County Parks

Delaware County Conservation & Recreation Program
The Delaware County Conservation Board welcomes you to enjoy and spend leisure time in scenic northeast Iowa. Utilizing the rugged beauty that nature has provided, our parks feature high limestone bluffs, sloping forest lands, winding trout streams and scenic views of the Maquoketa River Valley. You will find a tremendous variety of outdoor recreational opportunities available which makes the enjoyment of the outdoors possible for people of all ages and interests.

Your questions, comments or suggestions will be appreciated to help guide us in our constant efforts to improve our parks and natural resource areas. Your input can be directed to:
Delaware County Conservation Board
Director
2379 Jefferson Road
Bailey's Ford Park
Manchester, Iowa 52057-8623
Phone 563 927-3410

General Information
OPENING / CLOSING DATES - All recreation areas, parks, and natural areas remain open all year. However, facilities are closed to vehicle traffic and allow only walk-in access during the late fall and winter season. Campgrounds are usually open from mid-April through mid-October. Fees required. Call the board office for campground availability.

NATURE CENTER & WILDLIFE EXHIBIT - The nature exhibit room at the conservation center building located at Bailey's Ford Park offers the visitor the opportunity to view a variety of nature and interpretive displays. Come to the center to view live wildlife exhibits, including white-tailed deer, reptiles, turtles, fish and others, and to learn more about our natural world.

SHELTER HOUSE RESERVATIONS- Available for reservation / rent at Bailey's Ford, Turtle Creek, Silver Lake, Coffins Grove and Twin Bridges recreation areas for family picnics, group meetings, reunions and other activities. Reservation / rent not required for usage, but recommended for weekend dates. Contact the board office for reservations and rates.

For a complete list and guide to all Delaware County Recreation Areas, Parks, Natural Resource and river access areas, please obtain a park brochure from the Board's Administration office.

Delaware County Parks
BAILEY'S FORD PARK: A 105 acre park located three miles southeast of Manchester at 2379 Jefferson Road. This address is also the office and nature center for the Delaware County Conservation Board is located. Visitors to the park are invited to stop by the nature center and view the interpretative wildlife displays. Nature programs or group tours are available by arrangement. Park facilities include trout and river fishing, three picnic shelters, RV camping areas with electrical and water hookups, shower / restroom building, dump station, well, toilets, ball diamond, volleyball court, horseshoe courts, playground equipment and hiking trails.

COFFINS GROVE PARK: A 22 acre park located four miles northwest of Manchester at 1387 Early Stagecoach road. Park facilities include stream fishing one picnic shelter with electricity, RV camping area, dump station, well, toilet, ball diamond, horseshoe courts and playground equipment. This park was a gift from Mr. & Mrs. Edward Kuhlman.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS PARK: Has 240 acres of beautiful and rugged area, encompassing over a mile of Elk Creek trout stream. The park is located three miles northeast of Greeley at 2511 Oak Road. Park facilities include picnic and RV camping areas, hiking trails, well, toilets, hunting and trout fishing.

TURTLE CREEK PARK: A 200 acre park located six miles southeast of Manchester on the Hartwick Lake impoundment of the Maquoketa River above the Delhi Dam at 2124 267th Street. Park facilities include a boat ramp, lake fishing, RV camping areas with electrical hookups, dump station, toilets, water wells and one picnic shelter.

TWIN BRIDGES PARK: A 144 acre park located five miles west of Colesburg at 2638 on Highway 3. Park facilities include three picnic shelters, RV camping areas with dump station, electric and water hookups, trout fishing, public hunting, well, toilet, horseshoe courts and playground equipment. Assistance to purchase part of this area was received from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

Playground equipment at Twin Bridges Park