This 692-acre park derives its name from Squaw Creek which follows a meandering course through a shallow valley in the park. Initial land acquisitions commenced in the mid-1960s, and with the park's proximity to the Cedar Rapids/Marion metropolitan area - it has become a popular regional destination for outdoor recreation.
Squaw Creek Park offers opportunities for picnicking, camping, winter activities, nature study and much more. The extensive & diverse trail system is a major highlight for anyone visiting the park - as are the abundant species of wildlife that call this park home: white-tailed deer, ring-necked pheasant, wild turkey, a variety of small mammals and numerous species of both resident and migrating songbirds. The trails are popular for hiking, horseback riding, nature study, running and cross-country skiing.
The Squaw Creek Campground complex is one of the finest in the region, and sports a new state-of-the-art shower facility that opened in the Spring of 2009! (NOTE: The 15-site A-Loop primitive campground is closed for the entire 2010 camping season for construction. When completed, there will be 22 new universally accessible campsites with full hook-ups and a new sanitary dumping station)
The park is also directly adjacent to the Donald K. Gardner Golf Course, managed by the City of Cedar Rapids.
PARK CONTACT INFORMATION:
Squaw Creek Park Office
4305 Squaw Lane
Marion, IA 52302
PHONE: (319) 377-5954
Location
Squaw Creek Park is located on the southeast side of Marion, just west of Hwy. 13 off Hwy. 100, and south on Banner Drive.
GOOGLE MAP LOCATION:
- Click on "Get Directions"
- Right-click on Lodge
- Click on "Directions to Here"
- Enter your location
Features
FEATURES OF SQUAW CREEK PARK:
- Squaw Creek Campgrounds (61 sites)
- Sanitary dumping station
- Modern shower facility
- Two enclosed year-round lodges
- One open shelter (seasonal)
- Lighted downhill sledding facility
- Extensive trail system - including equestrian trails
- Dog training area
- Groomed cross-country skiing
Operating Hours & Seasons
- Park hours are 4:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- Reservation Facility users must have the facility cleaned and exit the lodge/shelter no later than 10:00 PM.
- ALL VISITORS need to exit the park no later than 10:30 PM, park closing time
- Many features of the park are open on a year-round basis, some will close seasonally
- Campgrounds are generally open from April 15 - October 15th (Weather & ground conditions may contract or expand these dates)
- Shelters are generally open from April 15 - October 15
- Lodges are open on a year round basis
Closures
Portions of Squaw Creek Park are seasonally closed in the winter months (campgrounds, picnic areas, etc.). Additionally, dangerous travel conditions or areas damaged by severe weather may be closed for periods of time due to a concern for public safety.
LODGES CLOSED:
- December 24 & 25 - Christmas Holidays
- December 31 & January 1 - New Years Holidays