Trapper’s Bay State Recreation Area is a 57-acre oasis in the Iowa Great Lakes region. It’s a scenic spot for fishing, boating, picnicking, or just slipping away for a day in nature!
Trapper’s Bay is within minutes of the popular Okoboji area. So, it’s the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of this popular area.
About Trapper’s Bay State Recreation Area
- Trapper’s Bay was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
- Park headquarters are at Gull Point State Park in the Okoboji area.
- The park is situated on the north shore of Silver Lake, a 1065-acre lake with boat access (see the lake map here).
- Trapper’s Bay is a prime destination for anglers, with good shoreline access to Silver Lake (south of the park road).
- A historic open-air picnic shelter is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Things to do at Trapper’s Bay State Recreation Area
Go fishing!
The Iowa Great Lakes area is known for fishing, and Trapper’s Bay is no exception. This little park offers an opportunity to fish away from the busyness of the Okoboji area. So, if you’re looking for a quiet spot to go fishing for the day, it’s a great place.
Shore access to Silver Lake is plentiful along Trapper’s Bay Road.
According to the Iowa DNR, common fish species include Crappie, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Walleye, Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and more.
Have a picnic
The open-air picnic shelter is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and is a great place to stop for lunch.
This shelter is another excellent example of the workmanship of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). It was built in the early 1930s and is included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Go boating at Silver Lake.
This large lake is a great place to take your boat – and it’s much less busy than the lakes in the Okoboji area.
There isn’t boat access at Trapper’s Bay State Recreation Area. But boaters can find three boat ramps on the east, south, and west shores of Silver Lake. See the map for boat ramp locations.
Things to do nearby
Trapper’s Bay State Recreation Area is about 15 miles from Arnolds Park and other Okoboji attractions! That means beaches, an amusement park, restaurants, shopping, and other lakeside activities are too close to pass by!
Fishing! The Iowa Great Lakes are considered some of the best fishing lakes in Iowa. Anglers can fish by boat or shore on several different lakes. Popular fish species include Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Bullhead, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Crappie, and more!
Many area lakes are large, making navigating the main channels by kayak or canoe challenging. But there are a few great spots to paddle in the area. Our favorite paddling areas include the Wahpeton canals near Gull Point State Park and Marble Lake. See our article on kayaking and canoeing in Okoboji for more information.
The Iowa Great Lakes Recreation Trail is a paved path that extends through the Okoboji area. It makes the perfect path for a stroll or bike ride (see a trail map here).
If you’re looking for a soft-surfaced hiking trail through the woods, head to Gull Barney Peterson Memorial Trail in Gull Point State Park. It’s on the western shore of West Okoboji Lake.
Other nearby state parks include Gull Point State Park, Pikes Point State Park, Elinor Bedell State Park, Emerson Bay State Recreation Area, and Lower Gar. Check out Templar State Recreation Area, Marble Beach State Recreation Area, and Mini-Wakan State Park on Big Spirit Lake.
Visit Trapper’s Bay State Recreation Area today!
Find Trapper’s Bay at 309 Trapper’s Bay Road, Lake Park, IA 51347.
From the Okoboji area, take Hwy 9 west to 135th Avenue at Lake Park, Iowa. Go north on 135th Avenue and follow the signs to get to Trapper’s Bay Road.
Next:
- Top 10 Things to Do in Okoboji
- A Guide to the Best Boat Rentals in Okoboji [+ cruises]
- The Ultimate Guide to Camping near Okoboji in Iowa