New book celebrates 100 years of Iowa State Parks

Posted on February 25, 2020 in Blog

“Parks are so deeply ingrained in our contemporary landscape that we seldom question their origins; they are just there. But when we are inside public parks, we recognize their value as outdoor spaces freely available for recreation, exploration, and contemplation. It was this sense of the value of conserving public lands that compelled a group of Iowans to call for a system of state parks more than a century ago.”

So writes editor Rebecca Conard in the new book, “Iowa State Parks: A Century of Stewardship, 1920-2020.” The book, published by the Iowa Parks Foundation and University of Iowa Press, is being released in conjunction with the Iowa DNR’s Parks 2020 centennial celebration.

INHF has been proud to help establish and expand dozens of the state parks, preserves, recreation areas and forests featured in this book of stirring photo essays by Iowa writers and photographers. A historical overview sets the stage, followed by essays on the key aspects of today’s Iowa State Parks system. The books, which will retail for $30, can be pre-ordered now and will be available March 1. Find out more at uipress.uiowa.edu.