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Geode State Park: Iowa's Outdoor Gem

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Explore Iowa's natural beauty at Geode State Park: hiking, fishing, camping, and a sparkling lake await in this southeast Iowa treasure.

Geode State Park in southeast Iowa is a 1,640-acre haven named after the state rock, the geode. The park's centerpiece is the 187-acre Lake Geode, offering fishing, boating, and swimming. With hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas, it's a destination for outdoor recreation.

A brief summary to Geode State Park

  • Monday 4 am-10:30 pm
  • Tuesday 4 am-10:30 pm
  • Wednesday 4 am-10:30 pm
  • Thursday 4 am-10:30 pm
  • Friday 4 am-10:30 pm
  • Saturday 4 am-10:30 pm
  • Sunday 4 am-10:30 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Geode State Park.

  • Reserve campsites in advance, as the campground is 100% reservable between April 1 and December 14.
  • Bring your fishing gear to try your luck at catching bass, catfish, or sunfish in Lake Geode.
  • Hike the trails around Lake Geode for scenic views and to experience the park's natural beauty.
  • Visit the park office to see a display of geodes, Iowa's state rock, but remember it's illegal to remove them from the park.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's scenic picnic areas or shelters.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    Geode State Park is accessible via several routes. From the east, take Highway 34 to Middletown, then head south for a quarter mile to the intersection of old Highway 34 and County Road J-20/old Highway 79. Proceed west on J-20 for 6 miles to the park's main entrance. From the west, take J-20 and drive 3 miles to the park's west entrance. Parking is available throughout the park near the lake, campgrounds, and trailheads. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    While direct public transportation to Geode State Park is limited, the nearest city with bus service is Burlington, about 15 miles east of the park. Burlington Urban Service provides local transit within the city. Megabus offers service from Danville to Des Moines. From Burlington, you would need to take a taxi or rideshare service to reach the park. A taxi or rideshare from Burlington to Geode State Park would cost approximately $30-45 [AUTHOR'S ESTIMATE BASED ON SIMILAR DISTANCES].

Discover more about Geode State Park

Geode State Park, nestled in southeast Iowa, is a 1,640-acre park named after the Iowa state rock, the geode. While it's illegal to remove geodes from the park, a display of these crystal-filled rocks can be viewed at the park office. The park's main attraction is Lake Geode, a 187-acre lake created in 1950, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Anglers can find largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and more. Two boat ramps provide access, and the lake is a no-wake zone. Several hiking trails wind through the park, including a main trail from the north end of the lake to the dam. The 8-mile Lake Geode Loop Trail provides a comprehensive tour of the park's landscapes. The park also offers picnic shelters, a playground, and a sandy beach. Geode State Park joined the Iowa park system in 1937 and has a rich history. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed the park in the 1930s, building roads, structures, and managing habitats. The park once even had an airstrip. Today, visitors can enjoy the modern campground with electric and non-electric campsites, shower buildings, and restrooms.

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