State Park News August 2023
Here are the top state park news stories for August 2023. We are working to provide you with a summary of the most interesting state park news stories each month. If you have a state park news story we missed, let us know by leaving a comment.
Iowa State Park Updates
Iowa has been working to update some of its state parks. Here are two recent updates.
Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground Has Reopened
The campground at Lake Ahquabi State Park has been closed since 2021 for renovations. It is now open again with some significant improvements. While work is still ongoing, campsites can now be reserved after the grand reopening on July 20.
The campground has 52 full hookup sites, 41 with sites with 30 & 50 amp electricity, and a youth group camping site.
In addition to campground improvements, the shoreline and beach area have been improved.
You can find more info on the Iowa DNR website.
Pikes Peak State Park Campground Has Reopened
The campground at Pikes Peak State Park reopened July 27. After improvements to widen sites and add amenities, there are now six full hookup sites, 54 sites with 30 & 50 amp electricity, and two youth group sites. In addition to improving the campsites, roads have also been repaved.
Campsites can now be reserved at Reserve America. You can find more info on the Iowa DNR website.
Roosevelt State Park Improvements
The campground at Roosevelt State Park in Mississippi will be temporarily closed. Starting September 5, 2023, all campsites and bathhouses will be closed for approximately one year. While the campgrounds will be closed, visitors can still enjoy the day use parts of the park. If you want to stay overnight, the cabins and lodge are still available. We can’t wait to hear all about the campground improvements and look forward to the parks reopening next summer.
State Park Accessibility Stories
Last month we shared accessibility updates for parks in Montana and Michigan. Minnesota state parks have also been working to add accessibility options and are expanding their all-terrain track chair program. The DNR started pilot testing these chairs in 2022 at five parks. In August 2023, they’ll add an additional eight track chairs brining the total to thirteen.
The track chairs enable people who might not normally be able to hike a trail to have additional outdoor access.
The track chairs are available at parks across the state including Lake Bemidji, Itasca, Maplewood, and Split Rock Lighthouse.
Chairs are available at no additional cost, though you do need to have a state park permit to enter the park. For a full list of locations and to reserved a chair in advance, visit the Minnesota DNR track chair webpage.
Nebraska State Park Fee Increases
Nebraska is proposing to raise the day and annual park permit fees starting on January 1, 2024. State residents would pay an additional dollar to visit the parks for a day or an additional $5 for an annual pass. Out of state residents would see their day passes raised by two dollars and annual permits by and extra $10. The price increases will be considered at an upcoming meeting of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission when they meet August 4.
For more details, check out this story on NorfolkRadio.com
Ohio Arts in the Parks
Every month we like to share at least one fun activity happening in a state park. Throughout the month of August, there will be arts workshops in several Ohio state parks. You might choose to learn about poetry, soundscapes, dancing or nature. This is a partnership between the Ohio Arts Council and the Ohio DNR. Locations include Burr Oak, Deer Creek, Mohican, Salt Fork and Shawnee State Parks.
For a more details and a full schedule of events, visit the Arts in the Parks website.
State Park News on YouTube
We share state park news on our YouTube channel. Check out our June 2023 state park news video.
Share Your Thoughts
If you have a state park news story to share, we’d love to hear it. Leave a comment to let us know.
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