Friends of Shimek State Forest Equestrian Trails, Inc.

04/14/2026

Did You ride the Wet Weather Trails at Shimek this past weekend? People that rode before and after the weekend have found and picked up freshly strewn cans and bottles on and on--they collected a 5 gal bucket full and could not carry the rest out on horseback. Those who carelessly did that--please reconsider what you are doing!!! Trash lasts and lasts as the first image below shows and some will be there to haunt you and sometimes your children and their children in those woods. Do you really want to ruin the appearance and cause damage to the forest forever?? So PLEASE if you Pack it in, Pack it OUT --- then put those cans and bottles that have deposits paid on them into the new collection bins in camp to help rather hurt the trails! Yes--WE CAN ALL PACK IT IN --PACK IT OUT!!!

04/13/2026

So sad and aggravating to ride the wwt today and see over double the numbers of cans/bottles along/in trail than we saw when we rode this past Friday. Guess weekend riders felt it was fine to guzzle beer as they rode and then toss the containers. The 3 of us riding gathered as many as we had room to carry. Filled a 5 gal bucket when we got back to trailers.

04/13/2026

SHIMEK FOREST WORKDAY CANCELLED DUE TO HEAVY RAINFALL!!
FOS President Kathy Weber announced the following today (4/13/26 at 8:48):

"The workday scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Shimek Lick creek unit has been CANCELED due to too much rain and soggy ground conditions.

An impromptu workday may be scheduled in May. We will keep you posted via email and page."

Hope to see you there later!

04/08/2026

***CANCELLED DUE TO HEAVY RAINFALL***Workday at the Shimek Forest Lick Creek Unit on Thursday April 16th @8:30 am!!! Volunteers needed. Can You come help? FOS President Kathy Weber asks each of you that loves to ride at Shimek to come help if you can.
Please meet at the lower campground. FOS volunteers will be assisted by local FFA students to spread rock in the stalls and around the hitching rails. There are other items that need attention. Forester John Byrd and Technician Patrick Thomas will have a list of needs including both trail and campground cleanup.

In the event of rain, workday cancellation will be posted on the page and on the message on the DNR office phone.

04/03/2026

For anyone who might be riding Shimek trails this weekend. Only WWTs are open. But want you to know that there is a total trail blockage from downed trees on the north WWT up on the section that parallels Hwy2. Due to the weekend and lack of workers, it will not be cleared until Monday 4-6.

03/30/2026

Iowa DNR has made the following announcement:

"Eyeing your favorite camping spot? Get the EarlyBird special and save! Save 20 percent with Promo Code: EarlyBird
Book early and save 20 percent when you make a reservation to camp this spring at a state park or forest.
Reserve online for camping stays between April 1 - May 15, 2026 and get this great deal. We can't wait to see you this camping season!"

Be sure to use Promo Code: EarlyBird
Here is the reservation page link for Shimek Forest campgrounds:

Your next adventure starts here. Search by the facility name if you know exactly where you want to go - we'll find that one along with others in the area. Or enter a city, state, street name or zip code for recommendations near your destination.

03/20/2026

Message from Shimek DNR Technician Patrick Thomas:
The Shimek Forest roads are currently free from ice and snow. We do have some areas that are softer than others and could possibly refreeze during the night if temperatures drop below freezing. As a reminder dirt trails are still closed at this time for equestrian riders.

This weekend looks to be wonderful weather, so brush the mud off and load up your favorite horse and come to Shimek Forest for a ride on the Wet Weather Trails!

Attached is a photo of day riders parked today

03/16/2026

The following is from Iowa DNR at the state level--from the Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau under the leadership of Sherry Arntzen. It was published in the "State Park News." These are not policies set by any local DNR staff. If you are an equestrian who camps in any state Forest or Park--you need to know this information!!! Note: They use the term "parks" for our forests as well as for actual parks. Photo added for attention.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"March 15, 2026
Equestrian Camping Reservation Update: What Happens When Trails Close?

Dear Equestrian Camper,

Thank you for making reservations through the Iowa state park reservation system last year. We appreciate your passion for trail riding and camping in Iowa's beautiful natural spaces.

The Iowa DNR has made an important procedural change related to equestrian camping reservations, which will provide added flexibility to campers so they can manage reservations to meet their needs.

Trail closure update:
Starting with the 2026 camping season, it will be the camper’s responsibility to check weather conditions and trail closures prior to arrival. The Iowa DNR will no longer contact campers in advance if equestrian trails close due to inclement weather, such as heavy rainfall.

How to find trail closure information:
Trail closures are typically posted on the DNR Alerts and Closures page or can be confirmed by calling the park office directly during regular business hours. Find a list of state parks to access contact information.

Options if trails are closed:
Campers have the flexibility to manage their reservations through the Online Reservation System:

Campers are able to change reservations to a different date or a different park up to 10:00 p.m. the day of arrival. Standard change fees will apply.
Campers can cancel reservations; for maximun refund, cancellations must occur at least 2 days prior to arrival. Cancellation fees apply.
Campers also can keep the reservation; feel free to contact the park office about trail options, as some gravel trails and roadways may still be open."
These changes are now available because all state campgrounds have switched to 100 percent reservable status, meaning all sites are now available for advance booking AND same-day reservations. These changes improve flexibility, reduce uncertainty about whether campsites are available, and improve financial security by eliminating cash handling.

Thank you for your continued support of Iowa state parks and forests, and we look forward to seeing you this summer!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **
DNR Closures and Notices are at : https://programs.iowadnr.gov/parkforms/pages/ViewParkAlerts

03/11/2026

Alert for Equestrians and Notice for Hunters: The turkey hunting season will begin April 10 as shown below. As a state forest, such hunting is legal in Shimek Forest. RIDERS and HUNTERS are cautioned to NOT wear clothing in red/white and/or blue as those are the colors the hunters look for on the male birds. So get out the orange vests/hats/etc. again!!! Weapons used are shotguns and muzzleloading shotguns ranging from 410 gauge to 10-gauge as well as various archery bows. No rifles. HUNTERS Please please DO NOT USE LEAD AMMO--that results in the death of raptors like eagles as well as any other animal like a dog that might eat the carcass you left. Take care to not frighten horses on trails by speaking and moving enough to be seen long before the riders are near you.
TURKEY HUNTING DATES:
Youth-only – residents only, age 15 and younger - April 10-12
Season 1 – April 13-16
Season 2 – April 17-21
Season 3 – April 22-28
Season 4 – April 29 – May 17
Resident Archery Only – April 13 – May 17

03/11/2026

Tonight-----

TORNADO WARNING for Lee county until 9:45pm.

At 8:40pm, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Indian Lake Park, or 12 miles southeast of Keosauqua, moving east at 35 mph. This storm previously produced a tornado northeast of Azen, MO.

HAZARDS...Tornado and hail up to two inches in diameter.

TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY

03/01/2026

Equestrian Trail Status in Lick Creek Unit continues to be Dirt Trails Closed to riding and Wet Weather Trails OPEN. No change as of 3/1/26.

02/18/2026

Please do not use lead ammunition--it kills our beautiful bald eagles and many other raptors.