DOLLIVER MEMORIAL STATE PARK
The two lodges at Dolliver, built during the 1930's, may be rented for day use. They accommodate groups of 100 people and are ideal for group events such as family reunions and wedding receptions.
An open picnic shelter may be reserved for a fee through the park manager. A playground is located in the picnic area for the younger visitors.
Located in Webster County, the land now known as Dolliver Memorial State Park was originally inhabited by Native American tribes. The area's fertile soil and abundant wildlife made it ideal for hunting and agriculture.
European settlers arrived in the 19th century, transforming the landscape through farming and development. As settlement increased, much of the native vegetation was cleared for agricultural use.
In honor of U.S. Senator Jonathan P. Dolliver, who served from 1900 until his death in 1910, a park bearing his name was established on June 15th ,1925 when Fort Dodge citizens purchased an initial tract of land to donate to Iowa's state parks system
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role during the Great Depression; they constructed several structures within its boundaries that are still used today including stone bridges picnic shelters restrooms trails steps leading down into Boneyard Hollow
Historical features include ancient burial mounds attributed to prehistoric peoples like Woodland Culture mound builders which dot part of this protected region.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
Full Hookup Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Family Cabin:
Dolliver's newly renovated family cabin sleeps four, and is equipped with a refrigerator and sink. It is located only a short distance from the modern rest room and shower building in the campground. The cabin can be reserved for a fee through the Internet at www.reserveiaparks.com or by calling toll-free 1-877-IAPARKS.
Group Camp:
The group camp has a dining hall, modern rest rooms and showers and 10 separate sleeping cabins. The camp is available on a reservation basis for a variety of group events. See the document Group Camp Rental Reservation for specifics on reservation policy and rates.
The Dolliver campground is located in a pleasant setting overlooking the Des Moines River. There are 33 campsites with electrical hookups, modern rest room and showers and a trailer dump station. Starting February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.