Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is the largest state park in the state of Iowa encompassing a total area of 1,653 acres of land. The park is located near Keosauqua City, Van Buren County, Iowa and is today recognized in the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district (since 1990). The park is right along the Des Moines River and is surrounded by scenic views of bluffs, hills, and valleys. To get to the main entrance to the park, simply find the city of Keosauqua. The park adjoins this city and is off the IA 1.

A historic and captivating view that the park also offers are the 19 burial mounds built by an ancient group of Woodland Culture Indians. The burial mounds can be seen in the northwest corner of the park and across the Des Moines River. In most cases, similar burial mounds are found on hilltops and usually overlooking river valleys.

Besides the natural and historic splendor of the park, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park also offers an opportunity for visitors to enjoy outdoor recreational activities like boating, swimming, camping, fishing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Amenities at the park that are available to facilitate these activities include three open picnic shelters, six family cabins (rentals), 113 campsites with modern showers and restrooms, swimming beach, bathhouse, day-use lodge, playground, boat ramp, hiking trails, a 30-acre lake, and boat rentals.

If you have a dog, you can also bring them along for the fun and relaxation at no extra cost. If you bring your dog to the park, you must follow standard Iowa state park rules. Some of the rules regarding dogs and dog owners include the following. First, your dog must always be confined or on a leash no longer than six feet long. Furthermore, you must not allow your dog to wander into the park unaccompanied. That said, there are designated dog-friendly areas in the park including campsite areas, yurts, and cabins.