Activities

 
Boating Boating at Kennedy Memorial Park
Badger Lake is located in the center of Kennedy Park and offers numerous recreational opportunities.  It is 53-acre man-made lake stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and northern pike.  The lake can be fished year-round providing both good open water and ice fishing success.  Only electric trolling motors are allowed for use in the lake.  A boat ramp with a courtesy dock as well as a handicap accessible fishing dock is located on the south side of the lake in the middle of the park.
Cabins Cabins at Kennedy Memorial Park
Mulligan's Yurt and the Rod & Reel Yurt are available to stay in on a reservation basis.  The reservations can be made up to one year in advance.  The yurts are 24 ft in diameter and can sleep up to 6 people.  There is a bunk bed and queen sized hide-a-bed inside as well as a small kitchenette.  There is a bathroom with toilet, sink and shower.  
Camping Camping at Kennedy Memorial Park
The Campground offers large, shaded sites for all types of camping-from the weekend tent camper to the full-time camper.  The park offers the camping enthusiast one of the finest camping facilities around.  With over 80 sites, the campground contains modern restrooms and shower facilities that are cleaned daily.
Camping Camping at Gypsum City OHV Park
The campground at Gypsum City OHV Park offers 33 sites that are both full-hook up and electric sites. Site amenities include water, electricity, sewer, picnic table, and grill. A men’s and women’s shower/restroom is also available.  The campground will be open April 15 - November 15 annually.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Becker Wildlife Area
Visitors can use the parking area to gian easy access to the Des Moines River water trail.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Kennedy Memorial Park
Canoeing and kayaking can be done on Kennedy’s 53-acre Badger Lake.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Deer Creek
Located on the west bank of the Des Moines River it is often used to access the water trail.
Education Education at Lindquist Wildlife Sanctuary
This area provides an outdoor classroom on the edge of Gowrie in which local people can view waterfowl, songbirds, woodland mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. A short trail runs through this property.
Education Education at Kennedy Memorial Park
Kennedy Park offers recreational and educational experiences that are readily accessible to all county residents, and initiates programs designed to protect and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Webster County. The Webster County Naturalist’s offers a variety of education programs throughout the year, both indoor and outdoor, including working with schools. Most of these are free of charge and are announced in the local media, in our newsletter, and on this website.
Education Education at Rossow Prairie
A 40-acre relic of upland prairie and slough that is a haven for a variety of wildlife. The area is an outstanding outdoor classroom facility. A trip to Rossow can provide an exciting escape and a chance to view some of nature’s most interesting critters.
Education Education at Skillet Creek Indian Mounds
This is the site of a prehistoric Native American ceremonial ground. Five conical burial mounds and one linear ceremonial mound lie forever on the heavily timbered limestone bluff overlooking the Des Moines and Skillet Creek valleys. The mounds were probably built 2,000 to 1,500 years ago by an extinct culture called the Woodland Indians. Found in the bottomland of this area is the old mining town of Hard Scrabble. Once a thriving town in the late 1890’s there are few remains left to indicate such a life existed. There is a parking area and self-guided interpretive trail. The area is a preserve.
Education Education at The Diggings
An interpretive nature trail established by Eagle Scouts takes hikers on a scenic tour of the property. This area was historically mined and remains protected as a wildlife sanctuary within the city limits of Fort Dodge.
Facility Rentals Facility Rentals at Kennedy Memorial Park
White Oak Camping Cabin, Bob Heun Shelter House, Veterans Memorial Park
Fishing Fishing at Deer Creek
Des Moines River
Fishing Fishing at Gypsum City OHV Park
Various fishing ponds located throughout Gypsum City OHV Park.
Fishing Fishing at Moorland Pond
A borrow pit resulting from the construction of U.S. 20
Fishing Fishing at Prairie Pond
A borrow pit that was created when work was underway on the U.S. 20
Hunting Hunting at Miller Marsh
45 acres (upland game & waterfowl)
Hunting Hunting at Whispering Wings
15 acres (upland game & waterfowl)
Hunting Hunting at Holiday Creek
38 acres (deer, turkey & squirrel)
Hunting Hunting at Deer Creek
17 acres (deer, turkey & squirrel)
Hunting Hunting at Bob Hay Memorial Conservation Area
225 acres (upland game, deer, turkey & squirrel)
Hunting Hunting at Carlson Recreation Area
120 acres (deer, turkey & squirrel)
Hunting Hunting at Meier Memorial Marsh
35 acres (upland game, waterfowl, & deer)
Other Activities Other Activities at Kennedy Memorial Park
Playgrounds, golf, softball field, volleyball, dog training, birdblind, & birding
Other Activities Other Activities at Gypsum City OHV Park
The park is approximately 800 acres in size and includes 60 miles of trails for use by ATVs, side-by-sides, and off-road motorcycles. The park also includes a 1.5 mile motocross track, a .4 mile kids' track, and a beginner circle track. Trails within the park range from open prairie for novice riders to heavily timbered areas for more advanced riders and include water crossings and mudding areas. Trail head signs within the park will indicate what machines are allowed on certain trails.
Other Activities Other Activities at Moorland Pond
Birding, wildlife viewing & home to the WCCB Trumpeter Swan restoration project.
Other Activities Other Activities at Whispering Wings
Birding & dog training
Other Activities Other Activities at Miller Marsh
Birding & dog training
Other Activities Other Activities at Rossow Prairie
Birding & dog training
Picnicking Picnicking at Kennedy Memorial Park
Picnic tables, open shelters & grills are located thought the park. They are available for free on a first-come first-serve basis.
Swimming Swimming at Kennedy Memorial Park
A swimming area and beach are located in the middle of Kennedy Park just below the Heun Shelter. No lifeguards are on duty.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Kennedy Memorial Park
There are 2-miles of trails around the lake. The trail is available for walking, biking & cross-country skiing.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Bob Hay Memorial Conservation Area
Mowed fire lanes that can be used as hiking trails.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Skillet Creek Indian Mounds
There is a 1-mile hiking trail through a wooded area.
Winter Activities Winter Activities at Kennedy Memorial Park
Ice fishing, cross-country skiing, sledding & snowshoeing.