Lake Hendricks Park
Experience nature while walking one of the many trails, sitting at the butterfly garden, fishing, or swimming in the lake! One of the oldest parks in the county conservation board system, it is also the largest and most popular park belonging to the Howard County Conservation Board.
This scenic park includes a 54-acre man-made lake: serves as a multiple use area offering a wide variety of outdoor opportunities. Activities include fishing, picnicking, biking, camping, canoeing and boating (electric engines only), a 150-foot beach for swimming (unsupervised), nature trails, and cross country skiing along with softball diamond, and playground equipment.
The park opens each day at 6:00 am and closes at 10:30 pm and is open to camping from May to October. A park ranger resides on the premises year-round and may be reached at (641) 985-2127.
Upper and lower campgrounds provide for 80 modern and primitive camping sites with electricity, water, showers, restrooms (flush toilets), and two available picnic shelters.
Camping Fees: Please check the self registration board for current rates. Self registration must be completed within one hour of arrival.
As with all of our Howard County parks, campsites are on a "first come, first serve" basis. We do not take reservations at this time.
Several areas are provided with picnic facilities including shelters, tables, fire rings, trash containers, and toilets. Two shelter houses are available: the large shelter is located in the lower campground with the smaller shelter in the upper campground. Reservations are available at no cost, but please note that reservations are not accepted on major holiday weekends. Please contact the park ranger at (641) 985-2127 for shelter reservations.
Lake Hendricks experienced a fish kill during the winter of 1995-1996.
Fingerling bluegill and catfish were stocked in the fall of 1996.
Largemouth bass were stocked in the spring of 1997.
The lake is managed for these three species.
Introduction of other species can alter the proper balance of fish, and because of this, it is illegal for the public to stock any fish in Lake Hendricks.
A large sand beach is located on the west side of the lake.
This is the only area where swimming or wading is allowed.
The beach is not supervised.
Parents are urged to watch children closely.
The beach hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Several hiking trails have been established, including a 0.4 mile self-guided nature trail. Hikers should wear neutral colored clothing and walk quietly in order to view as much wildlife as possible. Also the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail runs through Lake Hendricks.
All campers must register.
No more than one camping unit per campsite.
All visitors must be out of the park by 10:30 p.m.
Radios, TV's or other noise making devices shall under no circumstances be used between the hours of 9:00 p.m.& 9:00 a.m. outside of the camping unit.
Fires can be built only in designated areas.
All campers are expected to keep their campsite clean and in an orderly manner.
All waste and trash will be placed only in receptacles provided for that purpose.
Possession of keg beer is prohibited, unless authorized by the HCCB Director.
All pets in the park must be kept confined or on a leash and kept under control.
The cutting of trees, dead or alive, is absolutely prohibited.
Check-out time is at 3:00 p.m.
Maximum length stay is 14 days.
For Further Information Contact:
Park Ranger
Lake Hendricks Park
9850 Addison Ave
Riceville IA 50466
Phone: (641) 985-2127
Howard County Conservation Board
11562 Valley Ave
PO Box 157
Cresco IA 52136
Phone: 563 547-3634
Whether you want to fish, play ball, or let the kids have a blast, Lake Hendricks Park is a 234 - acre park to experience fun for all.