Muscatine

Discovery Park


Education at Discovery Park The Muscatine County Environmental Learning Center hosts a permanent exhibit, "Iowa's Changing Landscape," describing our changing landscape and how it affects native wildlife. There are also two large aquariums, temporary nature exhibits, and live snake, turtle, amphibian, and raptor displays. The Environmental Learning Center is home to the Conservation Board offices and has a large classroom that is available for businesses and organizations to rent for meetings. Two full-time naturalists are on staff to provide environmental education programs to schools, Scouts and other youth groups, civic organizations, and the public.
Facility Rentals at Discovery Park Discovery Park Picnic Shelters Shelter #1 – Near the Environmental Learning Center This Discovery Park shelter is located near the Environmental Learning Center. It features seating for 80-100 people, electricity (no lights), adjacent parking and a modern restroom (water available at the restroom). This shelter has green space for play and access to the trail system in the park. Fee to reserve: $40 Shelter #2 – Near the Playground & Harmony Lane Entrance This Discovery Park shelter is near the Harmony Lane park entrance and is located adjacent to the new playground, making it a great location for birthday parties. This shelter has seating for 50-70 people. There is a modern restroom with flushing toilets nearby (seasonally, water is turned off from approximately October 15-April 15 each year).Fee to reserve: $40 Shelter #3 – Near Discovery Pond and the Cedar Street Entrance This Discovery Park shelter is near the Cedar Street park entrance. This small shelter has seating for 15-20 people. It offers a beautiful view of Discovery Pond and is located on the Discovery Park trail system. There is a nice latrine nearby that is the only outdoor restroom at Discovery Park that is open year-round. Fee to reserve: $20 The Muscatine County Environmental Learning Center is home to the Conservation Board offices and has a large classroom that is available for businesses and organizations to rent for meetings. For prices and to check availability contact the Conservation Board at (563) 264-5922 or conservation@muscatinecountyiowa.gov
FALL COLORS at Discovery Park Discovery Park is an excellent place to view fall colors. There is a combination of prairie, wetlands, ponds, and woodlands that offer a great variety of colors and textures. Hike the paved walking trail that winds past it all. In addition the Muscatine Arboretum features an excellent diversity of native trees.
Fishing at Discovery Park Discovery Park features two stocked ponds for fishing. Discovery Pond has a handicap accessible fishing dock. Catfish, bluegill, bass, crappie, and redear sunfish can be found in Discovery Pond. Trout are also released each spring and fall. Heron Hideaway Pond has a fishing dock, and catfish, bluegill, bass, crappie, and redear sunfish can be found in it.
Other Activities at Discovery Park Muscatine Arboretum is located in Discovery Park, and is operated by the Muscatine Arboretum Association.
Picnicking at Discovery Park Discovery Park Shelter #1- Near the Environmental Learning Center This large open picnic shelter is located near the Environmental Learning Center. It features seating for 80-100 people, electricity (no lights), adjacent parking and a modern restroom. There is green space for play and access to the trail system in the park. This shelter is available on a first-come, first served basis, if not otherwise rented. Rental fee is $40. Discovery Park Shelter #2- Near the Playground and Harmony Lane Entrance This shelter has seating for 50-70 people. There is a modern restroom nearby with flushing toilets. Rental fee is $40. Discovery Park Shelter #3 - Near Discovery Pond and the Cedar Street Entrance This small open picnic shelter is located near the park entrance. It features seating for 15-20 people. Parking is available and a portable toilet is nearby. The shelter is near Discovery Pond and offers access to the trail system in the park. This shelter is available on a first-come, first served basis, if not otherwise rented. Rental fee is $20. To check availability or reserve one of these shelters contact the Conservation Board at (563) 264-5922 or conservation@muscatinecountyiowa.gov
Trails & Hiking at Discovery Park Discovery Park has 1.5 miles of hard-surfaced trails, and 2 miles of primitive trails. Guests are allowed to walk, jog, or ride on the trails. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after. The trail winds through the park, passing two ponds, the Old Barn and goes through the Muscatine Arboretum.

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