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Iowa
Southwest Region
Prairie Rose State Park
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Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
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PRAIRIE ROSE STATE PARK
PRAIRIE ROSE STATE PARK
680 Road M47
Harlan, Iowa   51537

Phone: 712-773-2701
Reservations: 712-773-2701
Email: park email button icon
Prairie Rose State Park is one of the most attractive outdoor recreation areas in western Iowa. The 422-acre park lies in a region of scenic hills, six miles east and three miles south of Harlan.

The park received its name from a small town called Village of Prairie Rose which was once located near the present park location. Plans for Prairie Rose were initiated in the 1930s. However, actual construction of the dam started in 1958 with the park dedication taking place in 1962.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Camping at Prairie Rose, whether for a weekend or a family vacation, is delightful. There are 97 campsites, 61 with electric hookups. Two campgrounds are available. The larger one features electrical hookups and modern shower and rest room facilities. The other campground, with non-modern rest room facilities, is popular with tenters. 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.
Swimming
1. Prairie Rose State Park offers a large 218-acre lake for swimming.
2. The park's sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and building sandcastles before taking a swim.
3. Lifeguards are not provided, so swimmers should exercise caution while in the water.
4. Swimming areas are clearly marked to ensure safety of all visitors enjoying the waterside activities.
5. Restrooms and showers facilities near the beach area provide convenience after your refreshing dip in the lake.

Boating
The lake is popular for all types of boating from canoes and sailboats to motor boats and, in the winter, ice boats. Any size boat motors may be used at "no wake" speeds. Two modern boat ramps provide easy access to the lake.
Fishing
Fishing:

Anglers of all ages will find a challenge at Prairie Rose. The lake provides excellent bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill and crappie fishing from boat or shoreline. Six new fishing jetties have just been completed. There are two fish cleaning docks located on the lake for successful anglers convenience.


Location
Prairie Rose State Park is

Picnicking
Prairie Rose State Park provides a number of beautiful picnic areas with excellent views of the 218-acre lake. These are ideal places for family cookouts. Two open picnic shelters are available for a fee and may be reserved through the park office. Both of the shelters have electrical outlets available.
Trails
A nature trail is located in the northwest corner of the park, starting from near the beach area. Hikers can enjoy the scenery along the three mile trail. A bridge now crosses the spillway making it possible to travel from the camp area to the beach. It winds along the shore line and around the reestablished prairie and is a great place to observe a variety of plants and wildlife.

There is a multi purpose trail located in the eastern portion of the park and provides excellent wintertime fun, such as snowmobiling and cross country skiing. The two mile snowmobile trail is located in the eastern portion of the park and provides great wintertime fun.
Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy a 1.4-mile paved trail, perfect for casual rides or family outings. Be mindful of pedestrians.

For those seeking more adventure, there's an off-road mountain bike path available too. Ensure proper safety gear is worn.

The trails are open year-round but conditions may vary with weather changes; always check before setting out on your ride.

Remember to respect nature and other park users by following the 'leave no trace' principles when cycling in this area.

Please note that bikes aren't allowed on all paths - adhere strictly to designated biking routes only.

Bike rentals might not be readily available within the vicinity so plan accordingly if you don't own one already.


Birding
The park offers birdwatchers a variety of species, including waterfowl and songbirds. A trail system provides easy access to different habitats for viewing opportunities. The lake attracts migrating birds in spring and fall seasons. Birding events are occasionally organized by the local Audubon Society chapter.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 9 No water by BEPCO
park review stars; one to five 2011 - there is No water in the lake; must be getting ready to fix it up. The lake bottom has some man made structure but very very litte of it. This is a good time to get some equipment in there and do it right, if money permits. Then it will take a while to stock it with fish..
July 20 Love this place by gvinson
park review stars; one to five We love coming here, the DNR people are always friendly and you never feel crowded if when the campground is full!
June 14 Coming back
park review stars; one to five We camped here in 2009 and we were so impressed with the 2 level campground that we are coming back in July, 2011. We felt like we were the only camper there due to the lay out of the camp ground.
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