Most Iowans are familiar with Lake Red Rock, Iowa. Not only is it the largest lake in Iowa, but it’s a popular summer spot for nature lovers to enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and more. What might be surprising to you is that there are several towns under Lake Red Rock. When this lake was built, it submerged not one, not two, but six Hawkeye State towns. Let’s take a look at the fascinating history of this beautiful lake, shall we?

Lake Red Rock is a place thousands of people go every summer to swim, camp, fish, and enjoy the outdoors.
Dave/Flickr
Most people aren’t aware that while they are enjoying the sun and water on the lake, they are above six Marion County river towns that were covered with water during the development of the lake.
These six towns under Lake Red Rock are Dunreath, Red Rock, Cordova, Rousseau, Fifield, and Coalport.
USGS/Wikimedia Commons
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers purchased the area around Lake Red Rock in the early 1960s. The lake was named after one of the towns that it covered, as it was the biggest of the six towns.
The decision to bury these towns was not an easy one. In 1947, the area was facing severe flooding. Local government agencies decided that there was a need for preventative structures to help alleviate the flooding.
slappytheseal/Flickr
It was decided that a structure was needed above the town of Red Rock, Iowa, just one mile west of the famous Mile-Long Bridge. Just a few months later, a second site, 10 miles downstream, was chosen for another structure.
Understandably, residents that lived between the two sites were quite upset by the news. In 1959, the second site was officially approved. All land below the elevation of 760 was acquired for the project.
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
While Red Rock, Iowa, was the largest of the towns to be submerged, all six were home to residents, buildings, and lives lived.
we play endlessly/Flickr

Related Stories

Take A Boardwalk Trail Through The Woods Of Coralville Reservoir In Iowa

Take A Boardwalk Trail Through The Woods Of Coralville Reservoir In Iowa

 The Natural Swimming Hole In Iowa That Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days

The Natural Swimming Hole In Iowa That Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days

 This Man-Made Swimming Hole In Iowa Will Make You Feel Like A Kid On Summer Vacation

This Man-Made Swimming Hole In Iowa Will Make You Feel Like A Kid On Summer Vacation
How deep is Lake Red Rock? At its maximum depth, the lake goes down an impressive 55 feet.
Ken Lund/Flickr
It's amazing to think that there are remnants of six towns lying underneath all that water.
L. M. M. (Lizzie)/Google Reviews
The dam was completed in 1968 and the gates closed in 1969.
Tushar Dayal/Flickr
While the towns are long gone, there are still plenty of things to do at Lake Red Rock.
Ken Lund/Flickr
It is the largest lake in Iowa, after all. It’s a huge draw for campers, boaters, and fishermen. Elk Rock State Park is on both sides of the lake, providing ample camping opportunities, hiking trails, and more.
The best view of the area is from the Cordova Observation Tower.
slappytheseal/Flickr
Named after the lost town of Cordova that's one of the towns under Lake Red Rock, it is the tallest observation tower in the Midwest that is located in a public park. There are 170 steps to the top, but the views at the top are well worth it. While you're gazing out at the panoramic views below, take a moment to remember all of the towns that had to be sacrificed for greater flood control.

Check out this great drone footage over Lake Red Rock from Youtube user Danny Engesser:

For more historic towns, take this road trip to some of the most hauntingly beautiful ghost towns in Iowa.

Have you ever visited Lake Red Rock, Iowa? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for great vacation rental homes near Lake Red Rock, check out all the listings on Vrbo.

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Towns Under Lake Red Rock

Jackie Ann | July 13, 2022

What are the most well-known parks in Iowa?

With over 80 state parks and recreation areas in Iowa, you can bet you’re never too far away from an amazing outdoor adventure. The most popular state parks in Iowa are:

  • Elk Rock State Park hugs the shores of Red Rock, Iowa, and has plenty of beautiful campsites near the lake so you can splash the day away at Iowa’s largest lake.

 

What are the most beautiful lakes in Iowa?

There’s nothing more relaxing than spending a day on a lake in Iowa. After you’ve enjoyed Lake Red Rock, schedule some time to explore all of our other beautiful lakes including:

 

Are there any good swimming holes in Iowa?

Summer just isn’t summer until you’ve floated around one of the many swimming holes in Iowa:

  • There are plenty of access points along the Upper Iowa River, just be sure to check the currents before you jump in.
  • If you’re looking for calmer waters, try Rathbun Lake at Honey Creek State Park. Not only is this beautiful lake one of our favorite swimming spots, but it’s also the second largest lake in Iowa (right behind our old friend, Lake Red Rock).

Related Articles

Explore Iowa

Featured Addresses
Lake Red Rock, Iowa, USA