LAKE DARLING STATE PARK
Lake Darling State Park was dedicated on September 17, 1950. J. N. "Ding" Darling, for whom the park was named, "set the gate," a ceremony in which an honored guest closes the valve on the spillway, completing the impoundment process. Ding Darling was the editorial cartoonist of the Des Moines Register and was a champion of conservation during the early part of this century. Through his efforts, the conservation movement was fostered in Iowa. In recognition of his contributions, Lake Darling State Park was named in his honor.
Lake Darling State Park is 1,417 acres in size, including a beautiful 302-acre lake with almost 18 miles of shoreline. The park, with its beautiful wooded hills and valleys and lovely lake, offers something for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, young and old.
Named after Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, a champion of conservation and editorial cartoonist, the park was established in 1950. The land's prior uses included agriculture and hunting grounds for indigenous peoples before European settlement. In its early years as a public space, it primarily served for outdoor recreation like fishing.
The centerpiece is an artificial lake created by damming Honey Creek to enhance recreational opportunities such as boating and swimming. Over time, facilities including campgrounds, picnic areas, trails were developed to accommodate visitors seeking nature experiences.
Historical features include Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) structures built during the Great Depression that reflect rustic design aesthetics typical of CCC projects across America at that time.
In recent decades there have been efforts towards environmental restoration; these include shoreline stabilization projects and habitat improvements aimed at supporting local wildlife populations while maintaining visitor amenities.
Climate change impacts necessitated water quality initiatives due to increased runoff affecting aquatic ecosystems within this area known for diverse fish species.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Lake Darling has a large and well equipped campground. A total of 118 campsites are present, 81 with electrical hookups. The campground has 2 modern rest room buildings, as well as a conveniently located trailer dumping 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. There is playground equipment in the campground.
1. Lake Darling State Park offers a designated swimming beach for visitors.
2. The lake's clear water makes it ideal for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
3. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
4. Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only in the marked area on the north shore of the lake.
5. No diving or jumping from bridges, boats or trees into the water is allowed due to safety concerns.
6. The park also provides changing rooms near its sandy beach for convenience after swimming activities.
Lake Darling is a popular boating lake for both power and non-power boats. The concession offers boat rental opportunities. Any size motor may be operated on Lake Darling at "no wake" speeds.
Fishing:
Lake Darling is an angler's delight. Catfish and crappies are probably the most prevalent catch for most anglers. However, bullheads, bluegills, largemouth bass, carp, and tiger muskies are also plentiful.