Bird Watching & Wildlife
Chickasaw County, Iowa
Slow down and enjoy the wildlife that calls Chickasaw County home. Explore wooded trails, wetlands, waterways and open spaces where you might spot a variety of Iowa birds and wildlife.
​Places to Explore:
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Twin Ponds Nature Center
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County parks & conservation areas
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Lakes, ponds, streams, rivers & parks
Biking & Walking Trails
Chickasaw County, Iowa
Take in the scenery at your own pace on Chickasaw County's biking and walking trails. Whether you're looking for a paved path through town or a scenic trail surrounded by nature, there are plenty of ways to get outside and explore.
Plum Creek Bike & Nature Trail
Fredericksburg, Iowa
Over 5 miles of scenic biking and/or walking trails, 3/4 black topped, 1/4 crushed rock.The trail begins at the Robert Mattke Park on the west edge of Fredericksburg, heads north under the Hwy 18 bridge and winds along Plum Creek to the east into town.
Tribe Trail
New Hampton, Iowa
Enjoy close to six miles of paved, concrete trail that runs from one side of New Hampton to the other. On the trail, you can access many community amenities such as the Chickasaw Wellness Complex, Mikkelson Park, and Garnant Pond with water stations and bike repair stations along the way. Enjoy the trail while also enjoying nature.
Boating, Kayaking & Tubing
Chickasaw County, Iowa
Get out on the water and enjoy Chickasaw County from a different perspective. Paddle, float or boat in our various rivers and lakes.
Cedar Lake
Nashua, Iowa
Cedar Lake in Nashua is a 470-acre destination for boating and water recreation. Spend a summer day fishing, tubing, skiing, wakeboarding or enjoying a peaceful boat ride, then take in a beautiful sunset over the water. In winter, the lake offers ice fishing and other seasonal activities.
Cedar River
Chickasaw County, Iowa
The Cedar River offers miles of scenic boating and paddling opportunities through Chickasaw County. The river is navigable by canoe, kayak and smaller boats, with multiple access points along the way. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, with walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike and channel catfish among the species found here.
Twin Ponds
Ionia, Iowa
Twin Ponds offers a peaceful setting for boating and fishing in Ionia. The pond north of the Nature Center features a boat ramp for easy access to the water and is open to electric motors, making it a great spot for a quiet day on the water surrounded by nature.
Wapsipinicon River
Chickasaw County, Iowa
The Wapsipinicon River winds through Chickasaw County, offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. A carry-down boat launch provides access to the river, while anglers can find species including northern pike, black bullhead and white sucker along its waters.
Camping
Chickasaw County, Iowa
​Spend a night under the stars in Chickasaw County. From peaceful wooded campgrounds to lakeside and riverfront sites, there are plenty of places to unplug, relax and enjoy the outdoors. Find the perfect spot for your next camping getaway.
Fishing
Chickasaw County, Iowa
Grab your tackle box and enjoy a day on the water. From lakes and ponds to rivers and streams, there are plenty of places to cast a line throughout Chickasaw County.
​Fishing Spots:
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Chickasaw Park
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Garnant Pond
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Ringneck Haven
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Split Rock Park
Parks
Chickasaw County, Iowa
Chickasaw County is home to parks and natural areas perfect for getting outside. Enjoy hiking and walking trails, fishing, picnicking, playgrounds, wildlife watching and more while exploring the county’s beautiful outdoor spaces.
Get outside and explore.
Our county parks offer space to hike, fish, picnic, play and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're looking for a quiet afternoon in nature or a place to bring the whole family, there's a park waiting to be explored.
Winter Recreation
Chickasaw County, Iowa
Outdoor recreation doesn't stop when the temperatures drop. Bundle up and enjoy Chickasaw County's winter trails and frozen waters, whether you're snowmobiling or heading out for a day of ice fishing.
Ice Fishing
Chickasaw County, Iowa
When winter arrives, local lakes and ponds provide opportunities for ice fishing and enjoying the outdoors in a whole new season.
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​Ice Fishing Spots:
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Airport Lake
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Cedar Lake
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Twin Ponds
Snowmobile Trails
Chickasaw County, Iowa
Chickasaw County Snowmobile Trails are approximately 200 miles of groomed trails by the non-profit group "Chickasaw County Sno Riders"
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Watch their Facebook page for updates on trail openings and conditions!