Viking Lake is one of the most popular state parks in southwest Iowa due to its accessibility and variety of recreational opportunities. A large portion of the 1,000-acre park has been left in its natural state and has an abundance of wild flowers, plants and wildlife. It is not uncommon to see beavers, turkeys, muskrats, ducks, shore birds and white-tailed deer. Many of the park's hills and valleys were once campsites of Native American tribes and artifacts were uncovered when the dam was being constructed.
Facilities and Activities
Picnicking/Shelters
There are three shelters that may be reserved online through park reservation system. The Lower Picnic Shelter has a kitchenette. A long sweep of shady, grassy hillside extends down to the water's edge forming a beautiful picnic area where the Beach Point Shelter is located. The upper road also goes to the Upper Picnic Shelter and overlook with an excellent view of the lake.
Camping
The Viking Lake campground is one of the most popular in southwest Iowa. The spacious, shady campground is located on the lakeshore. The campground includes electrical hookups, full service hookups, buddy sites, and non-electrical sites, modern rest rooms and showers and a trailer dump station. A playground is located in the campground. Advance campsite reservations can be made online through the park reservation system. One fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Trails
Hiking trails totaling six miles provide visitors an excellent look at the park's natural features. The Bur Oak Nature Trail and its accompanying booklet provide insight on many of the important shrubs, plants and trees found at Viking Lake. The one mile trail takes about one hour to walk. In winter, snowmobiles may be operated on designated trails.
Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
The 137-acre lake was constructed in 1957 and is 44 feet at its deepest point with many bays and projecting points on its four and one-half mile shoreline. Viking Lake is well stocked with crappies, bluegills, bass, bullheads and catfish. A sandy beach is located on the west shore with unsupervised swimming.
A concrete boat ramp is nearby and a docking area is a short distance away in a well protected cove. Rental spaces are available on an annual reservation basis. Any size boat motors may be used on Viking Lake provided they are operated at "no wake" speeds.
Viking Lake is one of the most popular state parks in southwest Iowa due to its accessibility and variety of recreational opportunities. A large portion of the 1,000-acre park has been left in its natural state and has an abundance of wild flowers, plants and wildlife. It is not uncommon to see beavers, turkeys, muskrats, ducks, shore birds and white-tailed deer. Many of the park's hills and valleys were once campsites of Native American tribes and artifacts were uncovered when the dam was being constructed.
Amenities
Within park
Bait, Beach, Bicycling, Bird Watching, Boat Launch Ramp, Boat Rental, Boating, Camping - Electric, Camping - Full Hook-up, Camping - Nonelectric, Camping - Youth Group, Canoeing, Concession, Cross Country Skiing, Dining, Dock Slips, Dock, Boat, Dump Station, Firewood Sales, Fish Cleaning Station, Fishing, Hiking, Horseshoe Pits, Jogging/Running, Kayaking, Modern Campground, Paddle Boating, Park Lake, Picnic Area, Picnic Shelter, Playground, Restrooms, Showers, Snowmobiling, Swimming - Beach, Trails, Cross Country Skiing, Trails, Hiking, Trails, Snowmobile, Walking, Water Hydrants
