Geode State Park was a place where people canoed and kayaked, cast for fish and skipped rocks. It had a soft sand swimming beach. It was an oasis. That is, until four years ago when the lake was drained as part of a restoration project to improve the health of the waters. The once scenic lake became a bleak landscape of mudflats. Now the waters are returning, and a few surprises coming to this little lake. Read on to learn more about these waters that are finding a second act.
It took the Iowa DNA about 30 days to drain the 174-acre manmade lake. All the water and scores of fish flowed away into the Cedar Creek and into the Skunk River.
After the waters receded, some things were revealed on the lake bottom. There were beer cans and discarded picnic tables but also something a little more rare - the remains of the Old Indian Agency Trail, the oldest road in Iowa. It was built in 1841!
The restoration work involved removing a huge amount of sediment that had accumulated over the decades and had made the lake shallower. The work will greatly improve the lake's water quality. Volunteers are working to improve the amenities on-shore.
The Friends of Lake Geode raised funds to renovate the concession building that's located near the beach.
The new concession building will have kayak racks and kayaks for rent. It will also sell food and beverages and fishing and camping supplies.
Water is slowly flowing back into Lake Geode and people should be able to enjoy the lake's waters this summer. Fish stocking should begin later this year. The lake promises to be gorgeous.
Geode State Park is managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It's named for Iowa's state rock, the Geode. Here are some photos of what the lake looked like before it was drained.
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