Elinor Bedell State Park

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Elinor Bedell State Park
Iowa State Park
Named for: Elinor Bedell
Country United States
State Iowa
County Dickinson
Location
 - coordinates 43°24′44″N 95°04′14″W / 43.41222, -95.07056Coordinates: 43°24′44″N 95°04′14″W / 43.41222, -95.07056
 - elevation 1,408 ft (429.2 m)
Area 80 acres (32.4 ha)
Managed by Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Nearest city Spirit Lake, IA
Location of Elinor Bedell State Park
Location of Elinor Bedell State Park
Website : Elinor Bedell State Park

The Elinor Bedell State Park is an 80 acre state park in Dickinson County, Iowa in the United States.

Elinor Bedell State Park is Iowa's newest (1998) state park. It is located on the east shore of East Okoboji Lake and represents one of the last remaining open spaces on the Iowa Great Lakes. The eighty acre park was a gift of Berkley and Elinor Bedell. A life long resident of the Great Lakes area, Berkley Bedell represented Northwest Iowa for 12 years in the United States Congress.

Contents

[edit] Nearby Towns

Spirit Lake is about 2 miles northwest of the park. Okoboji and Arnolds Park are about 5 miles around the lake to the southwest.

[edit] Picnicking/Shelters

A shelter with kitchenette, bathrooms and a fireplace overlooks East Okoboji Lake is available for rent. The shelter can be reserved online through the park reservation system.

[edit] Camping

The campground consists of 8 site RV campsites with full hookups, modern rest room and a trailer dump station. Each campsite has a picnic table and fireplace. There is also a designated area for youth groups to tent camp. A playground is located near the campground. Advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.

[edit] Trails

Several miles of trail wind through wetlands, woodlands and along the lakeshore. A wildlife viewing blind is situated just off the trail for use by bird and wildlife watchers.

[edit] Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)

East Okoboji and the many other lakes are some of the prime fishing spots in Iowa. Anglers will find a variety of game fish, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, white bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish and bullheads.

[edit] External Links

Iowa Department of Natural Resources - Elinor Bedell State Park