BIG CREEK STATE PARK

 
Big Creek Lake was created as part of  Saylorville project to protect Polk City from the floods.  A diversion dam which forms the 866-acre Big Creek lake protects Polk City from Big Creek floods, and a barrier dam protects the city from flood waters from Saylorville Lake.  Saylorville was primarily a flood control project but also offers a wide variety of recreation.  Big Creek State Park and the adjoining public hunting areas provide recreation for visitors of all ages and interests.  The focal point of the 3;550-acre complex is the lake.

   

PICNIC SHELTERS AND MORE
Shelters and picnic areas, a beach, three playgrounds, a multi-purpose sports field and several boat ramps provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.  Open picnic shelters, located in pleasant settings around the lake, may be reserved for a fee through the park ranger.  The brown-colored picnic tables are handicapped accessible. 
 
SWIMMING
Big Creek Lake’s clear water provides great family swimming fun.  Refreshments are available at the beach during the swimming season.  A large wooden play structure, accessible to the mobility impaired, is located at the beach.  Refreshments are available at a the nearby concession building, which is also accessible to the mobility-impaired.  The concession phone is (515)984-6083.
 
CAMPING
Camping is not permitted at Big Creek State Park.  However, there are several large federal camping areas about four miles away on Saylorville Lake. 
 
FISHING AND BOATING

Big Creek Lake provides excellent fishing year round.  The lake’s clear waters are stocked with crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, and tiger muskie.  The lake is popular for a variety of boating activities.  From May 21 through September 7, a 10-hpmotor size limit is in effect.  From September 8 through May 20, any size motors may be operated at “no wake” speeds.  Five modern boat ramps, three on the west side and two on the east, provide excellent access to the lake.  A gravel ramp is located on the upper end of the lake.  Sailboat rigging zones and vehicle parking areas are at each modern ramp.  A 102-berth “dry dock” area is at the northeast corner of the park.  Arrangements for rental of dry docking space may be made through the park ranger.  Canoe, motor boat and sailboat rentals are also available at the boat concession area.  A fishing pier, picnic shelter and restroom are accessible to the mobility-impaired. 

 
TRAILS
   A 26-mile paved multi-use trail allows bicyclists and pedestrians to travel form the beach south through the Saylorville Lake area all the way to Des Moines.  Thirteen miles of snowmobile trails provide winter recreational opportunities.  Big Creek is also popular with cross-country skiers.
 
BICYCLING

The Central Iowa State Park Bike Route is a 160-mile loop connecting Big Creek, Ledges and Springbrook stat parks primarily utilizing paved county highways and the paved Raccoon Bicycle Trail.  Ride it all for an adventure or ride only a portion of it for a weekend trek.  The route ambles through 14 charming towns, is relatively flat, with a few challenging hills as you make your way across the picturesque valleys of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers.

Carry your own gear and “rough it” in the campgrounds or take comfort in a local bed and breakfast or motel along the route.

   Some bed and breakfast and park concessionaires offer a shuttle service for gear or luggage for a nominal fee.  Reservations for gear shuttle must be made in advance.  Detailed route brochures available from the DNR.
 
HUNTING
The state park is a wildlife refuge, where hunting is not permitted.  However, hunting is allowed on the lake itself and in designated public hunting areas around the lake.  Upland areas open for hunting are marked with public hunting signs.  Favorite game included pheasants, rabbit, deer, and squirrel.  Waterfowl hunting is popular on the lake. 
 

CHARLES “BUTCH” OLOFSON SHOOTING RANGE

A modern shooting range offering sheltered stations for firing handguns and riffles is located off HWY 415 several miles north of the park.  The range is operated by a private concessionaire and is open April 1 through Dec. 31, Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to ½ hour before sunset.  An archery range is also available.  The shooting range phone is (515)795-3577