Come Play in Winnebago & Worth Counties

Discover the natural beauty of the Winn-Worth Betco region, a gorgeous Midwestern wilderness located in north central Iowa along the Minnesota border just a short drive south from Minneapolis or north from Des Moines, on I-35. Nature enthusiasts flock to the stunning rolling hills of this prairie pothole region where the beautiful Winnebago River flows through quaint small towns like Fertile and Forest City situated amid dense trees and woodlands.

With the ever-changing seasons the Winn-Worth Betco area is ideal for outdoor activities such as canoeing along the Winnebago River, horseback riding through the trails of Pilot Knob State Park, or exploring the wondrous oak savannas that are one of the rarest plant communities on earth. In warmer months visit county parks to take a hike among the fragrant wildflowers of the native Iowa tallgrass prairies,  or soak up the sun with a round of golf on North Iowa’s lush golf courses. In the Winter, Hanson Trail provides invigorating cross country skiing or check out snowmobiling opportunities along Worth County’s Snowmobile Trail! In the Winn-Worth Betco region you’ll find opportunities for every outdoor enthusiast just waiting to be discovered.

Parks and Camping

Winn-Worth County Betco is home to some of the most beautiful natural parks carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago defining  the prairie pothole region dotted with rare Oak Savannas. The  Winn-Worth Betco regional parks provide public access to county land for camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, bird watching, and more. There are RV and camping sites along with cabins, barbeque pits, and canoes all available for rent.

Winnebago County Conservation Board

34496 110th Ave, 
Forest City, IA 50436
Phone: (641) 565-3390
www.winnebagoccb.com

Located in north central Iowa along the Minnesota border, it is home to Thorpe and Dahle Parks. Nestled in the rolling hills of Iowa's prairie pothole region, the Winnebago CCB manages 30 parks, trails, and wildlife areas, all encompassing over 3,500 acres. For a list of County parks, click here.

Worth County Conservation Board  

503 First Ave N
Northwood, IA 50459
Phone: (641) 324-1524
Fax: (641) 324-1953
Email: wccb@worthcounty.org
www.worthcounty.org

Along the Minnesota border is the Silver Lake Park and Panicum Prairie. The Worth CCB collectively manages 28 parks, prairies, natural wildlife habitat areas, and rest areas, encompassing over 3,190 acres. For a list of County parks, click here.

Pilot Knob State Park

2148 340th Street
Forest City, IA 50436
Phone: (641) 581-4835
Pilot_Knob@dnr.iowa.gov

Pilot Knob State Park is located outside of Forest City, Iowa.  This beautiful expansive park contains a bog, a man-made lake, hiking trails, campsites and picnic shelters. It’s well known for its historic tower  (the second highest point in Iowa).  Founded in 1923, it is one of the oldest state parks in Iowa. Named a nationally recognized historic district with five structures individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  A Great place for a hike with rewarding panoramic views from the top of the Observation Tower.

The Hanson Trail runs along Hwy 9 from Forest City to Pilot Knob State Park if you wish to walk, skate or pedal to the Park. 

Rice Lake State Park

43000 235th Ave
Lake Mills, IA 50450
Pilot_Knob@dnr.iowa.gov

This park offers a beautiful area of 15 acres for picnics, family gatherings, or hosting a quaint outdoor wedding. A gorgeous rustic stone shelter built in 1934  is available for rent. 

Rice Lake is a sprawling lake with many activities for all types of boaters especially those who like to water ski, jet ski, and fish.  The fish species found in Rice Lake include bass, bluegill, walleye, perch, northern, crappie and bullheads.

There are a variety of song birds and migratory birds. Pelicans are known to make Rice Lake a stopping spot along their route.

Three Fingers Campground

35604 135th Ave.,
Forest City, Iowa, 50436
Email: pheyes@bricmanagement.net (reservations)
Phone: (641) 590-6653
www.threefingerscampground.com

3 Fingers Campground and RV Resort, is one of the finest campgrounds in Northern Iowa., offering 120 RV sites, all are full service with water/sewer/electrical connections. Most of the sites are waterfront and all have waterfront views.  With swimming, fishing, paddle boats, shelter house, miniature golf, grills, restrooms, showers, and a dump station.

Happy Time Resort

526 470th Street,
Lake Mills, Iowa, 50450
Email: happytime@wctatel.net
Phone: (641) 592-CAMP
www.happytimeresort.com

A family oriented, seasonal site campground with a five acre pond, sand beach, playground, full hook up sites and camp store/bar.

Hunting

Click here to view the public hunting atlas from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Golfing 

The Winn-Worth Betco region offers golfing excellent experiences for all skill levels with welcoming  clubhouses that offer a variety of exceptional amenities. Whether you are looking for 18 hole semi-private courses or just a bit of fun with disc golf, you’ll find it all in The Winn-Worth Betco region.

Bear Creek Golf Course

145 Country Club Road
Forest City, Iowa 50436
Phone: (641) 323-8822
www.bearcreekfc.com

This public 18-hole golf course is nestled in the community of Forest City, Iowa. A par 71 golf course offers an exciting variety of holes amid North Iowa’s scenic beauty.

Gruis Recreation Area

2724 360th Street
Buffalo Center, Iowa 50424 
Phone: (641) 926-5393
www.gruisrecreation.com

Under new management. Stop by to meet Ed and Joyce Griffin and to see the updated clubhouse and menu!

Northwood Country Club 

1391 490th Street
Northwood, Iowa 50459
Phone: (641) 324-1662
www.nwcountryclub.com

The Northwood Country Club offers a public well established nine hole course nestled between the Shellrock river and the picturesque country landscapes of the Winn-Worth Betco area. 

Pioneer Town and Country Club

410 Club Terrace
Manly, Iowa 50456
Phone: (641) 454-2414

Beautiful 9 hole golf course just off of Highway 9 in Manly.

Rice Lake Golf & Country Club

43080 Golf Avenue, 
Lake Mills, IA  50450
Phone: (64) 592-8022
www.ricelakegolfandcountryclub.com

Built in 1922 under the original moniker of Rice Lake Outing Club, Rice Lake Golf & Country Club perfectly blends historic golf nostalgia with modern amenities.  Their award winning, semi-private, member-owned facility is conveniently located just off Interstate 35.  

A past recipient of the Iowa Golf Association’s “Golf Course of the Year,” Rice Lake’s 18-Hole layout is the perfect setting for your next round.  

 

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