Activities

 
Biking Biking at Old Town Conservation Area
There are 8 miles of hiking trails that bicycles can also use; no motorized vehicles or horses.
Biking Biking at Schaben Park
There are 2 miles of hiking trails that bicycles can also use; no motorized vehicles or horses.
Biking Biking at Willow Lake Recreation Area
There are 6 miles of hiking trails that can also be used by bicycles; no motorized vehicles or horses.
Boating Boating at Remington Boat Launch
Remington Boat Launch is one of only a few accessible boat ramps on the Missouri River in Harrison County.
 
Cabins Cabins at Willow Lake Recreation Area

There are 6 rental cabins at the Willow Lake Recreation Area near Woodbine, Iowa. These deluxe cabins feature a kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedrooms, heat and air conditioning, and are open year round. Outside includes campfire ring, picnic tables, and charcoal grill. All cabins are handicapped accessible. No pets allowed in or around cabins; no smoking.

Camping Camping at Willow Lake Recreation Area
Enjoy both RV and tent camping at the Willow Lake campground nestled among the trees and just steps from the water. There are 41 electrical sites (20, 30, and 50 amp) with water hydrants nearby. Full restroom and shower facilities are also located in the campground.  Shower house open April 1st through October 31st-weather dependent. The nearby town of Woodbine has a dump station located in the city park for use by campers.
Camping Camping at Schaben Park

Schaben Park has 12 regular camping sites with electrical hookup, water hydrant, a picnic table and fire ring. A shower house with restrooms is available April 1st through October 31st-weather dependent. There are 3 tent camping sites with a water hydrant, electricity, picnic tables and fire rings. A dump station is located near the entrance to the park. A tornado shelter is located at the west end of the campground; sirens will sound in the event of severe weather.

 

Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Schaben Park
There is a 6-acre fishing lake for electric motors only with boat ramp access and is perfect for canoes and kayaks.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Willow Lake Recreation Area
There is a 27-acre fishing lake for electric motors only with boat ramp access. Canoeing and kayaking is a great activity at the Willow Lake Recreation Area.
Canoeing & Kayaking Canoeing & Kayaking at Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area
There is a six-acre fishing lake for electric motors only with boat ramp access. 
Education Education at Harrison County Historical Village Welcome Center
Go back in time to learn about Iowa's history.
Education Education at Murray Hill Scenic Overlook

Interpretive signs are located along the trail that explain the significance and history of the Loess Hills.

 

 

 

 
Education Education at Willow Lake Recreation Area
The new Willow Lake Nature Center opened September 1st, 2023. There is no entrance fee and it has interactive exhibits all about water, watersheds, wildlife, and habitats. There are interpretation signs on the trails and Smart Trail interpretive signs using QR (quick response) codes allow users to learn about the Loess Hills and Iowa's natural resources.
FALL COLORS FALL COLORS at Willow Lake Recreation Area
Camping in the autumn season - AWESOME!
Fishing Fishing at Willow Lake Recreation Area
Willow Lake Recreation Area has a 27-acre lake with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and black crappie. The legal size limit of bass is 15 inches or more; anything under must be released immediately. There is a boat ramp and parking lot; electric motors only. Fishing jetties and a pier also provide access to deeper waters without the need for a boat.


Fishing Fishing at Sioux Dam Wildlife Area
Bank fishing is available along the Little Sioux River.
 
Fishing Fishing at Schaben Park
A 6-acre fishing lake with a boat ramp; electric motors only. There is a fishing jetty and pier. Fish include bass, bluegill and catfish. The legal size limit of bass is 15 inches or more; anything under must be released immediately. 
Fishing Fishing at Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area
There is a six-acre lake for fishing with bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. The legal size limit of bass is 15 inches or more; anything under must be released immediately.
 
Fishing Fishing at Remington Boat Launch
Bank fishing along the Missouri River.
 

 
Geocaching Geocaching at Murray Hill Scenic Overlook
This high tech scavenger hunt is a great way to explore the Murray Hill Scenic Overlook. Caches have been placed and maintained by volunteers; please contact HCCB at 712-647-2785 before placing a cache. Check geocaching.com for more information.
Geocaching Geocaching at Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area
This high tech scavenger hunt is a great way to explore the Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area. Caches have been placed and maintained by volunteers; please contact HCCB at 712-647-2785 before placing a cache. Check geocaching.com for more information.
Geocaching Geocaching at Willow Lake Recreation Area
This high tech scavenger hunt is a great way to explore the Willow Lake Recreation Area. Caches have been placed and maintained by volunteers; please contact Harrison County Conservation Board at 712-647-2785 before placing a cache. Check geocaching.com for more information.
Historic Visits Historic Visits at Harrison County Historical Village Welcome Center
Owned and operated by the Conservation Board, this museum complex is straight out of the 1800s, with an original log cabin, general store, and school.
Historic Visits Historic Visits at Remington Boat Launch
This site is an official Lewis and Clark campsite used during their historic trek westward in 1804.
 
Historic Visits Historic Visits at Ruffcorn Wildlife Area
Ruffcorn Wildlife Area was donated by a Harrison County pioneer family. The family cemetery is still located on the site.
 
Hunting Hunting at Ruffcorn Wildlife Area
There are 15 acres of mixed native prairie upland habitat for pheasant and quail hunting.
 
Hunting Hunting at Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area
There is 155 acres of woodland habitat and ridge top prairies with hunting for deer, turkey, pheasants, rabbits and squirrels. Hunters are reminded it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 200 yards of an occupied building or feedlot-watch for signs.
 
Hunting Hunting at Old Town Conservation Area
There are 341 acres of woodland and restored native prairie for hunting deer, turkey, pheasant and small game. Hunters are reminded it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 200 yards of an occupied building or feedlot-watch for signs.
 
Hunting Hunting at Gee-Hruska Wetland Area
Combined with the adjacent O'Day Wetland Area, there are 45 acres of wetland and upland habitat for hunting waterfowl, pheasant and quail. Hunters are reminded it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 200 yards of an occupied building or feedlot-watch for signs.
 
Hunting Hunting at Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area
Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area has 165 acres and is excellent for hunting turkey, deer, quail, squirrels and rabbits. Hunters are reminded it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 200 yards of an occupied building or feedlot-watch for signs.
 
Hunting Hunting at Nolan Wetland Area
There is hunting for waterfowl and pheasants on 155 acres. Hunters are reminded it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 200 yards of an occupied building or feedlot-watch for signs.
 
Hunting Hunting at O Day Wetland Area
Combined with the adjacent Gee-Hruska Wetland Area, there are 45 acres of wetland and native prairie upland habitat for hunting waterfowl, pheasant and quail. Hunters are reminded it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 200 yards of an occupied building or feedlot-watch for signs.
 
Hunting Hunting at Horseshoe Lake Wetland Area
With both wetland and woodland habitats, there is hunting for waterfowl and upland game. Hunters are reminded it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 200 yards of an occupied building or feedlot-watch for signs.
 
Hunting Hunting at Missouri Bottoms Wetland Area
There are 240 acres of restored wetland and native prairie upland habitat for hunting waterfowl as well as pheasant and quail. Hunters are reminded it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 200 yards of an occupied building or feedlot-watch for signs.
 
Hunting Hunting at Schaben Park
On most of this 77-acre park, there is hunting for pheasant, quail, turkey, squirrel, rabbit and deer. Hunters are reminded it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 200 yards of an occupied building or feedlot-watch for signs. No hunting in the campground.


 
Hunting Hunting at Sioux Dam Wildlife Area
Approximately 10 acres of restored prairie/timber mix is suitable for hunting turkey, deer, and upland game including pheasant, quail, rabbits, and squirrel. Hunters are reminded it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 200 yards of an occupied building or feedlot-watch for signs.
 
Hunting Hunting at Vaile Wetland Nature Area
Vaile Wetland Nature Area has 280 acres of seasonal wetland habitat for migrating waterfowl. Native prairie also provides upland habitat for pheasant and quail. Hunters are reminded it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 200 yards of an occupied building or feedlot-watch for signs.
Other Activities Other Activities at Schaben Park
Morel mushroom hunting is a popular spring activity. There are opportunities for bird and wildlife watching as well as nature photography. 
Other Activities Other Activities at Willow Lake Recreation Area
Morel mushroom hunting is a popular spring activity! There are also plenty of opportunities for bird and wildlife watching as well as nature photography. 
Other Activities Other Activities at Murray Hill Scenic Overlook
The Loess Hills Scenic Byway travels by the Murray Hill Scenic Overlook. It is also located in the Loess Hills Bird Conservation Area as designated by the Iowa DNR. 
Other Activities Other Activities at Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area
Morel mushroom hunting is a popular spring activity! There are also plenty of opportunities for bird and wildlife watching as well as nature photography. It is located in the Loess Hills Bird Conservation Area designated by the Iowa DNR. The Loess Hills Scenic Byway also travels by the Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area. 
Other Activities Other Activities at Old Town Conservation Area
Bird and wildlife watching is a popular activity as well as nature photography. 
Other Activities Other Activities at Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area
Morel mushroom hunting is a popular spring activity. There are opportunities for bird and wildlife watching as well as nature photography. It is located in the Loess Hills Bird Conservation Area designated by the Iowa DNR. The Loess Hills Scenic Byway travels by the Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area. 
Other Activities Other Activities at Harrison County Historical Village Welcome Center
Three Iowa Scenic Byways, Lincoln Highway Heritage, Western Skies and Loess Hills all travel by the Harrison County Historical Village and Iowa Welcome Center.
Other Activities Other Activities at Roadside Rest Area
Three Iowa Scenic Byways, Lincoln Highway Heritage, Western Skies and Loess Hills all travel by the Roadside Rest Area. 
Picnicking Picnicking at Roadside Rest Area
There is a picnic table located at the rest area.
 

 
Picnicking Picnicking at Harrison County Historical Village Welcome Center
Relax and enjoy a picnic lunch after touring the Historical Museum and browsing the Welcome Center giftshop.  The picnic shelter is located  within the village square overlooking the historic Lincoln Highway.  Restrooms and tourism information are available at the Welcome Center.
Picnicking Picnicking at Murray Hill Scenic Overlook
A picnic table is located on the trail. 
Picnicking Picnicking at Schaben Park
Enjoy the view of the lake from this covered, open-sided shelter. This shelter houses six picnic tables, electricity, charcoal grill, water hydrant nearby and is perfect for family gatherings. There is a playground with restrooms nearby. Handicap accessible.
Picnicking Picnicking at Willow Lake Recreation Area
Picnic areas offer a beautiful view of Willow Lake with tables and charcoal grills. There is also a small and large shelter house that can be reserved or used on a first come, first serve basis. A playground, beach, and latrines are nearby.

Swimming Swimming at Willow Lake Recreation Area
The swimming beach is open to the public Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend when swimming rope is out. Please be aware there is no lifeguard; swim at your own risk. Nearby are picnic areas, playground, and latrines. No alcohol or pets are allowed on beach. 

Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Willow Lake Recreation Area
This 222 acre parks offers 6 miles of hiking trails through prairie and woodlands. Smart Trail interpretive signs using QR (quick response) codes allow users to learn about the Loess Hills and Iowa's natural resources.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Schaben Park
There are two miles of trails through woodland and native prairie. Smart Trail interpretive signs using QR (quick response) codes allow users to learn about the Loess Hills and Iowa's natural resources. No horses or motorized vehicles.
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Murray Hill Scenic Overlook

Brent's Trail is dedicated in loving memory to Brent Olson. He was the area forester for the Loess Hills State Forest. He had a vision of a long-distance hiking trail in Harrison County. Brent wanted people to experience the beauty of the Loess Hills in a unique way. The almost 12 mile long trail connects Harrison County Conservation Board's Murray Hill Scenic Overlook, Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area, and the Loess Hills State Forest. Click on the link below for more information.

https://www.goldenhillsrcd.org/brentstrail.html

Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Old Town Conservation Area
There are 8 miles of hiking trails through restored prairie and woodland habitats.
 
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Harrison County Historical Village Welcome Center
Stretch your legs on the 1-mile trail and learn about the Loess Hills. 
Trails & Hiking Trails & Hiking at Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area
There is a network of over 3 miles of trails through woodland and ridge top prairies. Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area is also a trail head for Brent's Trail. 
 
Winter Activities Winter Activities at Old Town Conservation Area
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is popular on the 8 miles of trails.
Winter Activities Winter Activities at Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area
Ice fishing is a popular winter activity on this six-acre lake. 
Winter Activities Winter Activities at Schaben Park
Ice fishing is a very popular winter activity as well as snowshoeing and cross country skiing on the two miles of trails. 
Winter Activities Winter Activities at Willow Lake Recreation Area
Ice fishing is a very popular winter activity as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the 6 miles of trails.