Lake Darling State Park: A Conservation Legacy
Explore Iowa's natural beauty at Lake Darling State Park: hiking, boating, camping, and honoring a conservation legacy.
Lake Darling State Park, named after conservationist J.N. "Ding" Darling, offers a diverse landscape of wooded hills, a 302-acre lake, and ample outdoor activities in southeast Iowa. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and exploring the park's natural beauty.
A brief summary to Lake Darling State Park
- 111 Lake Darling Rd, Brighton, Iowa, 52540, US
- +1319-694-2323
- Visit website
- 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
Local tips
- Rent a boat at the Friends of Lake Darling Boat Rental, open Friday-Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, for a fun day on the water.
- Hike the trails to experience diverse habitats, including a historic cemetery.
- Reserve a campsite or cabin in advance, especially during peak season, through the online reservation system.
- Visit the newly renovated lodge, a picturesque venue for weddings, conferences, and other large gatherings.
Getting There
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Driving
Lake Darling State Park is located approximately 3 miles west of Brighton, Iowa. From Brighton, take Highway 1 and 78 west for 3 miles. Turn north onto Lake Darling Road and follow it to the park entrance. Parking is available within the park. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is readily available throughout the park at various trailheads and recreational areas.
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Walking
From Brighton, walking to Lake Darling State Park is possible but not recommended due to the distance (3 miles) and lack of dedicated pedestrian pathways along Highway 1 and 78. For those already camping within the park, trails provide access to various points of interest, such as the lake, beach, and historic cemetery.
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Public Transport
Public transportation options to Lake Darling State Park are limited. Brighton, Iowa, is a small town, and public transit services are not readily available to the park. Some regional transit agencies may offer services to Brighton, but advance booking is required. Contacting a local taxi service in Washington, Iowa, might be an option, but availability and cost should be confirmed. A taxi from Washington to Lake Darling State Park would cost approximately $40-$50. There are no ride-sharing services available in Brighton.
Discover more about Lake Darling State Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lake Darling
2.2 km
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Lake Belva Deer
30.2 km
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Kalona Historical Village
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English Valley History Center
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Bronze Statue of James T. Kirk
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Champion Bowl
45.4 km
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Godfrey's Ale House
46.1 km
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Steller Woods Village
46.3 km
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Ottumwa Cemetery
46.3 km
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The Vine Coffeehouse and Eatery
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O'Town Books
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Martha's Nook & Cranny
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Schafer Stadium
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Ottumwa Launderette
47.0 km
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Temple of Creative Arts
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Garrison Rock Resource Management Unit
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Cedar Creek Golf Course
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Memorial Park
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Vogel Place Historic District
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Bell Park
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Jefferson Park
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Iowa Heartland History Connection
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Central Park
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Ballingall Park
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Bridge View Center
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Wapello County Freedom Rock
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Essential places to dine
Ottumwa Golf and Social Club & Finnegan's Restaurant
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Benchwarmers Eatery & Sports
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Warehouse Barbecue Co. & Brewhouse
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Courtside Bar & Grill
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Quiznos
46.0 km
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Mike's Pizza & Steakhouse
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Pita Pit
46.3 km
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Tortaco
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La Esperanza Bakery/Panderia
47.3 km
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Domino's Pizza
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Tequila Grill Ottumwa
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Joes Italian Ottumwa
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Second Street Cafe
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Hotel Ottumwa
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Blessings
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sassy Sunflower
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Klassi Kloset
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Antiques & Uniques
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The French Flower
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Midwest Belle LLC
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Grandpa's Actic LLC 125 Epps Street Ottumwa Iowa 52501
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Ottumwa
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The Shoppe on Main
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Antler Guys Mercantile Company
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My Chic Boutique Ottumwa Iowa
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Ottumwa Tuxedo Rental
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Mc Kee Coin Inc
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The Sewing House & Main Street Vacuum
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The Keg
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Jobsite
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Club Car
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Bardot Iowa
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Donnelly's Pub
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Field House Bar
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Joe's Place
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Deadwood Tavern
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The Green House
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The Fox Head Tavern
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Hilltop Tavern Ltd.
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The Broadway Bar and Grill
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