Heery Woods State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Heery Woods State Park is a small but beautiful park located in central Iowa.
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Summary
The park covers just 80 acres, but there are plenty of reasons to visit. One of the main draws is the hiking trails, which wind through the forest and offer great views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also fish in the park's lake, which is stocked with a variety of fish, including bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Other points of interest in Heery Woods State Park include the picnic areas, which are perfect for a relaxing lunch or afternoon snack. There is also a playground for children, as well as a campground for overnight stays. For those interested in history, the park is home to the remains of an old mill that once operated on the site.
Interesting facts about Heery Woods State Park include the fact that it was established in 1938 as part of a statewide effort to create new parks and recreational areas. The park is named after James Heery, who was a local farmer and conservationist. The park has also been designated as a "gathering place" by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, meaning that it is an important site for cultural and community events.
The best time of year to visit Heery Woods State Park depends on what activities you are interested in. Spring and fall are great times for hiking, as the weather is mild and the leaves are changing colors. Summer is ideal for fishing and camping, while winter offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Overall, Heery Woods State Park is a great destination for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat in the heart of Iowa's beautiful countryside. Whether you're interested in hiking, fishing, or just enjoying a picnic with friends and family, this park has something for everyone.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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