Richard C Jones Memorial Park
Rate this placeNearby: Riverside Playground Iroquois Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Richard C Jones Memorial Park is a beautiful destination located in Polk County, Iowa.
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Summary
This park spans over 160 acres and provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. There are several good reasons to visit this park, including its well-maintained trails, stunning natural scenery, and peaceful atmosphere.
One of the main points of interest in Richard C Jones Memorial Park is the eponymous lake, which offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. You can find a variety of fish species in the lake, including bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish. Additionally, the park features several picnic areas with grills, making it a great place to enjoy a family outing or a romantic picnic.
Other notable attractions in Richard C Jones Memorial Park include a playground, a nature center, and multiple scenic overlooks. The park also boasts an impressive array of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and a variety of bird species.
The best time of year to visit Richard C Jones Memorial Park is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. However, the park is open year-round and offers plenty of opportunities for winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Richard C Jones Memorial Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Iowa. With its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this park.
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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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