Lake Iowa: A Look Back to the Beginning
Posted:1/13/2021
Iowa
Once farm ground and a bit of water named Pig Creek, Lake
Iowa now encompasses 400 acres and has an 83-acre lake. The project began with
the formation of the Iowa County Conservation Board in 1957 and took 7 years to
come to fruition.
The 5 original board members, which included D.T. White,
Harold Schuerer, Floyd Faas, Wallace Smith and Carl Noel, scoured farm land in
Iowa county to find the right spot for a park and lake. The board was
approached by neighboring Benton County Conservation about joining their Hannen
Lake project but board members had a larger project in mind. Board members
canvassed local community members to see what features would be most
appreciated. A fishing lake with picnic areas and a beach for swimming topped
the list. The perfect spot would be found 6 miles south of Ladora, Iowa at what
was then known as the Feine/Barber site.
The deeds for purchase of the 300+
acres were signed in April of 1959 and the Howard R. Green engineering firm was
hired soon after to begin drawing up plans for the project. Two dam sites were
proposed, one which would create a 60-acre lake and the second being
down-stream a few rods which would help create a 90-acre lake. The latter
location was chosen but a land swap was needed for a portion of the site.
The Stangland Brothers began clearing the land for Lake Iowa
in 1961 and construction of the dam and spillway began the following year.
Original estimates for a 90-acre lake were $157,762.00 but an additional
$15,000.00 was paid to Great Lakes Pipe Line Co. to replace a gas pipe which
would be located beneath the lake.
In 1963 the lake was ready to be stocked with Large-mouth
Bass and Crappies in the spring and Catfish, Bullheads and Red-eared Sunfish in
the fall. A tractor was purchased and Roy Wiebold was hired as the first
custodian. A local Boy Scout troop began planting some of the 3000 pine
seedlings and 1200 various other trees in April of 1963.
By the following year the park was ready for visitors and
celebrated with a children's fishing derby on July 5th. Although the lake was
not full an estimated 2000 bass and 2000 bullheads were caught. The campground
had 50 campers that weekend. Board members were happy with the successful
opening of the park but much work still needed to be done.
In the next 10 years Lake Iowa would see 2 new custodians
and many improvements including a residence for the custodian, several shelter
houses and a bath house for the beach. Seasonal employees were hired at
$1.75/hour.
In 1977 a ski slope was built complete with heated building
and tow line and was popular until it was dismantled in 1985 at the insistence
of the insurance provider. Other memories from years past include tame geese
and ducks that were brought to the lake and a rose garden. A deer named Rudolph,
whose broken leg appears to be mended, is also mentioned in board meeting
minutes.
In the decades since Lake Iowa was excavated from acres of
farm ground and a creek, the park has seen many changes. Structures have been
built, torn down and replaced with new and improved buildings. Thousands of
trees and shrubs have been planted, including the honeysuckle which is
considered an invasive species today. The campground has grown and cabins have
been built. The faces of those charged with its care have changed, too.
Generations have spent summers at Lake Iowa. They have held
family reunions there year after year and have learned new skills, caught their
first fish and just enjoyed nature. While time may have changed the face of
Lake Iowa, the need for a place to escape the drudgery or stress of daily life
remains the same. The need may even be greater in these trying times. Lake Iowa
was busting at the seams for most of 2020. It provided a welcome respite from
daily newscasts and statistics.
With the support of Iowa county citizens and the hard work
of the board members and staff Lake Iowa will be a welcome respite for decades
to come.
