New Year’s Day hike draws crowd to Lake Darling lodge

BRIGHTON — Winter temperatures did little to keep people indoors on New Year’s Day, as 78 hikers gathered at Lake Darling State Park to welcome 2026 with sunshine and a walk along the lake shore trail to the causeway bridge and back.

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The annual First Day Hike began at 9 a.m. at the Lake Darling Lodge, where visitors bundled up under clear skies before heading out on the paved trail. Organizers said the weather cooperated for the January outing, reinforcing a familiar Iowa tradition of starting the year outdoors.

“The weather was perfect for an early morning hike,” a Friends of Lake Darling representative said following the hike led by park ranger Zach Haworth.

Participants ranged widely in age, from young children to seniors, and some, including Ashley Swackhamer of Wayland, brought dogs along on leashes or in carry bags. After the hike, many paused for photos before warming up inside the lodge, where volunteers served refreshments. Door prizes included walking sticks, T-shirts and a photo by Jo Elan.

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The Friends of Lake Darling promoted the event in advance as both a seasonal tradition and an opportunity to highlight park projects. In a social media post before the hike, the group invited the public to look into a current fundraising campaign for a new kayak launch installation at the park.

A kayak raffle, now underway, offers tickets in support of a new ADA-accessible kayak launch at the park’s main boat ramp. Kayaks are available as prizes, and organizers said proceeds will help complete the launch project, which is slated to improve shoreline access for paddlers of all abilities.

“This grant will help build a kayak launch at Lake Darling, helping ensure kayaking is accessible to everyone,” Washington County Riverboat Foundation stated as they announced $52,500 grant going toward this project as part of the Fall 2025 cycle.

Additionally, hikers were encouraged to take time out of their New Year’s Day morning and explore the rich history of Lake Darling.

For longtime park supporters, the lodge itself served as a reminder of how far the park has come and stirred memories of its early days.

“I worked at Lake Darling for several years in the early ’80s and never dreamed they would actually build the lodge,” Mike Frazer said. “We had names for all the areas, and one of those names was The Lodge. I am so glad it is finally there.”

While the lodge has stood at Lake Darling for a while now, decades after staff first envisioned it, the space recently received a sustainability upgrade.

“Thanks to a grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation and donations from our members, the Friends were able to add solar panels to the Lake Darling Lodge,” the Friends said. “The panels will furnish electricity for the lodge and partner with the geothermal unit to provide heat and cooling for the lodge.”

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The $50,000 grant, awarded in December 2024, funded the solar energy system, which the Friends announced was installed by late 2025. The system works alongside the lodge’s geothermal unit to reduce energy costs and support long-term environmental goals.

The upgraded Lake Darling Lodge continues to serve as a hub for gatherings, education and year-round recreation, even during winter months.

Even those who missed the organized New Year’s hike still found time to get outside and enjoy the park.

“Sorry we missed hiking with you this year. We overslept,” Adam Rose commented afterward. “We came out once we were up and going and did a hike. Thanks for the nice paved trails.”

Known for its wetlands, lake views and accessible trails, Lake Darling State Park continues to draw visitors throughout the year. The Friends of Lake Darling, a nonprofit support group, regularly organize events, raise funds for park improvements and provide volunteer support.

As hikers filtered back into the lodge to warm up and share refreshments, the message of the morning was clear: Winter weather may linger, but it does not stop Iowans from starting the year outdoors, together, at a park many have watched grow for decades.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com