Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Chapter 18 - Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Iowa State Parks

Chapter 18



 - Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - Iowa State Parks


We decided in a rush of a judgement to move away from Kansas state parks to the great state of Iowa.

"Why???"

Why not I say!!! Where else you want to go? Cleveland?

"Maybe!!"

Maybe next time, but for now, we're in the land of Brushy Creek State Recreation Area!!!


Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
2802 Brushy Creek Road
Lehigh, IA 50557
ph. 515-543-8298
fax: 515-843-8395
Brushy_Creek@dnr.iowa.gov


Above leads to a site with great information about the area along with information about trail closures, facilities and closures of such(winter time closures include the rest rooms and such! Big surprise!!!)

So go check them out for more information that will be vital in your travels into the area (Iowa actually has a lot of state parks that we will explore in due time!!!)



Brushy Creek is one of Iowa's premier outdoor recreation destinations. At 6,500 acres, it has the largest tracts of public recreation land with a mosaic of native prairie, grassland, timber, riparian and lake habitats. The 690-acre lake is the deepest artificial permanent pool lake in Iowa and has an extensive network of trails. Join our interpreter in the summer for nature-related programs and hikes. Each spring, the park hosts a geo-caching event and fishing derby for kids. Program event details are posted at the campground kiosks.
Recreation: 
Lake ActivitiesFishing is a popular activity at Brushy Creek. The lake has 21 miles of shoreline with four boat ramps and eight fishing jetties. A universally accessible fishing pier is located on the west side of the lake. Anglers can try their luck fishing for bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye or muskellunge. The creek and the Des Moines River have always provided not only scenic beauty, but also a challenge to the angler with smallmouth bass and panfish as favorite catches. Brushy Creek is a "no-wake" lake. There is no restriction on motor size. A large sandy beach is located on the west side of the lake. Swimming is allowed at the designated beach area only. 
TrailsWith approximately 35 miles of multi-use trails, there are trail activities for everyone including horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and mountain biking. There is a 12 mile gravel trail around Brushy Creek Lake that is open in all weather conditions. A map of these multi-use trails is on display at the information kiosk located in all campground kiosks, the south day-use area, and at the park office. 

HuntingHunting is one of the most popular activities at Brushy Creek. Every year, hunters pursue a variety of game species ranging from pheasants, quail, rabbits and squirrels to white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. A number of designated parking areas are located throughout Brushy Creek to provide convenient access for the hunter.

Facilities:

Picnicking/SheltersBrushy Creek is a great place for picnics and large gatherings. Picnic areas are located throughout the park and offer tables and fire grills. There are three open shelters and four beach cabanas that can be reserved online.

Equestrian CampingEquestrian users can enjoy one of the most modern camp facilities in the Midwest. The north equestrian campground has a modern shower and restroom, electric and non-electric sites, horse wash area, shade is available at some campsites, a substantial hitch rail at every site (users are required to tie animals to rails) and a 100 ft by 200 ft arena. Water hydrants with potable water are available, as are picnic tables, grills, and a playground.
The south equestrian campground has a modern shower and restroom, electric and non-electric sites along with some full hookup sites (water and sewer), a playground, horse wash area, ample shade, and a hitch rail at every site. 
Non-Equestrian CampingThe non-equestrian campground has electric, non-electric, and full hookup sites (water and sewer).  
Day Use AreasThere are two large day-use areas, one located adjacent to the north equestrian campground and one just west of the south equestrian campground. Day users, including equestrians, are encouraged to use these areas at no charge for the day. Facilities include year round pit latrines.  

Shooting RangeTwo gun ranges are located at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. The target range (paper targets only) is south of the park office on Brushy Creek Road approximately 1/4 mile north of County Rd D46. The clay target range is located off of Taylor Ave. just south of Hwy 20 and west of County Road P73. 

And a video for good luck!!!

Till next time, see you on the road!!!!

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