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Lake Macbride State Park: Iowa's Lakeside Gem

Explore Iowa's great outdoors at Lake Macbride State Park: fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and more!

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Lake Macbride State Park, Iowa's largest, offers 2,180 acres of outdoor activities centered around the 900-acre Lake Macbride. Named after conservationist Thomas Huston Macbride, the park features fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and camping in a scenic, natural setting.

A brief summary to Lake Macbride State Park

Local tips

  • Visit in the spring or fall for birdwatching; shorebirds, waterfowl, and ospreys are frequent visitors.
  • Rent a boat at the beach to explore Lake Macbride; options include pontoons, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
  • Hike or bike the five-mile crushed limestone trail connecting the park to Solon for scenic views.
  • Make reservations for campsites and shelters online, especially during peak season.
  • Check the Iowa DNR website for beach advisories and park alerts before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Solon, head west on County Road F16 for approximately 4 miles to reach the northern unit of Lake Macbride State Park, where you'll find the park office, beach, and modern campground. Parking is available at various locations within the park. Parking fees are not listed. Alternatively, take 5th St. west out of Solon for 3 miles to reach the southern unit, home to the non-modern campground.

  • Biking/Walking

    From Solon, access the five-mile crushed limestone multi-use trail on the north side of the lake. This trail connects the park to Solon, offering a scenic route for bicyclists and pedestrians. The trail runs along the shoreline and through wooded areas.

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Discover more about Lake Macbride State Park

Lake Macbride State Park, nestled in the wooded valleys of Mill and Jordan Creeks near Solon, Iowa, is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Named after Thomas Huston Macbride, a prominent Iowa conservationist and University of Iowa professor, the park spans 2,180 acres and is divided into two units, both offering unique experiences. The northern unit is the main hub, featuring a modern campground with electric and full hook-up sites, a swimming beach, boat rentals, a concession stand, picnic areas, and the park office. The southern unit offers a more rustic experience with a non-modern campground, additional boat ramps, picnic areas, and a frisbee golf course amidst a restored prairie landscape. Lake Macbride itself is an 812-acre artificial lake perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. Anglers can cast their lines for walleye, channel catfish, muskie, and the prized Kentucky spotted bass, found virtually nowhere else in Iowa. Seven boat ramps provide easy access to the water, and boat rentals are available near the beach. A 10-horsepower motor limit is in effect from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Beyond the lake, visitors can explore over seven miles of hiking and multi-use trails that wind through oak-hickory forests and restored prairies. A five-mile crushed limestone trail connects the park to Solon, offering a scenic route for bicyclists and hikers. In the winter, the park transforms into a haven for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Lake Macbride State Park has a rich history, with its establishment dating back to the 1930s. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in developing the park's infrastructure, including the construction of the stone shelter and beach building. Today, Lake Macbride State Park continues to be a cherished destination for families and outdoor lovers, offering a diverse range of activities and natural beauty throughout the year.

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