Description

Welcome to Lake Ahquabi State Park. Ahquabi is the Sauk and Fox native word meaning "resting place", and it is a fitting name for this scenic 770 acre park. Lake Ahquabi State Park was dedicated in 1936 with many of its structures built by the men of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. The park features a stone lodge and two shelters (North and South) that are examples of this work.

Recreation:

Trails
With more than seven miles of multi-use trails at Lake Ahquabi, visitors can hike, bicycle, jog, cross-country ski, and even snowmobile throughout the area.

Lake Activities
Lake Ahquabi State Park has a 115 acre man-made lake with a large sandy beach that has a designated area for swimming (unsupervised). During the peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), paddleboats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the concessionaire adjacent to the beach. Park users can also find bait, firewood, soda and snacks there as well.
Lake Ahquabi has two boat ramps and an enclosed, universally accessible fishing pier to help all anglers - from novice to expert - find great fishing. The lake also features a number of fishing jetties to improve access for the shoreline angler. Fishing is excellent with a variety of panfish, largemouth bass and channel catfish.
The lake is "no-wake" speed.

Facilities:

Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
One open shelter (Beach Shelter) is available for picnics and may be reserved online. A stone lodge overlooking the lake was constructed by the CCC and is very popular for family reunions, weddings and other large gatherings. The lodge can be reserved online.

Camping
The campground is located by the lakeshore and has both full hook-up and electric campsites, modern restrooms, showers and a dump station. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. An organized youth group camping area is located outside of the campground by the North Shelter.

Nearby Attractions:

Indianola is home to the Indianola Balloon Classic, which is held at the end of July/August. Dozens of hot air balloons fly and compete for prizes during this week long event. Simpson College is located in Indianola. Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park is located just north of Indianola and has an adjoining shooting range and connection to the twelve mile Summerset Bike Trail, which runs from Indianola to Carlisle. Des Moines, Iowa's capital city, is just twenty-two miles north of Lake Ahquabi, and has all the offerings of a major metropolitan area.

Nearby Towns
Indianola is six miles north and Des Moines is twenty-two miles north.

Season Schedule

• General Rules