Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is Iowa's second oldest state park. Dedicated in 1920 and originally known as Big Bend State Park, Lacey-Keosauqua's 1,653 acres of oak-hickory bluffs and valleys are located alongside a large bend in the Des Moines River. Whether you are here to fish, hike, camp, swim or just relax, we hope you enjoy your stay. A three mile trail segment follows a bluff of the Des Moines River and touches on some of the history of the area, from the river crossing of the Mormon's western trek in the mid-1800s, to the structures built by the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. Indian Mounds A series of mounds overlook the Des Moines River in the northwest section of the park. These were built by an ancient group of Woodland Culture Indians in order to bury their dead between 750 and 2,500 years ago. Such mounds are usually found on hilltops overlooking river valleys. These are sacred locations to living Native American peoples-please pay your respects and avoid walking on or otherwise disturbing the mounds.

Recreation: Trails The park has thirteen miles of trails that wind among the valleys and cliffs along the Des Moines River, under the canopy of oaks, hickories and other tree species. It is common to see a number of wildlife species in the park, particularly birds. Many bird enthusiasts flock to Lacey-Keosauqua in the spring to see the first tanager or warbler of the year. Other wildlife seen among the trails include deer, raccoons, opossums, gray squirrels, and red foxes. The variety of plants, trees and shrubs; many of them more than 200 years old; makes hiking at the park an exciting educational experience. The Southeast Iowa Bike Route is a 46 mile route that connects Lacey-Keosauqua State Park and Geode State Park. This route winds through southern Iowa woodlands, pastures and lush cornfields with lots of rolling hills and some flat terrain. Lake Activities The picturesque 30 acre lake is a favorite spot for swimmers during the summer. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake. There is a bathhouse restroom at the beach. The lake is popular with fishermen as is the scenic Des Moines River which runs the length of the park. Lake Sugema is located two miles from the park.

Nearby: Within convenient driving distance of the historic, picturesque settlements of Bentonsport and Bonaparte on the Des Moines River. Van Buren County is a tourist's delight with its quaint villages and their unique histories. The area really comes alive during the Scenic Drive Festival held each year on the second weekend of October. Arts and crafts, antiques, food, music and demonstrations can be enjoyed in several villages as you drive along while enjoying the fall foliage. Lacey-Keosauqua participates in the festival with a buck skinners camp and a 5K/10K Run/Walk within the park. Nearby Towns Convenient distance from several picturesque towns and villages on the Des Moines River. Keosauqua, the county seat of Van Buren County, is located just across the river from the park. Nearby historic settlements are Bentonsport and Bonaparte.