Iowa Great Lakes

For the love of the Lakes 

Tucked into the far reaches of northwest Iowa along the Minnesota/Iowa border, the Iowa Great Lakes have long been a home and vacation destination for families and outdoor recreationists. Featuring a chain of glacial lakes, including Iowa's largest natural lake — Big Spirit — and Iowa’s deepest lake — West Okoboji — along with an impressive network of parks, trails and wildlife areas, the Lakes region is diverse.  

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation began working at the Lakes in the mid-eighties. Since then, 

• More than 75 public lands have been established in Dickinson County through INHF 

• More than a dozen privately-owned lands have been permanently protected by conservation easements held by INHF 

• INHF has helped secure a significant share of the corridors for the Dickinson County Trail System, including the original spine trail that is the backbone of the Iowa Great Lakes Trail and the Tatanka Ska Trace that will link the Lakes with Superior and Allensdorf.  

INHF’s presence at the Lakes is evolving as it puts down more lasting roots on the land, including a permanent land stewardship position in the Great Lakes region that enhances our capacity to tend to INHF-owned areas.  

Browse land protection projects that have shaped INHF’s presence in the Iowa Great Lakes region at the interactive map below.  

 

There are several opportunities to get involved with INHF's work at the Lakes.

• Volunteer at the lands mentioned above. 
• Become an advocate for the lakes by speaking up for conservation funding and policies.
• Create a natural legacy at the Lakes. There are lots of possibilities to fit your desires and situation.
• Donate to local projects or INHF, protecting the Iowa you love.