Elk Rock State Park
Sign for the south/main area of Elk Rock State Park
Map showing the location of Elk Rock State Park
Map showing the location of Elk Rock State Park
Location of Elk Rock State Park in Iowa
LocationMarion County, Iowa, United States
Coordinates41°24′3″N 93°5′13″W / 41.40083°N 93.08694°W / 41.40083; -93.08694
Elevation823 ft (251 m)[1]
Established1978
Governing bodyIowa Department of Natural Resources
WebsiteElk Rock State Park

Elk Rock State Park is a state park in Marion County, Iowa, United States, situated on both upstream banks of Red Rock Reservoir. Knoxville at the southwest and Pella to the northeast are the nearest cities. On north are Otley and Monroe; at the west is Pleasantville.

Elk Rock has two areas: the main area and the "Mile Long Bridge" area. The bridge area is much smaller than the main area but has a couple of shelters and a restroom facility. The main area has many camp sites, two boat ramps, park office, and various trails.

Sign for the bridge area

History

Native American inhabitation dates back five thousand years. The Sac and Fox tribes granted white settlers rights to the grounds in 1842. The outlines of the extinct town of Red Rock lie at the bottom of the lake.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers began construction of a dam in 1960 and completed it in 1969. In 1969, the Iowa Conservation Commission leased land from the Corps of Engineers to establish North Elk Rock (now Cordova Park). In 1978, a lease was obtained for South Elk Rock which is now what is considered Elk Rock State Park.

Land usage

The Red Rock Reservoir provides for good fishing as well as general boating and swimming activities. Elk Rock has an equestrian camping area with a 100 ft × 200 ft (30 m × 61 m) arena and other facilities.

Red Rock also serves as a stopping point for migratory birds and other waterfowl. 200 species of birds, 54 species of trees, 62 species of wildflowers, 43 species of fish, and 35 species of mammals have been seen here.

References

  1. ↑ "Elk Rock State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. January 15, 2003. Retrieved February 27, 2011.
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