Buchanan County Parks & Campgrounds
Buchanan County Conservation manages 41 parks, accesses, and natural areas for both people and wildlife, with a mission to "improve quality of life through programs of conservation and education". The Fontana Interpretive Nature Center is the Department headquarters and the main facility for the education program. Jakway Park's picturesque campground features a wildlife observation blind and the historic Richardson-Jakway House. Lime Creek Park has a peaceful campground not far from the Cedar Valley Trail. For a full list of Buchanan County's parks and natural areas, click here and search by county. |
Independence City Parks
Independence features an abundance of city parks with a variety of facilities including shelter houses, sand volleyball courts, trails, disc golf course, playground equipment, bags courses, baseball diamonds, community gardens, horseshoe courts, basketball courts, fishing access, skate & rollerblade park, pavilions. and boat docks. Go to the city website to explore your options. More Information |
Buchanan County Master Gardeners Gardens
Buchanan County is proud to have an active group of Master Gardeners who help to educate and beautify the county with their numerous projects. Evidence of their work can be found at attractions such as Cedar Rock, the Daniel S. Lee Mansion, the Jakway-Richardson House, and the Wapsipinicon Mill. Others are located at community centers, veteran memorials, and city main streets. Every community in the county has benefitted from their efforts. For a downloadable brochure of the MG gardens. |
Golfing
Buchanan County is home to four 9-hole golf courses. All are open to the public. Buffalo Creek Golf Course
|
Aquatic Centers & Swimming Pools
Independence Aquatic Center - 601 5th Ave. SE, Independence; 319-334-7464 Includes 8,565 sq ft of surface area, 2 tower water slides, floatable water walk, zero depth entry with slide and water features, 1 meter diving board, 6 racing lanes, party shelter, drop slide, ADA Lift, new bath house with concessions. Fairbank Aquatic Center - 501 E. 5th St., Fairbank; 319-635-2533 Provides a water slide, fountain features, lily pad, floating snake, grass sunning area, sand lot, 0' depth entry, full lockers, showers, concession stand. It serves the communities of Fairbank, Readlyn, Oran, Dunkerton and Jesup. Winthrop Swimming Pool - 334 2nd St. S., Winthrop; 319-935-3306 A family oriented swimming pool with a small water slide and handicap access. |
Disc Golf Courses
Disc Golf at Teachers' Park (part of River Walk Parks) - 5th St. & Corrine Ave. NE, Independence; 319-334-6711. A 9-hole course; rating 2.25. Jakway Forest Disc Golf - 2791 136th St., Aurora; 319-634-3378. A 9-hole course; rating 3.25. Buffalo Creek Disc Golf -2862 220th St., Winthrop. A 9-hole course; no rating. Parker Muncey Pioneer Park - 600 10th St., Jesup. A a compact 6-hole course with brick tees; rating 1.75. |
Fishing
Many anglers consider the Wapsipinicon River one of the best all-around interior rivers in Iowa. This scenic 73-mile stretch of river, expanding through Bremer, Black Hawk and Buchanan Counties, offers great angling opportunities for a variety of game fish. It has long been famous for its channel and flathead catfish, spring crappies, bullheads, and smallmouth bass. You'll also find walleye, northern pike, and bluegill. There are numerous points of access as shown in this downloadable map. Be sure to check into Iowa's fishing regulations in advance. More Information. |
Hunting
Buchanan County has a number of Wildlife Management Area that are open to hunting by the public. Stay up-to-date with Iowa's hunting regulations. More Information |