Renovations at Geode State Park to close beach area the summer 2023

The April 4 Issue of the Iowa DNR News Conservation and Recreation announced that the beach area at Geode Lake would be closed the summer of 2023. The full text follows: “GEODE, Iowa — The beach and surrounding facilities at Geode State Park will be closed for the 2023 recreational season beginning in late April due to a major road and parking lot construction project.

“In addition to the beach being closed, the road to the beach, the trail from the beach to the campground, beach shelters and beach restrooms will also be closed,” said Geode State Park manager Ulf Konig. The trail around the lake will remain open.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we improve the overall experience and accessibility to the beach and its facilities,” Konig said.

The construction project is expected to be completed by September. For more information about Geode State Park, visit www.iowadnr.gov/geode or call the park office at (319) 392-4601.”

The major work being done is the demolition and repaving of the entire parking lot. No one will be allowed in the area because it is a construction zone and the safety of everyone is at stake. A corridor will be available next to the work area so that trail users can pass through to complete the trail around the lake. If all goes well, the project will be completed in September 2023.

The campground will be open as usual. Summer season camping rates take effect April 15. Costs are: Full hookup $24, Electric $18 and Tent $12. There are two camp pads and restrooms accessible for the mobility impaired. Activities at the state park will continue as normally as possible. Hiking trails and the Bike Route will be open. While the lake was drained and being renovated, fish spawning and fry protection sites were built. Fish stocking began after the lake refilled. Fishing should improve each year. There are plenty of shore fishing sites to use that are not associated with the beach. Boats and kayaks may still be put it at Boat Ramp 2. There are several open picnic shelters available for group use as well. Picnic shelters and campground sites may be reserved online as usual.

Pollmiller Lake in Lee County near West Point and Big Hollow Lake in Des Moines County near Sperry are beaches close to Henry County. Both these lakes are monitored for water quality. Lake Geode will not be monitored weekly in 2023 as the beach is closed. Check out website https://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water-Quality/Water-Monitoring/Beaches to make sure your choice of lake is safe. Samples are submitted every Friday and results are published as soon as they are known. In fact one should always check this site if visiting a state park to swim. Everyone has waited patiently for outdoor fun. Prepare and plan for a safe summer.