A crowded 27-acre lake is the centerpiece of one of eastern Iowa’s most scenic parks. Johnson County Conservation is working to restore the lake after it was drained last year because of too much bacteria and algae.
A family-friendly paved loop trail and beach surround the lake, along with fishing spots and historic bridges. The park also features six picnic areas, from lone tables to covered shelters. You can return to our home page.
Camping
A scenic 1,062-acre park featuring hiking, camping, and fishing among prairies, forests, and wetlands. Kent Park is one of Iowa’s premier county parks and features a 27-acre lake stocked with catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill.
It’s a popular place to camp in the summer and enjoy a picnic at one of many scenic spots around the lake. It’s also a great spot to take the kids for a swim at the beach or on the family-friendly paved loop trail that goes around the lake and crosses seven historic county road bridges.
The Kent Park Family Campground is open to RVs and tents with partial hookups.
Fishing
Kent Park is home to a 27-acre lake that offers fishing opportunities. Anglers can fish from the shore, fishing jetties, or one of seven historic county road bridges.
The lake and beach are open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swimming is only allowed at the lake during designated swim hours.
Sullivan said the department also works to reduce the amount of bacteria and phosphorus that makes its way into the lake from runoff in the park’s parking lots and roads.
Ice fishing is available throughout the winter, pending the weather. A valid Iowa fishing license is required. Guests should bring their own equipment and be mindful of ice safety.
Hiking
The park has seen a huge influx of visitors since the pandemic, but it’s big enough to absorb that traffic without getting too crowded. In fact, if you hike away from the lake and toward quiet trails like Knight Prairie, you can find a lot of solitude here.
The most popular hiking trail is the 1.5-mile Lake Trail that loops around Kent Park’s lake. This trail and the 0.5-mile Conservation Education Center Loop Trail are comprised of small crushed rock and are stroller-friendly.
Explore this one-of-a-kind nature hike in Iowa on AllTrails. Then, head over to see the beautiful 27-acre lake stocked with catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill, or camp amid 1,062 acres of scenic prairies, forests, and wetlands. Visit another area in town here.
Picnicking
A picnic is a great way to relax and spend time with friends and family. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot on the prairie or a scenic view of the lake, there is a perfect picnic spot for everyone at Kent Park.
The 1,052-acre park is surrounded by forests and wetlands, with a 27-acre lake, and multiple ponds for fishing. There is also a swimming beach, picnic areas, and shelters. The Conservation Education Center and a large playground provide educational opportunities for kids.
The park’s most popular trail is the 1.5-mile Lake Trail, which loops around the lake and features seven historic country road bridges. This trail is paved and stroller-friendly.
Boating
The 27-acre lake at FW Kent Park in Oxford offers anglers the opportunity to catch catfish, large-mouth bass, and crappie. Visitors can fish from the shore, fishing jetties, or one of seven historic bridges at the lake.
The Johnson County Conservation Board’s largest park, located three miles west of Tiffin on Highway 6, is home to 86 campsites and the Conservation Education Center. The area also features hiking trails open for walking year-round and cross-country skiing when snow cover allows.
Despite the current water quality issues, Gullett is optimistic about the future of the park. The department is working on a project to extend the Clear Creek Trail from Coralville to Kent Park, which should be completed in two to three years.
Swimming
The park’s beach is a beautiful place for swimming. It’s spacious and shallow, so it’s great for kids to spend a day in the water. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swimmers are at their own risk.
This 1,052-acre park located three miles west of Tiffin offers numerous recreational opportunities. It is a premier location to view native Iowa’s tallgrass prairie and is a great spot for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and cross-country skiing. A paved road runs through the park, making it easy to explore forests, savannas, and prairies. A 27-acre lake and multiple ponds offer excellent fishing opportunities. Browse the next article.
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