Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
8700 NE 126 Ave.
Maxwell, IA 50161
Park Office Phone Number: 515-967-2596
Ranger Cell Phone Number: 515-249-0702
Natural Resources Headquarters of PCC
11204 NE 118th Ave.
Maxwell, IA 50161
Nestled in the northeast corner of Polk County, this magnificent wildlife area sustains over 8,388+ acres of wetlands, prairies, woodlands, and old Skunk River oxbows. The Greenbelt is also a popular hunting spot. Waterfowl blinds can be reserved, as well as a trap range.
Additionally, this park offers electric and non-electric campsites, picnic areas, nature trails, canoe rental, wildlife viewing platform and bird blind, and dog training areas. An enclosed shelter facility is also available for group use by reservation.
Chichaqua's recreational facilities include:
- Electric & Non-Electric Campsites
- Bird Blind
- Canoe Rental
- Picnic Areas
- Rental Lodge
- Hiking Trails
- Trap Shooting Range
- Wildlife Viewing Platform
- Dog Training Area
- Waterfowl Hunting Blinds
Reservations for the Longhouse and some campsites can be made on-line at www.mycountyparks.com. Prices can be found here. Online reservations are available for camping between April 1 - November 30.
CAMPING & RECREATIONAL MAPS
Reservations for the Modern Rental Cabin and some campsites can be made on-line at www.mycountyparks.com. Prices can be found here. Online reservations are available for camping between April 15 - November 30.
PARK HOURS
Summer | 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. | April 1 - October 31
Winter | Sunrise - Sunset | November 1 - March 31
Unless Otherwise Posted
HISTORY
When the Polk County Conservation first acquired property for the area in 1960, its intention was to preserve and restore the old oxbows of the original Skunk River channel.
The area's natural features include old oxbow river channels and backwaters, marshes, and wetlands. Chichaqua also includes sandy upland hills with reconstructed prairies and native prairie remnants.
In 1910, a 100-foot long Warren pony truss was constructed to span the Skunk River about a mile south of its current site. The bridge was used until 1992 when it was moved to its present location at Chichaqua. It is one of the only 17 remaining bridges in Iowa of this design. The bridge is now restricted to foot traffic and crosses the old Skunk River.
TRAILS
Total Mileage: 4.55 Miles | Difficulty: Easy