Mill Creek State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Mill Creek State Park is a beautiful outdoor destination located in the state of Iowa.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, camping, and boating. The park offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the beautiful Mill Creek Lake.
One of the main draws of Mill Creek State Park is its excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, crappie, and catfish. There are also several fishing piers and boat rental options available for visitors.
In addition to fishing, visitors can explore the park's hiking trails, which offer views of the lake and surrounding forests. There are also several campsites available for overnight stays, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds for families.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Mill Creek Lake was actually created in the 1970s as part of a flood control project. Today, it serves as a popular recreational destination for visitors from across the state and beyond.
The best time of year to visit Mill Creek State Park depends on the activities you are interested in. Summer is a popular time for boating and swimming, while fall offers stunning views of the changing leaves. Winter visitors can enjoy ice fishing and snowmobiling, while spring brings wildflowers and migratory bird sightings.
Overall, Mill Creek State Park is a must-see destination for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Iowa. With its many recreational opportunities and stunning scenery, it's a great choice for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
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
Steele Prairie State Preserve
Dog Creek County Park
Indian Village State Park