History

In 1977, the people of Wapello County voted to establish a county conservation board for the purpose of purchasing and developing lands of parks, hunting and fishing access and other recreational uses in the county.

Today all of Iowa’s 99 counties have a County Conservation Board. Wapello County was the 98th county to establish its Board, consequently it is one of the youngest conservation boards in the state.

As of fall of 2016, the Wapello County Conservation Board manages twelve areas totaling over 2,077 acres. The board is also progressing toward additional purchases that will enhance our resource base and public property for its citizens. In combination, these areas provide extremely diverse habitats providing residents with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities such as picnicking, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-county skiing, camping, hunting and fishing.

Nearby Attractions


Beach Ottumwa

Beach Ottumwa

  • Ottumwa, IA
Air Power Museum

Air Power Museum

  • Ottumwa, IA
Maasdam Barns

Maasdam Barns

  • Jefferson, IA
Old Threshers Reunion

Old Threshers Reunion

  • Mount Pleasant, IA
Harvestville Farm

Harvestville Farm

  • Donnellson, IA
Hinterland Dairy

Hinterland Dairy

  • Donnellson, IA
Appleberry Orchard

Appleberry Orchard

  • Donnellson, IA
Old Santa Fe Depot

Old Santa Fe Depot

  • Fort Madison, IA
Crapo Park

Crapo Park

  • Burlington, IA
Acquisitions

Acquisitions

  • Osceola, IA
The Harvest Barn

The Harvest Barn

  • Osceola, IA
Blank Park Zoo

Blank Park Zoo

  • Des Moines, IA
West Lake

West Lake

  • Osceola, IA
History on the Hill

History on the Hill

  • Winterset, IA
The Iowa Theater

The Iowa Theater

  • Winterset, IA
Iowa Quilt Museum

Iowa Quilt Museum

  • Winterset, IA
The Brenton Arboretum

The Brenton Arboretum

  • Dallas Center, IA
Jones County Nature Center

Jones County Nature Center

  • Center Junction, IA