Cherokee County Conservation Board
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Activities
Park users can enjoy many different activities in the Cherokee County parks.

ATV/UTV Riding
ATVs and UTVs are NOT allowed in any of our parks, trails or roads. Iowa Code also prohibits unlicensed vehicles like golf carts.

Birding
Due to varying habitat, many parks are home to a variety of bird species. Want an up close look? Visit our bird blind at Silver Sioux Recreation Area.

Canoeing/Kayaking

The Inkpaduta Canoe Trail on the Little Sioux runs from Spencer, in Clay County, Iowa, to Smithland, in southern Woodbury County. This span of river is approximately 134 miles in length. The Cherokee County Conservation Board maintains 12 river access areas from the northern county border to the southern. These various access points permit paddlers to experience a relaxing 1-4 hour float or to escape for a camping and floating adventure of over 3 or more days.

We have canoes/kayaks for rent which includes the trailer, canoes/kayaks, life vests, and paddles. Cost is $200 for all of the equipment. No individual canoe/kayak rentals. Call the office to reserve. Equipment is to be used in Cherokee County and surrounding area.
Cherokee County Paddler's Guide (PDF- 8.5"x14" printed)
IDNR Expedition and Fishing Guide (PDF)
Little Sioux River and Mill Creek

Equestrian Trails

Martins Access includes four and a half miles of marked horseback riding trails. The trails wind through woodlands and prairies, crossing small streams and bring riders near to the banks of the Little Sioux River.

Due to the steep terrain and rare plant communities within the park, horses will not be permitted on trails during wet conditions, nor may they be ridden off-trail or on trails marked with "no horses" signs.

Trail Map (PDF)
Horse Trailer access & parking is only permitted at the South Gate.
Trails are day-use ONLY, overnight stays are not allowed.
Trails are closed annually from October 1- May 31.


Fishing
Parks providing access to the Little Sioux River provide access to a variety of fish species. Main river species include catfish, walleye, and northern pike. Larson Lake, a small 5-acre lake, provides access to several pan species of fish such as bluegill, bass, crappie, and perch. No motorized boats are allowed on Larson Lake.
  • Larson Lake Depth Map

Foraging
Collecting wild edibles in county areas is allowed. Be a responsible forager and properly collect only the items you intend to consume. Be aware that we occasionally chemically spot treat noxious weeds within a few parks. Call the office with any questions or concerns.

Geocaching
No special permission is needed to add caches or to search for caches.

Hiking
Four of Cherokee County's parks include man-made trails. Click on the parks for a trail map:
  • Redtail Ridge (1.5 miles)
  • Silver Sioux (2.5 miles)
  • Martins Access (5.75 miles total, 4.5 miles horse trails)
  • River Road Conservation Area (1.5 miles)

Hunting
Hunting is allowed in many of our county parks and during any hunting season, unless otherwise noted. The following parks have hunting season restrictions, so they are only open to hunting during the following dates:
  • October 1-April 30: Silver Sioux, Ranney Knob, Steineke Area, Prescott Prairie, Barnes Access, Nelson Access, Pearse Access, Meriden Roadside Parks
  • September 15-May 20: Martins Access
Iowa DNR Hunting Atlas

Winter Activities
Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are allowed in any of our parks. We have cross country ski equipment available to rental at $5/day with a $10 minimum to be used in Cherokee County and surrounding area. Snowmobiling is restricted to park roads ONLY. Ice fishing is allowed on the Little Sioux River or Larson Lake.


Cherokee County Conservation Board
629 River Rd
Cherokee, IA 51012
Office Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00am-4:30pm
Phone: 712-225-6709
E-mail: cherokeeccb@gmail.com
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  • Home
  • News & Events
    • Newsletter
    • Upcoming Events
    • Online Reservations
    • Summer Positions
  • Facilities
  • Education
    • Programming
    • Program Extensions
    • Scholarship
  • Parks
    • Activities
  • Equipment
    • Planting Equipment
    • Fire Cache
  • About Us
    • CCCB
    • Board Members
    • Staff
    • Employment
  • Links