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Iowa
52

Iowa State Parks

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USA Parks
Iowa
Southeast Region
Lake Macbride State Park
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Lake Macbride State Park Glorious morning © Jim Van Winkle
At the top of the Lake Macbride spillway
Lake Macbride State Park Lake MacBride Waterfall © Jim Van Winkle
A section of the waterfall between Lake MacBride and Coralville Lake.
Lake Macbride State Park Lake MacBride Waterfall © Jim Van Winkle
A section of the waterfall between Lake MacBride and Coralville Lake.
Lake Macbride State Park Peaceful view © Jim Van Winkle
Enjoying the view
Lake Macbride State Park Lake MacBride Waterfall © Jim Van Winkle
A section of the waterfall between Lake MacBride and Coralville Lake.
Lake Macbride State Park © Doug Schutjer
Lake Macbride State Park Fall Foilage © Doug Schutjer
The first week in October
Lake Macbride State Park Fall Foilage © Doug Schutjer
The leaves are changing along the lake.
Lake Macbride State Park Fall Foilage © Doug Schutjer
The trees are getting beautiful before they drop their leaves.
Lake Macbride State Park Peace and tranquillitay © Doug Schutjer
All the children are in school on Monday.
Lake Macbride State Park An october stroll. © Doug Schutjer
Look who is playing by the rangers station.
Lake Macbride State Park Peace and tranquillitay © Doug Schutjer
Patricia is working today.
Lake Macbride State Park Anglers Point © Doug Schutjer
The colors turn to fall at Anglers Point near Solon, Ia
Lake Macbride State Park Spillway © Doug Schutjer
Water coming over the dam
Lake Macbride State Park Fall Fishing © Doug Schutjer
Enjoying the month of October
Lake Macbride State Park Full Speed Ahead © Doug Schutjer
A windy day on Lake Macbride.
Lake Macbride State Park Wildlife © Doug Schutjer
Reflections of fall colors
Lake Macbride State Park Wink © Doug Schutjer
A face that almost anyone would love.
Lake Macbride State Park Near the Dam © Doug Schutjer
Tranquility near the fishing spot
Lake Macbride State Park Fishing By Dam © Doug Schutjer
Fishing by the dam
Lake Macbride State Park Overlook © Doug Schutjer
Overlook at the dam.
Lake Macbride State Park Raptor Project © Doug Schutjer
Spring has sprung and this fellow is enjoying a sunny day.
Lake Macbride State Park Water through the spillway © Doug Schutjer
Water spraying over the spillway
Lake Macbride State Park © Doug Schutjer
Lake Macbride State Park Lake McBride © Doug Schutjer
Full Throttle
Lake Macbride State Park Foil leaves © Doug Schutjer
Leaves in different stages of change.
Lake Macbride State Park ANIMAL VIEWING AREA © Doug Schutjer
VISITORS AT THE BIRD BLIND
Lake Macbride State Park Artificial Reef © Doug Schutjer
Just made for fishing
Lake Macbride State Park BIRD BLIND © Doug Schutjer
THE BIRD BLIND AT THE RAPTOR CENTER.
Lake Macbride State Park BIRD BLIND © Doug Schutjer
THE BIRD BLIND AT THE RAPTOR CENTER
Lake Macbride State Park BIRD BLIND © Doug Schutjer
THE BIRD BLIND AT THE RAPTOR CENTER.
Lake Macbride State Park © Doug Schutjer
Lake Macbride State Park Paddling © Doug Schutjer
Lake Macbride Boat Rentals
Lake Macbride State Park Lake MacBride © Shari Neal
Lake Macbride State Park Pelican at Lake MacBride © Shari Neal
Lake Macbride State Park Lake MacBride © Shari Neal
Lake Macbride State Park Pelican at Lake MacBride © Shari Neal
Lake Macbride State Park © James Graham
Lake Macbride State Park Babes Eating © Doug Schutjer
Eating and growing on the South shore of Lake Macbride
Lake Macbride State Park Sunday Morning © Doug Schutjer
Summer 2013 Fishing
Lake Macbride State Park Reflections © Doug Schutjer
Mirrored Reflections on Lake Macbride
Lake Macbride State Park Sun Sets Over Lake © Doug Schutjer
The last rays of the day.
Lake Macbride State Park © Robert Gruhn
Lake Macbride State Park © Robert Gruhn
Lake Macbride State Park Lake Macbride © Bill Thomas
Mid-Summers Sunrise....
Lake Macbride State Park Eagle soaring © Robert Gruhn
Lake Macbride State Park © Robert Gruhn
Lake Macbride State Park Lake MacBride © Shari Neal
Lake Macbride State Park Lake MacBride © Shari Neal
Lake Macbride State Park © Chad Lautner
Lake Macbride State Park © Chad Lautner
Lake Macbride State Park © Chad Lautner
Lake Macbride State Park Raptor Project © Doug Schutjer
Rehabilitation and recovery for hawks
Lake Macbride State Park Lake MacBride © Chad Lautner
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LAKE MACBRIDE STATE PARK
LAKE MACBRIDE STATE PARK
3525 Highway 382 NE
Solon, Iowa   52333

Phone: 319-624-2200
Reservations: 319-624-2200
Email: park email button icon
Lake Macbride State Park's 2,180 acres offer much to the outdoor enthusiast: fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking, camping, boating and lots more. The park is located in two units. The northern unit lies at the end of County Road F-16, 4 miles west of Solon. Here you will find a modern campground, boat ramps, beach and boat rental, picnic areas and the park office. The southern unit is located off County Road F-28 (Fifth Street in Solon), 3 miles west of Solon. The southern unit offers a non-modern campground, boat ramps, picnic areas, a frisbee golf course and a prairie.
History of the Area
An effort to establish the wooded valleys of Mill and Jordan Creeks as a state park was initiated by the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce and J.N. "Ding" Darling, a noted Iowa Conservationist. To raise funds to purchase additional land for the park, lots were sold in the area.

In June, 1937 the park opened to the public. The name for the park was selected from several hundred contest entries. Thomas Macbride had a distinguished 40-year career as professor of botany and president of the University of Iowa. He has been called the "father" of conservation in Iowa. In 1895 he addressed the members of the Iowa Academy of Science on the need to establish a statewide system of "country" or "rural" parks.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed a number of facilities at Lake Macbride in the 1930's including the beautiful stone shelter and beach building.

In 1955, the lake was enlarged. A portion of the park borders Coralville Lake, one of Iowa's largest artificial lakes, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Lake Macbride State Park has two campgrounds. The modern campground in the northern unit of the park has 50 sites with 37 electrical hookups and 13 without, a shower and restroom and a trailer dump station.

The non-modern campground in the southern park unit has 60 campsites and a non-flush restroom. This campground is located in a beautiful shaded setting near the lake. Both campgrounds have a playground nearby. Starting February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Swimming
Lake Macbride offers swimming as well as refreshments at the beautiful beach area. The Macbride beach is a great place for young and old to cool off on a hot summer day. Swimming is restricted to the designated beach area only.
Boating
There are seven boat ramps on the lake and one on Coralville Lake. Pontoons, motorboats, canoes and paddle boats are available for rent near the beach. The boat rental number is 319/624-2315. A 10 horsepower motor limit is in effect on Lake Macbride from May 21 through September 7. At other times there is an unrestricted horsepower motor limit operated at a no-wake speed. Any size motor may be used on Coralville Lake. Pontoon docking spaces are available for rental, as are dry-storage spots for boats.
Fishing
Fishing:

Lake Macbride is an angler's delight! Good catches of walleyes, channel catfish, crappies and bluegill await the angler in the 812-acre artificial lake. Walleyes, channel catfish and muskies are stocked annually. Lake Macbride may be the only lake in Iowa in which the prized Kentucky spotted bass can be caught. Good lake access is available for both shoreline and boat fishing.



Picnicking
Lake Macbride State Park is a great place for a family picnic or get-together. Four open picnic shelters are available and may be reserved for a fee through the park manager. A day use lodge is also available and great for family reunions. To reserve the lodge please contact the park manager.
Bicycling
The park offers several biking trails, both paved and unpaved. Be aware that some areas may be challenging for beginners.

Cyclists should note the multi-use nature of these paths; hikers and horse riders also use them frequently.

For those seeking a leisurely ride, consider sticking to the 5-mile limestone trail which is relatively flat.

More experienced bikers might prefer tackling the more rugged natural surface trails within this location in Iowa.

Remember to wear helmets while cycling as safety precautions are essential due to varying terrain conditions here.

Please respect all posted signs regarding bike usage on specific routes throughout your exploration.

Be mindful of wildlife when riding - it's their home too! Always maintain safe speeds around blind corners or dense vegetation zones.

Check weather forecasts before heading out since adverse conditions can make certain pathways slippery or inaccessible at times.
Birding
Bird enthusiasts can enjoy spotting various species such as warblers, vireos and waterfowl. The park's diverse habitats including woodlands, wetlands and prairies attract a wide variety of birds. Two bird blinds are available for optimal viewing opportunities. Birding events often occur throughout the year to educate visitors about local avian life.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 5 by Alfred_M_N
park review stars; one to five
May 8 Great FIshing
park review stars; one to five Motor restrictions set up for residence not the public.
September 14 Really Enjoyed the Park by tarteaga
park review stars; one to five Nice Trials, beautiful park really good time.
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Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Hotels/Motels
You will feel right at home when you reach Carroll County, our corner of beautiful Northwest Illinois. The magnificent Mississippi River and outdoor spaces will refresh your spirit and touch our soul.
76.1 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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Iowa
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Iowa State Parks

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