Storm damage, flooding impact state parks over Memorial Day

Heavy rains and storms that pummeled Iowa earlier this week have caused state parks to close in some areas.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said it is urging park visitors to plan in advance heading into the Memorial Day weekend in case an activity or location is affected. Impacted parks include:

Backbone State Park (Delaware County) — The north gate entrance is currently closed. Logs, debris, mud and sand have covered roads in the park. Staff will reopen the north entrance once roadway cleanup is complete.

Big Creek State Park (Polk County) — Flash flooding has caused high water at Big Creek Lake, which is expected to recede by the weekend. Damage from flooding will be assessed once water levels go down, but is expected to be minor. Access to docks at the marina may be impacted.

Dolliver Memorial State Park (Webster County) — The road in the central part of the park is currently closed due to flooding. The campground, cabins and center lodge will be closed through the Memorial Day weekend. But the north shelter and south lodge will be accessible.

George Wyth State Park (Black Hawk County) — The park is closed through Memorial Day weekend, and possibly longer, due to flooding and the potential for more rain. The park is closed to all traffic including driving, walking and biking.

Ledges State Park (Boone County) — The canyon drive is closed to vehicle traffic due to flash flooding. Visitors can hike into the canyon from the Oak Woods picnic area but are advised not to enter the rapid, rising streams. Oriole Road on the west side of the park is expected to flood as the Des Moines River crests Friday.

Rock Creek State Park (Jasper County) — The beach, beach boat ramp, west shelter and trail access are closed due to flash flooding. Some campsites will be closed due to debris and flooding. The south end boat ramp and shelter also are closed due to excessive debris and damage.

Walnut Woods State Park (Polk County)— The Purple Martin Water Resource Area will remain open, but part of the loop trail is inaccessible due to flooding.

Wapsipinicon State Park (Jones County)- The Wapsipinicon River is expected to flood parts of the park. Staff plan to close some roads starting Friday, which will make the lodge and playground shelter inaccessible.

Additionally, several trails are closed at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, Elk Rock State Park, Stephens State Forest and Volga River State Recreation Area.

Visitors should avoid driving through high water and should take safety precautions due to swift currents and debris in many lakes and rivers.

A full listing of alerts and closures can be found at iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures.

Comments: (319) 398-8499; tom.barton@thegazette.com