The Binocular Site
Lake Red Rock, Iowa
Lake Red Rock is located about 55 miles southeast of Des Moines, Iowa. It is a reservoir formed by Red Rock Dam, which sits on the Des Moines River. Completed in 1969 as part of a flood control project, Lake Red Rock is now the largest lake in Iowa, and is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Along with the lake, several recreational areas were built in the area. There are five campgrounds, which offer 432 campsites within them. Two of them offer boat ramps to access the lake. All the campgrounds offer shower facilities, as well as playgrounds making them ideal for family outings. Thirteen miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, or biking. Swimming is allowed in the lake, and the beaches provide ample space for sunbathing. Camping is also available at nearby Elk Rock State Park, which also has boat access to the lake, picnic areas, and a campground made for equestrian activities, with stalls and a riding arena.
Birdwatching is a popular activity at Lake Red Rock. Pelicans can be seen in spring and fall when they are migrating, and large numbers of bald eagles spend the winter in the area. Several other species of birds can be found there, including sandpipers, plovers, herons, and several types of ducks.
You can learn more about the Red Rock area here.
The state bird of Iowa is the American Goldfinch and you can find a checklist for birding activities in Iowa here.
Photo credit to cwwycoff1, used with permission under the creative commons license.
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