As one of Iowa’s favorite parks, Lake Ahquabi State Park draws nature lovers with its many outdoor recreation opportunities; it has rolling hills, woodlands, prairie, a 115-acre lake ‒ and plenty of fun things to do!
This scenic park offers a blend of relaxation and outdoor fun, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking an escape to nature. Whether you want to go camping, boating, fishing, or hiking, Lake Ahquabi is the place to go in Central Iowa.
Just 20 miles south of Des Moines and near the town of Indianola, Lake Ahquabi is accessible to locals and travelers.
A brief history of Lake Ahquabi State Park
Initially spanning 560 acres, the park’s history dates back to 1934 when the city of Indianola acquired the parkland. It was originally named Indianola State Park, but the name was later changed to Lake Ahquabi. Ahquabi is a Native word meaning “resting place” – a fitting tribute to the park’s charm.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began building park structures and the artificial lake in 1934. The park was dedicated in 1936, drawing in 80,000 visitors that first year.
The remaining CCC structures are on the National Register of Historic Places; the lodge, picnic shelters, and other historic park structures are monuments to a bygone era.
The lake was dredged in the 1990s to improve the shoreline and dam, which improved lake recreation, especially fishing.
And a more recent and comprehensive renovation project is still underway. In 2021, the lake was drained to improve its outlet and remove invasive gizzard shad. Further renovations include improving the large campground, beach shelter, and park roads.
Temporary Closures
While some park roads and the beach remain temporarily closed in 2023, the campground, trails, and picnic areas are open to visitors.
Things to do at Lake Ahquabi State Park
🌳 Camp
Camping at Lake Ahquabi has never been better! You’ll find the perfect campsite in the recently renovated campground.
The campground has 93 campsites, all full hookups and electric sites. As a bonus, you can catch lake views from most sites – and all spots are reservable. See the campground section later in this article for more details.
🌳 Fish
The fishing is excellent at Lake Ahquabi, and with recent improvements to the lake, it will be better than ever!
As the lake refills, it will get stocked with Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Black Crappie, and Bluegill.
And anglers of all ages will have their choice of fishing spots at the lake! An enclosed, accessible fishing pier and fishing jetties provide excellent shoreline access. And two boat ramps provide lake access for those fishing by boat (the lake is no-wake).
🌳 Trails
Exploring the trails is a top thing to do on any visit to this park! It has over seven miles of beautiful trails, offering gorgeous views and a diverse landscape. The multi-use trails are for hiking and mountain biking and are open to cross-country skiing and snowmobiles in winter.
Lake Trail: This four-mile loop trail circles around the lake, along the shoreline and woods, with great views. It’s pretty level throughout, though there are some hills in places. You’ll stay cooler on sunny days, as a good portion of the path is shaded.
Prairie Loop Trail: This 1.5-mile trail loop traverses prairie and woodlands near the campground. It’s mostly level and an easy walk for most folks.
Seven Bridges Trail: This one-mile-long trail Y’s off in two directions; one path leads to a picnic shelter, and the other goes to the beach. This one has a bit of elevation and, of course, bridges.
Whitley Monument Trail: This short trail spur (.25-miles) connects to the Lake Trail at both ends and takes you by the Whitley Monument.
More trails nearby: The Annett Nature Center Park is across the road from Lake Ahquabi. It offers over four miles of well-marked hiking trails through 160 acres of prairie, wetlands, and woodlands.
🌳 Boat
Rent a boat at beach concessions—paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and more are available for rent through CanoeSport Outfitters. Or bring your own boat and use one of the two boat ramps at the lake.*
*The lake is “no wake,” meaning operating speeds at less than 5 mph.
Boat rentals closed for 2023
Notice: Boat rentals, beach concessions, and the boat ramps are closed until lake levels recover in 2024.
🌳 Picnic
What’s better than a lakeside picnic? Several picnic areas and open-air picnic shelters are available at Lake Ahquabi. So, whether you’re having a small impromptu picnic or a larger gathering, it’s a great place to be!
The picnic shelters and lodge are reservable at ReserveAmerica.com. When not reserved, shelters are available first come, first serve.
Winter at Lake Ahquabi
When the temps drop, and the snow flies, head to Lake Ahquabi State Park for winter fun! It’s a great place to explore the trails in the winter. Trails are open to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiles in the winter.
Park map
Lake Ahquabi State Park Campground
With all the excellent outdoor fun at this park, you’ll want to set up camp! And the recently renovated campground at Lake Ahquabi State Park is better than ever. Below are the campground details.
- 93 campsites; 52 full hookup & 41 electric campsites
- Pull-through and accessible sites available
- Two modern restroom/shower facilities
- Dump station on site
- Boat ramp
- Youth group campsite available
- All sites are reservable at ReserveAmerica; same-day reservations accepted
- See the new campground map here.
Things to do nearby
Annett Nature Center Park is just across the road (118th Ave) from Lake Ahquabi and is an excellent place to explore! It has a nature center, several miles of fantastic hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a fishing pond.
The city of Indianola is just 6 miles north of the park, with several fun things to do. Find city parks, an aquatic center, the National Balloon Museum, and the best ice cream (at The Outside Scoop). And if you’re in town in late July-early August, don’t miss the National Balloon Classic.
The Summerset Trail is a 12-mile paved trail with a trailhead in Indianola. Ride this rail trail north through Banner Lakes and to the Carlisle trailhead. You’ll cross the Middle River and pass through prairie and wetlands along the path.
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park is a 222-acre park 12 miles north of Ahquabi. It’s a former coal mine with a series of lakes surrounded by woods and wetlands. Explore the trails, go fishing, or take your boat for lots of outdoor fun!
Zo-El Annett Woods is 14 miles northwest of Lake Ahquabi and a fun place for a short hike! The .36-mile trail climbs up a slope through dense forest to a long cable suspension bridge.
And, of course, Des Moines has so many great things to do – and it’s just over 20 miles north of the state park. Explore area parks and lakes, use the trails, head downtown for the Farmer’s Market, and so much more!!!
Visit Lake Ahquabi State Park today!
Lake Ahquabi State Park is at 16510 118th Ave, Indianola, IA 50125.
Next:
• Iowa State Parks Info, Map & Printable!
• Camping in Des Moines: Your Guide to Local Campgrounds
• Explore Des Moines
