National and State Parks - Recreational Areas

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Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
State Park Information

State Park Overview
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is one of the largest and most picturesque of Iowa state parks and recreation areas. The parks 1,653 acres of hills, bluffs and valleys wind along the Des Moines River in Van Buren County.

During the middle of the 19th century, the great Mormon trek westward across Iowa occurred. Ely Ford, now the site of a beautiful picnic area, was a river crossing point. It is now a component of the Mormon Pioneer Trail.

Originally, the park was named "Big Bend," but when it was dedicated in 1921 - more colorful name was sought. For the next five years, it was called Keosauqua - Native American term meaning "the stream bearing a floating mass of snow, slush, or ice." In 1926, the name was changed to Lacey-Keosauqua in honor of Major John Fletcher Lacey who fought in the Civil War, was elected to Iowa House of Representatives in 1868 and by 1888, was a member of Congress. Major Lacey campaigned for conservation legislation long before Teddy Roosevelt and was instrumental in the establishment of a state park system in Iowa.


Camping

Trails

Picnicking

Lodge

More Info

Bordering the great
Moines River lies the quiet beauty of the flowers, shrubs and timber within Lacey Keosauqua State Park . . . one of the largest and most picturesque of Iowas state parks and
...sauqua, the Indian term for Big Bend, is a unique blend of historic architecture, natural
Des Moines River from the hotel is Lacey-Keosauqua State Park which also borders the rivers great
...low-throated Warbler, photographed at Lacey Keosauqua State Park, Iowa -pril 13, 2002, by Michael and Diane Porter
April 13, 2002 Lacey Keosauqua State Park, Iowa Photo copyright

year. The chase I was standing late one afternoon by the Des Moines River at Lacey Keosauqua State Park, in southeastern Iowa. The only birds to watch were a dozen Killdeer feeding and loitering
...tril Iowa -The home of Waubonsie Trail Park, Dutchmans Store, Wickfield Sales Pavilion, Lake
access, east of Mt. Sterling. Lacey Keosauqua State Park, - Keosauqua. Enjoy camping, fishing
...urn Next Approaching Lacey Keosauqua State Park (click on photo for a larger image) This is the view 3 miles downstream from Austin Park. 200 foot limestone cliffs and deep forest - songbird


Area Attractions

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park