McFarland Park

Story County, IA

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McFarland Park Sign Open air shelter located by the lake at McFarland Park. Two young boys play in the kayak at the Nature Playscape at McFarland Park. A group of children stand by the windows observing birds feeding at McFarland Park Conservation Cent Story County Naturalists on stand up paddle boards paddle across McFarland Lake.

Discover McFarland Park in Ames

McFarland Park is a 200-acre area just north of Ames.  The park offers visitors a variety of ecotypes to explore including tallgrass prairie, woodland, and stream habitats.  

SCC Rules and Regulations

 

Features Available at Various Facilities

  • A/C
  • Carry in/carry out refuse
  • Cooking / eating utensils
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Station
  • Electricity
  • Fire ring
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Heating
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Pet Friendly
  • Picnic Table
  • Refuse cans
  • Restroom
  • Table with chairs
  • Wi-Fi
  • Story County Conservation Center: Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.  The offices of the administrative and environmental education staff are housed at this building, and the multipurpose room is available for rent for social gatherings and meetings. Educational displays throughout the year fill the center. A cedar deck is adjacent to the building for picnics and public use.
  • EV Charging Station is available
  • Adams Observatory: Supervised by the Ames Area Amateur Astronomers (AAAA); available to the public through astronomy programs offered by AAAA. Please see http://amesastronomers.com for current program information.
  • Touch-a-Life Trail: Hard-surfaced trail through various plant communities including prairie, woodlands, and ponds; handicapped access to fishing dock, deck overlooking the lake, and handicapped accessible picnic sites.
  • Picnic areas with grills: Some sites are handicap accessible
  • Hiking and Off-road Biking: The park's 5.5 miles of trails are open to hiking and off-road biking, but interior trails with stairs are closed to bicyclists. Please obey all signs. Equestrians are not allowed in the park; horseback riding is allowed on the trails at Peterson Park and along the greenbelt.
  • 6.5-acre Lake: The lake is stocked with bluegill, bass, and catfish.
  • Winter activities: Ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

Facilities at this Park

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Activities at this Park

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Nearby Attractions

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