Welcome to Viking Lake State Park, one of the most popular state parks in southwest Iowa. Viking Lake's accessibility, abundant recreational opportunities and its wealth of natural beauty make it an outdoor lover's paradise.
A large portion of the 1,000-acre park has been left in its natural state and has an abundance of wild flowers, plants and wildlife. It is not uncommon to see beavers, turkey, muskrats, ducks, shore birds and white-tailed deer. Many of the park's hills and valleys were once campsites of Native American tribes and artifacts were uncovered when the dam was being constructed.
Trails
The park's 5.5 mile, multi-use trail around the lake is well-marked and maintained. In addition to the lake trail, enjoy a self-guided nature hike on the one-mile Burr Oak Nature Trail. Its accompanying booklet will highlight the significance of specific shrubs, plants and trees found at Viking Lake State Park.
Lake Activities
Fishing is second only to camping in popularity at Viking Lake. The lake was originally constructed in 1957 and renovation and restocking of the 140-acre lake was completed in 2009. Four boat ramps offer easy access to the lake and shoreline anglers will find six universally accessible fishing jetties. Species of fish in the lake include bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and walleye. In addition to the lake fishing there are 16 silt retention ponds that can be accessed by hiking or bicycle. These small ponds hold bass, bluegill and catfish.
If swimming is your favorite pastime, a sandy beach is located on the west shore. Swim at your own risk as the beach is unsupervised.
Picnicking/Shelters
There are three picnic shelters in the park that can be reserved in advance. The Lower Picnic Shelter has an enclosed kitchenette. A long sweep of shady, grassy hillside extends down to the water's edge forming a beautiful picnic area where the Beach Point Shelter is located. The upper road also goes to the Upper Picnic Shelter and overlook with an excellent view of the lake.
Camping
In addition to the boundless natural beauty of Viking Lake State Park visitors may also enjoy the picturesque water views from one of the park's campsites. The campground has nonelectric, electric, full hook-up (electric, water, sewer) and buddy campsites, modern showers and restrooms and a sanitary dump station. A playground is located within the campground.
Camp Observer