Twin Lakes State Park is a 15-acre state park on the shores of North Twin Lake, a beautiful 453-acre lake in northwest Iowa. It’s the perfect spot to spend a day outdoors soaking up lake activities, like boating, fishing, beachgoing, and picnicking.
Find Twin Lakes State Park just north of Rockwell City and 30 miles west of Fort Dodge.
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A brief history of Twin Lakes State Park
North and South Twin Lakes are like several other northwestern Iowa lakes – natural lakes formed by glaciers. These lakes are sometimes referred to as prairie pothole lakes.
North Twin Lake, in particular, has been a popular spot for people to gather for lakeside recreation since the late 1800s. Today, it continues to draw visitors for a fun day at the lake.
Things to do at Twin Lakes State Park
Two small units make up Twin Lakes State Park on the east and west shores of North Twin Lake.
Twin Lakes State Park does not have a campground. But you can find lakeside camping and cabins at Featherstone County Park on the northwest corner of North Twin Lake.
• Bike or hike the paved trail
A seven-mile paved trail surrounds North Twin Lake and goes by the state park. It is the perfect place to bike, walk, or skate along the beautiful lakeshores.
• Fishing
Fishing is among the top activities at Twin Lakes State Park. The large, natural lake draws anglers who want to fish by shore or water. Walleye, Crappie, and Bluegill are common fish anglers catch here.
• Boating
Boating is a favorite activity here! There are no motor restrictions at this scenic 453-acre lake, making it perfect for fishing, skiing, or just a leisurely boat ride on a warm sunny day.
There is no boat access at the state park, but two state-run boat ramps are on the south shore of North Twin Lake (see the map for locations). Find another boat ramp at Featherstone Memorial County Park on the northwest side of the North Twin Lake.
The Twin Lakes Marina is on the south shore of North Twin Lake, which is convenient for boaters who need service or slip rentals.
• Beachgoing
Two sand beaches at Twin Lakes State Park are in each park unit. The beaches are a great way to spend a day lakeside with nearby picnic areas.
The larger beach is at the east unit, and swimming is allowed in designated areas.
Beach safety:
- No lifeguards on duty.
- Check for safe water conditions. Find beach monitoring status here.
• Picnicking
Picnic areas are at both the east and west lakeshore of North Twin Lake. A historic open-air, covered picnic shelter for larger groups is on the east shore. A small picnic shelter is also in the west unit. Both are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Small playground areas are in each unit.
Things to do nearby
Featherstone Memorial Park is on the northwest side of North Twin Lake. It’s a great place to rent a cabin, go camping, have a picnic, play disc golf, hike, and get boat access.
The World’s Largest Popcorn Ball is 24 miles west (in Sac City) and is something to see if you’re in the area! It was created in 2016 at Noble Popcorn, weighs over 9000 pounds, and used 2300 pounds of popcorn.
Gypsum City OHV Park is 30 minutes east of the park in Fort Dodge. The 800-acre park has 60 miles of ATV trails and a motocross track. Also, find picnic areas, a campground, and fishing ponds!
Dolliver Memorial State Park is 35 miles east of the park, just a few minutes south of Fort Dodge. It’s a fantastic 594-acre park with many unique features, including native burial grounds, sandstone formations, and limestone bluffs overlooking the Des Moines River Valley.
Blackhawk State Park is 35 miles southwest of Twin Lakes, in Lake View, Iowa. It has many things to do, including camping, swimming, hiking, boating, and more!
Storm Lake is 44 miles northwest of the park and is excellent for all ages. It’s home to a large waterpark and resort, lighthouses, beaches, boating, and so much more! See the city’s website for all the things to do.
Visit Twin Lakes State Park today!
Twin Lakes State Park is at 6685 Twin Lakes Rd, Rockwell City, IA 50579.