When looking up things to do in Onawa, I was surprised to find this amazing park and nature center. Located less than five miles outside of town, Lewis and Clark State Park consists of 176
When looking up things to do in Onawa, I was surprised to find this amazing park and nature center. Located less than five miles outside of town, Lewis and Clark State Park consists of 176 acres of hiking trails, camping and natural habitat for resident birds and other animals, as well as local fauna.
Blue Lake
During our initial visit to the park, my mom and I were surprised to find a lake! We had no idea that within the park’s circumference is the 250-acre Blue Lake. Once part of the Missouri River, it is an ox-bow lake left behind by the migration and flooding of the Missouri River between 1830 and 1870. Surrounded by boat ramps and lake houses, residents and visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, fishing, and even swimming from the easily accessible beach. There’s even a playground for your young adventurers.
Known for being a popular and relaxing RV location, my mom and I drove around the nearly 100 full-electric RV lots which are perfectly situated around the lake. With great views of all the action, listening to children play in the water, and getting that nice breeze off the lake, I can see why this is a coveted spot for vacationers to the Midwest. Not to mention, there are lots of well-maintained restrooms all over the park, and for someone who has a pigeon bladder, this definitely comes in handy!
If you are not looking to camp overnight, then maybe consider picnicking. With more than 30 acres of picnic grounds and tables, visitors can bring their own firewood, grill out and enjoy the scenic views. Planning a wedding or a family reunion? Consider one of their open-air shelters, or even the lodge built in the 1930s!
Nature Center
While driving around, we also found a nature center and museum, which also houses a full-size replica of what is known as a keelboat. In fact, Lewis and Clark, during their westward expedition, stopped here in 1804, and used their keelboat to navigate the Missouri River. This keelboat gives visitors a glimpse as to how Lewis and Clark, along with their group of 50 men, lived and traveled on the water.
Whereas the keelboat is located outside the nature center, visitors can step inside another full-size replica inside the museum, allowing a glimpse to daily life. In addition to exploring hands-on exhibits, you’ll learn about local natural history, Native American life, and even get up close to the other boats Lewis and Clark utilized during their expedition, including two pirogues, a dug-out canoe, the larger Iron Boat and a bull boat. And believe it or not, large groups can schedule an appointment to set sail in one of these replicas! You’ll just need to contact the DNR (https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Lewis-and-Clark-State-Park) for more information. Pictures of their past voyages illustrate how vital these water vessels were to Lewis and Clark’s transportation.
Plan your visit
Overall, I was quite impressed with this small-town museum, and I honestly did not expect to find such a well-maintained nature and learning center. From how Lewis and Clark and their crew of 50 men dressed, ate, and even documented their findings, we learned a lot more than we expected to learn on this very eventful day!
So, if you find yourself wanting to explore your backyard, then head to Onawa for a little camping and fishing adventure, and make sure to stop in to the nature center for an afternoon of fun learning. Make sure to check out their annual Lewis and Clark days during the month of June, and bring your kids for some trick-or-treating in October for Halloween!
712-423-2829
21914 Park Loop
Onawa, Iowa 51040
Hours of Operation:
Mon – Sun: 4am to 10:30pm
For more reading material check out these websites:
- https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/lewis-and-clark-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IA&parkId=610142
- https://www.traveliowa.com/destination/lewis-and-clark-state-park/7673/
- https://www.nps.gov/places/lewis-and-clark-state-park-iowa.htm
- https://stateparks.com/lewis_and_clark_state_park_in_iowa.html
- https://campgrounds.rvlife.com/regions/iowa/onawa/lewis-clark-state-park-7205
Yes, that visit was awesome! I learned alot, possibly not studying it from history books. I hope to visit again.