Lake Ahquabi State Park

File:OriginalParkEntrance AreaA (1).jpg

The area was recommended for a state park site by J.N. "Ding" Darling. The city of Indianola acquired the first {{convert|560|acre}} in 1934, and it was known initially as Indianola State Park.{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=90001663}}|title=Lake Ahquabi State Park, Picnic Area (Area A)|publisher=National Park Service|accessdate=2016-06-05|first=Joyce |last=McKay}} with {{NRHP url|id=90001663|photos=y|title=five photos from c. 1990}} From 1934 to 1937 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Company 769 and a side camp built facilities in the park. They constructed the dam and reservoir from April 1934 to July 1935. However methods at the time did not consider long-term effects of the surrounding {{convert|3321|acre|ha|adj=on}} watershed. By the 1980s sedimentation had shrunk the reservoir by {{convert|11|acre|ha}} and agricultural pollutants in surface runoff had reduced the water quality. Various government and community organizations began working with neighboring landowners to improve Lake Ahquabi. Widespread adoption of soil conservation practices by local farmers and the development of buffer wetlands and sedimentation basins have halved the amount of sediments and nutrients reaching the lake. In the mid-1990s the lake was extensively dredged, the shoreline stabilized, the dam improved, and an aeration device installed. Game fish like largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie were stocked. After restoration Lake Ahquabi State Park's annual visitation and fishing use each increased three-fold. Anglers have been catching an average of 2.7 fish per hour, twice the catch rate of most Iowa lakes. It has been estimated that the money brought into the local economy by increased visitation equalled the $4 million spent on the restoration project within 2 years.{{Cite web | title = Lake Ahquabi: A Restoration Success Story | publisher = Iowa Department of Natural Resources | url = http://www.iowadnr.gov/water/nonpoint/files/ahquabi.pdf | accessdate = 2011-01-28 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100528061525/http://www.iowadnr.gov/water/nonpoint/files/ahquabi.pdf | archive-date = 2010-05-28 | url-status = dead }}

File:BeachShelterComplex-FormerlyBathhouseAreaB(1).jpg

On November 15, 1990 three areas of the park were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Their historic importance is derived from their association with the CCC. The park was part of a larger study of Iowa's state parks called the "Civilian Conservation Corps Properties in Iowa State Parks: 1933-1942".{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=64500146}}|title=Civilian Conservation Corps Properties in Iowa State Parks: 1933-1942|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=2016-05-30|first=Joyce |last=McKay}} Area A focuses on a picnic area that includes the park's entrance portals, a picnic shelter, two latrines, three fountains, a footbridge, and the associated landscaping and trails. These facilities were built from December 1934 to April 1935. Area B includes the bathhouse, restroom, and concession. Company 769 began construction of these facilities in May 1935, and the side camp completed them by September 1937.{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=90001664}}|title=Lake Ahquabi State Park, Bathhouse Area (Area B)|publisher=National Park Service|accessdate=2016-06-05|first=Joyce |last=McKay}} with {{NRHP url|id=90001665|photos=y|title=two photos from c. 1990}} Area C is the lodge or refectory. It was begun in July 1936 and completed in July 1937.{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=90001665}}|title=Lake Ahquabi State Park, Refectory Area (Area C)|publisher=National Park Service|accessdate=2016-06-05|first=Joyce |last=McKay}} with {{NRHP url|id=90001665|photos=y|title=two photos from c. 1990}} The Rustic style was used in the design of the buildings. The significance of this architectural style is that it was designed to blend into its natural surroundings by means of its material, design, and workmanship. Areas A and B are historic districts, while Area C is an individual listing.

File:SouthShelter-FomerlyPicnicAreaA-Back.jpg

File:LakeAhquabiRefectoryArea(AreaC).jpg

The lakeside campground offers 141 sites, 85 of which have electrical hookups, and a youth group camp area. There are modern restrooms and showers and two holding tank dump stations. A stone lodge built by the CCC and three open shelters can be reserved for private events.

Lake Ahquabi State Park includes a sandy beach and two boat ramps. A park concession rents canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats and sells food and bait. Jetties and an enclosed, handicap-accessible pier accommodate shoreline fishing. Circling Lake Ahquabi is a gravel trail which in winter is open to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Other trails wind through the woods that flank the reservoir.

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite web |url=https://www.iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-ahquabi-state-park |title=Lake Ahquabi State Park |publisher=Iowa Department of Natural Resources |accessdate=March 31, 2025}}

}}

{{commons category|Lake Ahquabi State Park}}

• [https://www.iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-ahquabi-state-park Lake Ahquabi State Park] Iowa Department of Natural Resources
• [https://www.iowadnr.gov/media/1201/download?inline Lake Ahquabi State Park Map] Iowa Department of Natural Resources

{{IA Parks}}

{{NRHP in Warren County, Iowa}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Civilian Conservation Corps in Iowa

Category:State parks of Iowa

Category:Protected areas established in 1936

Category:Protected areas of Warren County, Iowa

Ahquabi

Category:Bodies of water of Warren County, Iowa

Category:National Register of Historic Places in Warren County, Iowa

Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Iowa

Category:Park buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places in Iowa

Category:Rustic architecture in Iowa

Category:1936 establishments in Iowa