Biking at Tower Rock
A paved trail located in front of the cabins with destinations to Pine Lake State Park and Steamboat Rock.
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Cabins at Bessman-Kemp Park
Hardin County Conservation's Fisherman’s Bend and Eagle's Nest Cabin are located within Bessman-Kemp Park just outside of Alden, IA. The cabins each feature a queen-sized bed, a sleeper sofa that converts into a full-sized bed, air conditioning, and a kitchenette. This cabin was a 2021 addition to our list of facilities, and is furnished with hardwood floors, LED lighting, and is decorated with a cozy cabin feel. The cabin lot includes a picnic table alongside a large fire ring, with plenty of parking space. The Iowa River flows peacefully just across the drive from this facility.
For more information visit Facilities page.
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Cabins at Tower Rock
If you’re looking for a place to get away for the weekend or even during the week, but you don’t want to drive for eight hours, you need to check out the log cabins at Tower Rock Park near Steamboat Rock, Iowa. They come furnished with everything except your groceries, bedding, toiletries and towels. One stop at the store and you're set for a relaxing weekend on the Iowa River!
For additional information on fees, reservations, amenities, maps, and policies, click on the links below.
Cabin Listings
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Canoeing & Kayaking at Tower Rock
Canoe or kayak or just float along the Iowa River, which is adjacent to Tower Rock. A boat launch is available a quarter mile up river from Tower Rock. There is no place to put in at Tower Rock directly.
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Education at Calkins Nature Area
Calkins Nature Center contains a Native American and Natural History Museum that tells the story of the county’s ecological and cultural history. The museum is home to one of central Iowa’s largest collections of Native American artifacts dating back to the earliest inhabitants of North America. There is also a classroom, resource library and great room that is available for meetings and public programs.
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Facility Rentals at Calkins Nature Area
Calkins Nature Center contains a classroom and a great room that is available for meetings and public programs. Calkins also features an outdoor amphitheater with a stage that seats over 120 people. The nature center and amphitheater are available as rentals.
The maximum occupancy for the Calkins Nature Center is 64 for the actual meeting space (if needing seating around tables). The amphitheater can hold 150 people.
Calkins Nature Center & Amphitheater
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Facility Rentals at Sac & Fox Wildlife Area
A covered shelter is situated at top of the Sac & Fox scenic overlook with excellent views of the Iowa River valley.
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Facility Rentals at Tower Rock
If you’re looking for a place to get away for the weekend or even during the week, but you don’t want to drive long distances, you need to check out the log cabins at Tower Rock Park near Steamboat Rock, Iowa. They come furnished with everything except your groceries, bedding, toiletries and towels. One stop at the store and you're set for a relaxing weekend on the Iowa River!
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FALL COLORS at Eagle City Park & Eagle City Addition
Eagle City Park offers beautiful fall scenery along the Iowa River making it a breath-taking location to primitive camp, hike, or drive through during the fall months.
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Fishing at Calkins Nature Area
Enjoy stream fishing along the banks of the Iowa River.
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Fishing at Sac & Fox Wildlife Area
Fish along the Iowa River in the beautiful river valley.
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Fishing at Tower Rock
Excellent fishing opportunities within walking distance on the Iowa River. Small Mouth Bass and Walleye can be found in or around the waters near the cabins.
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Hunting at Sac & Fox Wildlife Area
This public hunting area covers 106 acres of river valley, wooded areas, and restored wetland brimming with wildlife.
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Other Activities at Sac & Fox Wildlife Area
The Sac & Fox Overlook shelter is a beautiful spot for your family reunion, wedding, or other special event. The scenic overlook on the southern end offers excellent sunset vistas and fall color viewing of the Iowa River Valley.
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Trails & Hiking at Sac & Fox Wildlife Area
Great hiking trails can be found throughout the 106 acres of the Sac & Fox Overlook in wooded areas and prairie.
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Trails & Hiking at Tower Rock
Take a scenic walk or hike along the paved Trail at Tower Rock. The trail runs directly in front of the cabins. You can head north over the scenic Iowa River to Steamboat Rock or go south, where the trail connects with the Hardin County Trail that leads to Pine Lake in Eldora.
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Trails & Hiking at Calkins Nature Area
With a keen eye, many of Iowa’s native wildlife species can be spotted year round while exploring the extensive network of nature trails at Calkins. There are miles of trail system on the grounds of Calkins Nature Area for exploration and discovery.
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Trails & Hiking at Bates Addition & Trail
- Appx. 1 Mile Long
- Mowed path
- Access to the Iowa River and Overlooks
- Benches
- Connects Bates Addition/Daisy Long Campground to David Bates Memorial Park
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Winter Activities at Calkins Nature Area
Looking for a fun and challenging activity to break up the doldrums of winter? Come out to Calkins and give cross country skiing a try. We have equipment that can be checked out for free during business hours provided it is being used on the grounds at Calkins.
You may also rent equipment from us if you would like to take it off the premises or plan on keeping it over the weekend. Please download the rental agreement above for fees and guidelines.
Hardin County Conservation will groom ski trails with a groomer soon after an adequate snowfall. Trail grooming is currently being performed at Calkins Nature Area and Hardin County Conservation Headquarters Segment and we are looking at expanding our network of groomed trails soon.
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