Friends of Backbone State Park

06/06/2026

Fishing Fun Day at Backbone today! Registration at 10 and fishing starts at 10:30am. Don’t forget we have some touch tanks if the kids want to check out some lake life up close!

05/20/2026

Fishing Fun at Backbone returns June 6th! As always the reptile pool and fish tanks will be ready for kids to explore and get an up-close look! Load up the kids, pack the poles and take advantage of free fishing weekend. Even if the fish aren’t biting, you’ll still leave with plenty of great memories. 🎣

04/24/2026

The shower buildings and dump station are open at South Lake Campground! I hope you all get a chance to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather!

03/28/2026

The gates to the north end of the park are open!

01/02/2026

Thanks to everyone that came out and joined us at the first day hike!! We had a great turnout and nice weather. We started the year off outdoors and we hope everyone comes out and enjoys the park throughout the year.

12/06/2025

Book a state park cabin in January or February, get 20% off your stay!!

Still time: Book a state park cabin in the winter and save! Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Still time: Book a state park cabin in January or February, get 20% off your stay! Promo Code: Cabin2026 Are you ready for a cozy getaway in an Iowa State Park cabin? Get 20% off you...

10/11/2025

Thank you all who came out and participated or volunteered at this years Backbone Trail Run. We had 84 runners and hikers between the 4.5 miler and the 10K. All the proceeds go to Backbine Friends Group who uses that to enhance the park. From updating playgrounds and shelters to replacing public grills and planting trees. See you next year!!

10/03/2025

This year's Backbone Trail Run decal is here, and it’s looking 🔥.

Disclaimer: We super-sized the decal in the pic so you could peep the details—it won’t actually cover half your waterbottle (sorry 😂).

Sign up today!
https://backbonetrailrun.weebly.com/

09/16/2025

These are the views waiting for you at the Backbone Trail Run on Oct. 11! Whether you take on the 4-Miler or the 10K, you’ll love the trails at Iowa’s oldest state park. Sign up today!

https://backbonetrailrun.weebly.com/

07/18/2025

Hey all!! Come out to the park and check out the new EZ dock that was installed at the boat ramp!! The new dock features an ADA accessible kayak launch to make your access to the water so much easier. Sit high and dry while you get in and out and just use the rails to pull yourself in and out of the water. A great addition for anyone that enjoys a paddle up the lake. The dock at the boat house will be done, hopefully, next week and will also feature an ADA kayak launch. Come on out to the park and check out the new addition and enjoy all the beauty that Backbone State Park has to offer.