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Conservation Education Center
The Conservation Education Center is located in Swan Lake State Park, approximately 2 miles south of Carroll. From Highway 30 turn south on Grant Road, drive to 220th Street and turn east (following the signs). 220th can also be reached from Highway 71 and will lead you to the front door of the Center.
The Conservation Education Center is a regional facility serving Western Iowa, contributing towards the local economy and quality of life while providing educational, recreational, and cultural activities. The facility includes two large classrooms, an educational display area, kitchen, gift shop, elevator, restrooms, offices, boardroom, wildlife viewing deck, storm shelter, prairie restorations, and a backyard wetland connected via the 33-mile multi-use Sauk Rail Trail.
The Education Center provides programming for all ages and is fully ADA accessible. A state of the art audio/visual system assists in the facilitation of environmental education in an enhanced educational setting. The Center also features a natural resource library, with books and videos available for checkout to schools and individuals. Outdoor education opportunities lie just outside the back door, with a restored prairie (in progress) and a constructed wetland that lies below an agricultural field. Nature and water studies are possible during every season of the year. The Center is open to school visits, youth groups, special interest groups, bus tours, and the public. Public programs are regularly hosted on a wide range of environmental topics.
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Swan Lake State Park
Carroll County
| Other |
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Dickson Shelter
The Dickson Shelter is a stone shelter that is open year-round, but is not heated during the winter. It can be reserved for $40 and can be used for free on a first-come, first-served basis (unless someone has reserved it).
Non-profit organizations receive a discount rental rate. A $50 refundable clean-up deposit is required.
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Dickson Timber
Carroll County
| Shelter |
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East Shelter
The East Shelterhouse at Swan Lake is one of our most popular rental facilities. The shelter is open year-round, with heat during the winter. The shelterhouse offers a nice view overlooking Swan Lake, and is very close to the Sauk Rail Trail.
Restrooms are available just outside the facility. There is a sand volleyball court, horseshoe area, ball field, and playground outside the shelterhouse as well. A beach for swimming or just catching some sun is a short walk from the building. Ample parking is available for all your guests.
Picnic tables are provided, seating up to 75 people. Firewood is provided for the indoor wood-burning stove. In addition, a kitchen area is available with a stove, oven, and refrigerator. Electrical outlets are spaced throughout the shelter.
The East Shelter rents for $60 from April-Oct and $70 from Nov-March. Non-profit organizations receive a discount rental rate. A $50 refundable clean-up deposit is required. Shelters are rented for all day. You can begin setting up at 5am, and must vacate the premises by 10pm.
Please call the conservation office at (712) 792-4614 for additional information or if you would like to see the shelterhouse in person.
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Swan Lake State Park
Carroll County
| Shelter |
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North Shelter
The North Shelterhouse at Swan Lake is open from April though October (not heated for winter usage). The shelterhouse overlooks Swan Lake and is very close to the Sauk Rail Trail. Ample parking is available for all your guests. A playground and restrooms are located outside the shelter, along with a grill. Access to the lake is just downhill from the shelter so bring your fishing pole!
Picnic tables are provided, seating up to 60 people. Firewood is provided for the indoor fireplace. Electrical outlets are spaced throughout the shelter. The North Shelter rents for $40. Non-profit organizations receive a discount rental rate. A $50 refundable clean-up deposit is required. Shelters are rented for all day. You can begin setting up at 5am, and must vacate the premises by 10pm.
Please call the conservation office at (712) 792-4614 for additional information or if you would like to see the shelterhouse in person.
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Swan Lake State Park
Carroll County
| Shelter |
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South Shelter
The open-walled shelter is open year-round (but wear your coat in winter). The Sauk Rail Trail is just steps from the shelter. The Swan Lake Campground is also nearby. This shelter is often used by folks camping at the park. The lake is just downhill from the shelterhouse, and the canoes and paddleboats are a short walk away.
Picnic tables are provided, seating up to 40 people. One electrical outlet is available in the shelter.
The South Shelter can be reserved for $40 and can be used for free on a first-come, first-served basis (unless someone has reserved it). Non-profit organizations receive a discount rental rate. a $50 refundable clean-up deposit is required. Shelters are rented for all day. You can begin setting up at 5 am and must vacate the premises by 10 pm.
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Swan Lake State Park
Carroll County
| Shelter |
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Swan Lake Cabin
The Swan Lake Cabin sleeps 6-8 comfortable and has a separate bedroom, kitchen, toilet & sink room. The shower house is just a short walk from the cabin. The cabin is also air conditioned and close to the lake and Sauk Rail Trail.
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Swan Lake State Park
Carroll County
| Cabin |
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Swan Lake Campground
Swan Lake Campground is the largest and most diverse campground in Carroll County. Water, electric, and full-hookup sites are available for RV's, with over 100 total sites. Tent camping is also available.
Other amenities include Showerhouses, a Concession/Gift Shop, Campground Shelterhouses, a new Dump Station, Paddleboat & Canoe Rentals, and Firewood & Ice Sales. Campground Hosts are stationed in the campground to answer any questions you might have and are available Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekends from 8 am - 8 pm. In addition, two park rangers live nearby, providing security to park visitors and campers.
Free wireless internet available throughout the upper campground!
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Swan Lake State Park
Carroll County
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