Turtle Creek Wildlife Area


The Turtle Creek Wildlife Area is located 3.5 miles southwest of Delhi in Section 25 & 36 of Milo Township (T88N-R5W), Delaware County, Iowa.

In 1960 Delaware County Conservation Board purchased 111 acres. The original property had been settled by the Tuttle family who built a log cabin near the creek. Over the years the name changed to Turtle Creek. The creek flows through the west portion of this area, thus came the name Turtle Creek Wildlife Area.

Early settlers used this area for lumber and fuel wood for their cabins located out in the more open parts of the county. The woodlands were also grazed by livestock.In 1964 county conservation purchased an additional 33 acres and another 50 acres in 1987. Bringing the total of the Turtle Creek area to over 200 acres.

Turtle Creek flows into Turtle Creek Bay which is a backwater of Hartwick Lake, better known today as Lake Delhi where the two main public boat ramps are located.

The topography of this area is rolling hills and wooded ravines making it great wildlife cover.

From 1960 to 1983 the county conservation developed 12.0 acres as Turtle Creek Park. This provided the public with facilities for camping, picnicking and other recreation. A boat ramp was installed along with two drilled wells for water, electrical camping sites, vault restrooms, shelter house and playground area.

Improvements between 2015 and 2017 included the addition of two restrooms and a boat ramp installed on the Turtle Creek Bay, along with updating the playground and adding additional camp sites.

This area continues to offer a natural experience for hikers, hunters and others to enjoy the outdoors.



Location

2124  267th Street

Delhi, IA



Features

The park amenities include:

  • Hiking Trails
  • Boat Ramp
  • Lake Delhi Access
  • Camping Shelters
  • Playground Hunting and Trapping
  • Vault Restroom


Operating Hours & Seasons

This park is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm

Closures

All parks and natural areas remain open all year. However, facilities are closed to vehicle traffic and allow only walk-in access during the late fall and winter season . Parks with campground are usually open from mid-April through mid-October.