Beaches on the Byways

Willow Lake Recreation Area

Beat the summer heat at one of western Iowa's public swimming beaches! There are a variety of locations on western Iowa's three scenic byways: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Most of the beaches do not have lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk.

AQuIA is the Iowa DNR's beach monitoring website

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources maintains a beach monitoring website, AQuIA, that provides the public with information about water quality at public beaches throughout the state. The site lists not only swimming beaches at state parks but also county and city parks.

Routine water quality monitoring is conducted at all of the state park beaches and many locally managed beaches in Iowa. In order to help protect the health of those wishing to recreate at the beaches, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources works with various public health and management agencies throughout the state to inform the public of the most current water quality conditions.

Outdoor recreation at beaches in Iowa is typically limited to the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Therefore, most beach monitoring is conducted and standard swimming advisories are issued during this time frame. Results for specific beaches are published as soon as they become available.

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Dog Creek Park
Sutherland, IA 51058

• Dog Creek Park offers a GREAT swimming beach with a sand volleyball pit within steps!

Mill Creek Park
5680 460th St, Paullina, IA 51046

• Mill Creek Park offers a GREAT swimming beach that is manned with Lifeguards during the posted hours and has a GREAT concession stand that is guaranteed to satisfy everyone's taste buds!

Gabrielson Park - Gustafson Lake
1311 440th St, Sioux Rapids, IA 50585

• Gabrielson Park offers a beach and swimming is available at your own risk. There is no lifeguard on duty.​

Douma Park
Sanborn, IA 51248

• Douma Park offers a GREAT swimming beach that does not include lifeguards.  Swim at your own risk & be safe!

Scharnberg Park
3430 145th Ave, Everly, IA 51338

• Swimming is allowed in the roped-off area of the beach only.  No life guard is available

Douma Park

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​Hillview Recreation Area
25601 C60, Hinton, IA 51024

• The swimming beach at Hillview received a facelift in the summer of 2022. Come check it out!
• The beach is open from sunrise to sunset, Memorial Day to Labor Day. weekends.
• There are no lifeguards on duty, swim at your own risk.
• Fishing and pets are not allowed on the beach.
• Alcohol and glass containers are not allowed on the beach.​

Little Sioux Park
1746 O'Brien Ave, Correctionville, IA 51016

• Due to low water levels, the swimming beach at Little Sioux Park will remain closed until further notice.  The beach was scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend, however low water levels have reduced the zero-entry beach area causing sudden drop-offs and unsafe swimming conditions.

Bigelow Park - Brown's Lake
722 Bigelow Park Rd, Salix, IA 51052

• the beach at Brown’s Lake-Bigelow Park near Salix will remain closed until the road replacement and park improvements have been completed.  The Conservation board and staff apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to completing these improvements for the enjoyment of their park patrons.

Lewis and Clark State Park
21914 Park Loop, Onawa, IA 51040

• Boat in the waters of Blue Lake or swim at the sandy beach area.​

Lewis and Clark State Park

Oldham Recreation Area
38852 245th Street, Soldier, Iowa 51572

• This park has a rock boat ramp, an open shelter house, a beach shelter, swim area and vault toilets.

Peter’s Park
10740 Oak Ave, Rodney, Iowa

• Swim beach

Lake Manawa State Park
1100 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

• The modern beach facility is perfect for swimming or relaxing in the sun.

• M and M Services at Lake Manawa Beach is open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Hours of operation: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. 7 days/week or call 712-366-4802.

Lake Manawa State Park

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Willow Lake Recreation Area
2725 Easton Trail, Woodbine, IA 51579

• The swimming beach is open to the public Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend when the swimming rope is out.
• Please be aware there is no lifeguard; swim at your own risk.
• Nearby are picnic areas, playground, and latrines.
• No alcohol or pets are allowed on the beach.

Littlefield Recreation Area
2672 Littlefield Drive Exira, IA 50076​

• Swimming beach​

Prairie Rose State Park

Prairie Rose State Park
680 Road M47, Harlan, IA 51537

• Swim at Prairie Rose beach. ​

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