Benton County Conservation

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Vinton, IA
Benton County Conservation

The slow moving Cedar River provides ample opportunities for an extended camping/fishing trip using canoes, kayaks, and fishing boats.

Benton County Conservation improves the quality of life for all by providing recreational and educational opportunities that foster stewardship of our natural resources. The Benton County Conservation Board manages: 22 park lands equaling over 1700 acres, over 40 miles of trails, 225 campsites, a growing nature center, and offers high-quality educational programming in and out of the schools for o

ver 7,000+ educational contacts annually. If you would rather walk, hike, or horseback ride, then Benton County is the perfect destination with many miles of trails available. We invite you to enjoy our quiet and serene natural areas, hiking and river trails, and campgrounds that offer outstanding recreational opportunities. Camping is first come, first served. Campers must self register at the kiosk located in the campground. Campgrounds are open weekend of April 15th to the weekend of October 31st.

05/29/2026

Our Frog & Toad Survey program is TONIGHT! 🐸📝

Come learn all about Iowa's frogs & toads during a short presentation, then hop along with us as we travel to 5 different wetlands in Benton County to survey our amphibious friends. Join us for a portion or the whole time! 💚

We still have room in our van for those seeking the full experience of the frog & toad choruses. Register before 6pm at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Benton/Park/Benton-County-Nature-Center/Events/29177/Frog-Toad-Survey

05/28/2026

Back by popular demand we are excited to announce Archery Camp! Youth going into 5th-8th grade will learn how to bow fish, throw atlatl, shoot archery and make their own PVC bow! 🏹

This day camp fills fast. Make sure to register today by visiting https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Benton/Park/Benton-County-Nature-Center/Events/28725/Archery-Camp

05/27/2026

🐸💚We are so excited to offer a special Frog & Toad Survey program this Friday!

Join us to learn about frogs and toads of Iowa with a presentation. Then, join our Naturalist to survey frog & toads for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Wildlife Monitoring Program!

🚗Participants can ride with the naturalist or follow us in their own vehicle as we visit wetlands around the county to survey frog and toads. Visit all the sites or just a few.

Registration is required by visiting https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Benton/Park/Benton-County-Nature-Center/Events/29177/Frog-Toad-Survey

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the individuals who gave their lives for our us.

As you spend time outdoors here in Benton County, take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy, made possible by their sacrifice.

Continue to have a safe weekend.

❤️🤍💙

📸Image Description: Small prescribed burn of a pollinator mix in front of the Benton County Nature Center.

05/24/2026

❗ The Nature Center will be closed this Monday for Memorial Day.

📱 We are open by appointment this week. Plan ahead and give us a call at 319-472-4942.

🏃‍♂️ Don’t worry, the outdoor playscape and trails are still open for all your adventures!

📸Photo Description: Nature Center aquatics displays enjoying some sunrise light.

05/23/2026

🎣 Reel Them in with Heroes 🚓🚒

Got plans for Free Fishing Weekend? You do now. 😉

Join your BCCB Park Rangers and local first responders for a morning of casting lines, swapping stories, and maybe even reeling in “the big one” (no promises… but we believe in you).

Whether you’re a pro with a favorite lure or someone who needs help figuring out which end of the rod to hold, we’ve got you covered.

📍 Hannen Lake Park (stationed near the shop at east entrance)
🗓 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

🎣 FREE fishing
🎣 NO license required for Iowa residents
🎣 Poles & bait provided

Just bring yourself, your crew, and your best fish story (real or slightly exaggerated… we won’t judge).

Let’s see who can hook the biggest fish… or at least not lose their bait in the first 5 minutes. 😏

05/21/2026

👉Campground site availability updated Friday 5.22.26 as of 12:00pm for Memorial Day Weekend.
** you must pay for your site upon arrival and have a unit or erected tent on site **

🏕It's looking like wonderful weather this weekend. Enjoy and be safe!

- Rodgers Park (no water/shower house in campground yet. Dump station and shop restroom facilities available): 16 electric sites available and 5 primitive sites available
- Hannen Lake: 3 electric and 9 primitive sites available
- Wildcat Bluff: 7 electric and 4 primitive sites available
- Benton City-Fry: 8 electric and 3 primitive sites available
- Hoefle-Dulin: 6 electric and 2 primitive site available
- Minne Estema: 3 electric sites and 2 primitive sites available

05/20/2026

Crews will be burning piles along the Old Creamery Nature Trail today south of Garrison.

Please use caution while utilizing the area.

05/19/2026

Exciting things are happening at Minne Estema State Park! 🎉

🚽A brand-new ADA accessible pit-toilet facility is being installed thanks to funding from the Water Recreation Access Cost Share (WRAC) Program. This investment helps us continue improving access and enhancing the overall experience for everyone who visits.

Our goal is to keep making steady improvements to all of our access points, one project at a time, as funding allows, so we can provide better, more inclusive outdoor opportunities for all. More coming soon!

05/17/2026

🐸💚We are so excited to offer a special Frog & Toad Survey program a the end of May! Join us to learn about frogs and toads of Iowa with a presentation. Then, join our Naturalist to survey frog & toads for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Wildlife Monitoring Program!

🚗Participants can ride with the naturalist or follow us in their own vehicle as we visit wetlands around the county to survey frog and toads. Visit all the sites or just a few.

Registration is required by visiting https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Benton/Park/Benton-County-Nature-Center/Events/29177/Frog-Toad-Survey

Address

5718 20th Avenue Dr
Vinton, IA
52349

Telephone

(319) 472-4942

Website

https://www.bentoncountyia.gov/conservation/

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