Cottonwood Recreation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cottonwood Recreation Area is a popular outdoor destination in Iowa, located near the Missouri River in Harrison County.


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Summary

There are several good reasons to visit the area, which offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests. Some of the most popular activities include hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also offers camping facilities for those who want to stay overnight.

One of the main attractions of Cottonwood Recreation Area is the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape. The park is home to several miles of trails that wind through wooded areas and along the riverbank. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Missouri River and the surrounding bluffs from many vantage points throughout the park.

Other points of interest in Cottonwood Recreation Area include the Cottonwood Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake is stocked with bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass, and is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon on the water.

Interestingly, the park is also home to several historic structures, including the Cottonwood Schoolhouse, which was built in 1878 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can tour the schoolhouse and learn about the history of education in the area.

The best time of year to visit Cottonwood Recreation Area is during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. The park is open year-round, but many of the activities and facilities are seasonal and may be closed during the winter months.

Overall, Cottonwood Recreation Area is a great destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to explore the natural beauty of Iowa. With its variety of activities and points of interest, it has something for everyone and is definitely worth a visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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