Idlewild State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Colwell County Park Sportsman's Park
Last Updated: December 4, 2025
Idlewild State Park is a scenic destination located in the state of Iowa, offering visitors a variety of outdoor activities and natural beauty.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Some of the top reasons to visit the park include hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing.
One of the most popular points of interest at Idlewild State Park is the lake, which offers ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also has several hiking trails, including a scenic trail that winds through the woods and along the lake.
Visitors to the park can also explore the historic Idlewild Mansion, which was built in the 19th century and served as a summer retreat for affluent families. The mansion is now open for tours and events, and offers a glimpse into the history and architecture of the region.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Idlewild State Park was once used as a training ground for soldiers during World War I, and that the surrounding region was a major hub for the lumber industry in the 19th century.
The best time of year to visit Idlewild State Park depends on the activities you are interested in. Summer is a popular time for swimming, boating, and camping, while fall offers stunning foliage and great hiking conditions. Winter activities include ice fishing and cross-country skiing, while spring brings wildflowers and birdwatching opportunities.
Overall, Idlewild State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historic charm.
Weather Forecast
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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
West Idlewild County Park
|
||
Colwell County Park Camping
|
||
Osage Sprink Park Campground
|
Colwell County Park
Sportsman's Park
Osage Spring Park
Goodale Park
Bunns Woods County Park