powerful motors. There are special ramps all around the lake to help you launch your boat, except on the east side. If you don't have your own boat, no worries! You can rent paddle boats and canoes right at the beach area. You can even get to the Missouri River from the lake by boat!
Fishing for Everyone
Fishing is a very popular activity at Lake Manawa. Many different kinds of fish live here. Some of the most common fish you might catch include crappies, bluegills, and catfish. It's a relaxing way to spend time outdoors and maybe even catch dinner!
Swimming and Sunbathing
The park has a lovely beach where you can go swimming and enjoy the sun. It's a perfect place to cool off on a hot day. You can also grab some refreshments right at the beach area.
Exploring Nature Trails
If you enjoy walking or biking, there's a paved trail that goes along the shoreline of the lake. It's a great way to see the park's natural beauty. This trail also connects to other trails like the Western Trails Center, the Council Bluffs trail system, and the Wabash Trace trail, so you can explore even more!
Picnics and Parties
Lake Manawa State Park has several spots perfect for family picnics, birthday parties, or other outdoor events. There are open picnic shelters located around the lake that you can reserve online. One of the shelters even has kitchen facilities, which is great for bigger gatherings!
