Rock Creek State Park

Rock Creek State Park, located in the eastern corner of Jasper County, is a very popular park among campers, but also offers a number of day-use activities as well.

Recreation: Trails There are 8.5 miles of multi-use, non-paved trails around the perimeter of the lake for hiking, biking, skiing, horseback riding and snowmobiling. There is a 5.5 miles bike trail along the park's east side that goes to the town of Grinnell. Lake Activities Rock Creek Lake is one of central Iowa's most popular lakes. Along the lake are several artificial jetties next to boat ramps. At the south boat ramp, there is universally accessible fishing as well as boat slips available to rent from April 15 to October 15. Anglers can catch crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye and channel catfish from the lake. There is a beach that offers unsupervised swimming. A park concession store offers snack food, boat rental, bait/tackle and firewood. The concession's number is 641-236-3876.

Nearby: The Iowa Speedway outside of Newton and the Knoxville Raceway, approximately 30 miles south of Newton on Highway 14 host a number of racing events throughout the summer. Approximately 35 miles southwest, off Interstate 80, is the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center. The center offers a movie, interactive displays and bookstore/gift shop all related to the natural history of prairies and prairie restoration. The refuge has hiking trails and a drive-through bison/elk enclosure. NEARBY TOWNS Kellogg is three miles west and two miles south of the park. Newton is four miles south and ten miles west on Highway 6. Grinnell is seven miles east of Rock Creek