Canoeing
Chichaqua
Bottoms Greenbelt is a 6,500-acre wildlife area, which features the
old oxbow river channels of the Skunk River. Wildlife species such as river otters,
great blue herons, beavers, wood ducks, and painted turtles are just a few of the
animals that can be seen while canoeing the backwaters.
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt has canoes for rent. Cost is $7 per hour and paddles
and life jackets are provided. Reservations can be made in advance by calling 515-249-5925
or on-site on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Chichaqua is the largest county owned park in the state of Iowa. Sandy upland hills,
wetlands, native and reconstructed prairie, and forests are other habitats found
in the park.
Easter Lake Park covers 464 acres and includes a 171-acre lake.
The lake was constructed in 1967 on an old coal-mining site. Slag and mine tailings
can still be seen today on the south side of the lake.
Easter Lake also supports an abundance of fish species such as bluegill, largemouth
bass, crappie, walleye, northern pike, and tiger musky. During the fall and spring
migration, large flocks of canada geese use the lake as a resting and feeding area.
