Baileys Ford Conservation Center
Overview
The history of this area goes back to 1838 when a surveyor by the name of Joel Bailey settled and built a cabin on the east side of the Maquoketa River where the park is today. As one of the first settlers in Delaware County his cabin became the first post office. When stagecoach roads were established, the family kept travelers overnight and at this location is where the river could be forded on their westward travels. Thus, the area became known as Baileys Ford.
This area has always been a popular location for fishermen, picnickers and campers. In 1959 the Delaware County Conservation Board purchased almost 4.0 acres from Interstate Power Co. Over the next ten years they acquired an additional 73.0 acres.
The Iowa DNR, through the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund assisted the Conservation Board with 55.0 of those acres, which became the base for Baileys Ford Park. The park opened to the public in May of 1969.
PHONE: (563) 927-3410