Photo: Gail Holtsclaw
Photo: Ohmkumar Jayaprakash
Photo: Stephanie Pierce
Lake Manawa State Park
★4.5(2,595 reviews)$Park
🕑 3-5 hours for a typical visit, or a full day if combining swimming, hiking, and picnicking👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers and preschoolers love the playgrounds and shallow beach areas, while older kids and teens enjoy fishing, kayaking, and exploring the longer hiking trails around the 700-acre lake.🧡 Saved by 70+ families
About
Lake Manawa State Park is a Council Bluffs gem offering everything families need for a perfect outdoor day. With a sandy swimming beach, excellent fishing spots, multiple playgrounds, and scenic hiking trails circling the lake, there's something to keep every family member entertained. The park's well-maintained facilities and variety of activities make it ideal for both quick afternoon visits and full-day adventures.
Highlights
- ✓Sandy swimming beach with designated swim area and lifeguards during summer
- ✓Multiple modern playgrounds scattered throughout the park
- ✓Boat ramps and rentals for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing
- ✓6+ miles of paved and natural trails perfect for biking and hiking
- ✓Spacious picnic areas with grills and shelters available for reservation
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on summer weekends to snag a shaded picnic spot near the beach,they fill up quickly by late morning
- 2.Bring water shoes for the beach as the lake bottom can be rocky in spots, making it more comfortable for little ones
- 3.The hiking trail on the west side of the lake is stroller-friendly and offers beautiful views perfect for a family walk
- 4.Pack a fishing pole,the lake is stocked regularly and kids have great success catching bluegill and bass from the shore
- 5.Download the Iowa State Parks app for a digital park pass if you forget to buy one at the entrance
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 9 AM-noon) for the calmest experience with fewer crowds. Summer is peak season for swimming and water activities, while spring and fall offer perfect temps for hiking and biking without the beach crowds.
What to Know
Iowa State Parks require a daily ($5) or annual ($35) vehicle pass, available at the park entrance or online. Ample parking is available near the beach and multiple trailheads, and while there are restrooms and changing facilities, food options are limited to vending machines, so pack a picnic.
Seasonal Notes
The swimming beach is supervised Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fishing is excellent year-round, including ice fishing in winter. Fall brings beautiful foliage along the trails, while spring can be muddy after rain. Some facilities have reduced hours or close during winter months.
Nearby Eats
Head to Zio's Pizzeria (5 minutes away) for family-friendly Italian with a kids menu, or stop at Dairy Queen on South 24th Street for quick post-park ice cream treats.
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