Lost Island-Huston County Park

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Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Lost Island-Huston County Park is a popular recreational area located in the state of Iowa.


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Summary

The park is situated on the shores of a large lake, offering visitors a range of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and swimming. The park is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and numerous points of interest, including a water park, a miniature golf course, and a beach area. Visitors can also explore the park's many trails and enjoy the scenic views of the lake and surrounding forest.

One of the main attractions of Lost Island-Huston County Park is the Lost Island Waterpark, which has a variety of thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and a large wave pool. There is also a splash pad and a play area for younger children. The park also has a fun-filled miniature golf course, which is perfect for families. The beach area is a great place to relax and soak up the sun, and visitors can rent boats and kayaks to explore the lake.

Interesting facts about Lost Island-Huston County Park include that the lake is actually man-made and was created in the 1960s, and the park has been a popular recreational area for over 40 years. Additionally, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, eagles, and ospreys.

The best time of year to visit Lost Island-Huston County Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and visitors can take advantage of all the outdoor activities. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months. Overall, Lost Island-Huston County Park is a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Iowa.

       

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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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