Elinor Bedell State Park is one of Iowa's newest state parks. It is one of several state areas that make up the Iowa Great Lakes Region. It is located on the shore of East Lake Okoboji and represents one of the last surviving open spaces in a region that is among Iowa's most popular tourist destinations, The Iowa Great Lakes.
The 80 acre park was a generous gift of Berkley and Elinor Bedell. A lifelong resident of the Great Lakes area, Berkley represented northwest Iowa for twelve years in the United States Congress. Berkley and Elinor's dream of permanently protecting this beautiful piece of open space for future generations led to their donation of the land to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Elinor Bedell State Park promotes special appreciation and enjoyment of prairies, wetlands and oak savanna landscapes once commonly found along the shores of Iowa's Great Lakes. An extensive trail system within the park links these
restored landscapes providing the public with interpretation, education and recreational opportunities.
Lake Activities
East Okoboji and the many other lakes in the area are some of the prime fishing spots in Iowa. Anglers will find challenging sport pursuing a variety of game fish including walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, yellow bass, perch, bluegills, crappies, catfish, and bullheads.
Trails
The park includes an extensive system of paved hiking trails. The trails are accessible to all entrance points connecting activities and points of interest. A raised boardwalk will take park users through the wetland areas and along the lake. The system is approximately 7,500 feet in length, paved, and accessible for persons with mobility impairment.
Picnicking/Shelters
A large open shelter with kitchenette and modern restrooms overlooks East Okoboji Lake and is available for reservations. Beside the shelter is Shelby's playground. This wonderful play area features a number of play structures specifically for children between the ages of two and five.
Camping
The campground consists of RV campsites with full hookups (water and sewer), a modern restroom, and a trailer dump station. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring.
Camp Observer
