Welcome to beautiful Hardin County!

It is the mission of the Hardin County Conservation Board to:

  • Provide safe and healthful recreational opportunities
  • Protect and enhance county natural resources
  • Offer opportunities for our residents to participate in conservation education

Hardin County Conservation offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, and camping in its 61 areas spanning over 4,000 acres. The Calkins Nature Area features a museum with a renowned Native American Artifact Collection, while the Sac and Fox Overlook provides impressive views. Visitors can also stay in cozy Tower Rock cabins near Steamboat Rock and enjoy the quiet, friendly little towns and businesses.

Hardin County Conservation

15537 S Ave. Ackley, 50126

Phone: 641-648-4361

Email: conservationhq@hardincountyia.gov

Website: https://www.hardincountyconservation.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HardinCountyIAConservation/

 

PRIMITIVE CAMPING NOTICE!

As of April 1, 2024 Hardin County Conservation requires a paid permit and registration for primitive camping at the following parks; Bigelow Park, Cross' Ford River Access, David Bates Memorial Park, Eagle City Park, Iowa Falls River Access, Lepley Park, and Reece Memorial Park.

 

Fees:

 

Seasonal Permit: $100/unit per camping season

*A seasonal permit will allow you to camp in any designated primitive camping area in Hardin County for that year's camping season (April-October).

 

Daily Permit: $10/unit per night - Daily permits are valid for the number of days paid for, the first night is the night that registration and payment is received. (If you plan on camping more than 10-days in a season at any primitive camping park, we suggest purchasing an annual permit.)

 

Register & Purchase a Permit: Seasonal Permit / Daily Permit

https://www.mycountyparks.com/Admin/County/%3Ciframe%20src=%22https://www.facebook.com/plugins/page.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHardinCountyIAConservation%2F&tabs=timeline&width=370&height=430&small_header=true&adapt_container_width=true&hide_cover=false&show_facepile=false&appId%22%20width=%22370%22%20height=%22430%22%20style=%22border:none;overflow:hidden%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowtransparency=%22true%22%20allow=%22encrypted-media%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E

Activities in Hardin County

Activities available within the areas managed by Hardin County Conservation include:

  • Calkins Nature Center
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Canoeing & Kayaking
  • Boating
  • Birding
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Picnicking

Facilities in Hardin County

Facilities in Hardin County:

  • Cabins
  • Calkins Nature Center, Amphitheater, and Animal Exhibits
  • Campgrounds
  • Sac & Fox Overlook

Parks in Hardin County

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Alden River Access Hardin 800 River Dr.
641-648-4361
AldenIA50006 Map Location
Anders Wildlife Area Hardin 25496 150th. St.
641-648-4361
Iowa FallsIA50126 Map Location
Arthur Hilker Wildlife Area Hardin 21769 340th St.
641-648-4361
ZearingIA50278 Map Location
Bates Addition & Trail Hardin 33671 Co Hwy D65
641-648-4361
UnionIA50258 Map Location
Beau Addition to Hardin City Woodland Hardin 30721 170th St.
641-648-4361
AckleyIA50601 Map Location
Bessman-Kemp Park Hardin 12260 EE Ave.
641-648-4361
AldenIA50006 Map Location
Bigelow Park Hardin 10053 EE Ave
641-648-4361
AldenIA50006 Map Location
Bob & Eleanor Welden Wildlife Hardin 13170 N Ave.
641-648-4361
Iowa FallsIA50126 Map Location
Bob & Joell deNeui Wilderness Hardin 30002 150th St
641-648-4361
AckleyIA50601 Map Location
Boddy-Hunt Wildlife Area Hardin 21866 Hwy 65
641-648-4361
EldoraIA50627 Map Location
Brekke Memorial Park Hardin 32087 Hwy D67
641-648-4361
UnionIA50258 Map Location
Calkins Nature Area Hardin 18335 135th St.
641-648-9878
Iowa FallsIA50126 Map Location
Charles F. Long Memorial Woods Hardin 29323 S62
641-648-4361
UnionIA50258 Map Location
Charles F. Long Wildlife Woods Hardin 33256 305th St.
641-648-4361
UnionIA50258 Map Location
Cross' Ford River Access Hardin 15491 OO Ave
641-648-4361
Iowa FallsIA50126 Map Location
Daisy Long Memorial Park / Bates Addition Hardin 33671 Hwy D65
641-648-4361
UnionIA50258 Map Location
Daryl deNeui Memorial Hardin 15537 S Ave.
641-648-4361
AckleyIA50601 Map Location
David Bates Memorial Park Hardin 33155 305th St.
641-648-4361
UnionIA50258 Map Location
Eagle City Park & Eagle City Addition Hardin 27799 160th St.
641-648-4361
Iowa FallsIA50126 Map Location
Fallen Rock State Preserve Hardin 20997 Co Hwy S56
641-648-4361
Eldora IA50627 Map Location
Fallen Rock Wildlife Area Hardin 20997 Co Hwy S56
641-648-4361
EldoraIA50627 Map Location
Flowing Well Park Hardin 17256 Hwy S27
641-648-4361
AldenIA50006 Map Location
Gehrke Wildlife Area Hardin 203551 J Ave.
641-648-4361
Iowa FallsIA50126 Map Location
Girl Scout Area Hardin Co Hwy D15 (Accessible by River Only)
641-648-4361
Iowa FallsIA50126 Map Location
Hardin City Woodland Hardin 30721 170th St.
641-648-4361
AckleyIA50601 Map Location