Bonnifield Lake

Are you ready for a day of adventure and relaxation in the beautiful outdoors? Look no further than Bonnifield Lake, located in Waterworks Park! Nestled within the peaceful slopes of the Jefferson County Loop Trail, this stunning lake offers endless opportunities for fun with friends and family. Whether you’re looking to swim, kayak, fish, or hike, Bonnifield Lake has got you covered. And don’t forget to bring your fishing rod – the lake is home to an abundance of catfish just waiting to be caught!  Bonnifield Lake gets its name from the Bonnifield cabin, the oldest two-story cabin in Iowa, which sits inside the park. While the inside of the cabin is off limits, the exterior is still worth a visit, as it provides a close-up view of historic craftsmanship.With so much to see and do, Bonnifield Lake is a fun destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Bonnifield Lake

N B Street
Fairfield, Iowa 52556 

Pleasant Lake

Discover the perfect outdoor getaway at Pleasant Lake! Catch a fish amidst the stunning scenery or bask in the sun with a delicious picnic at the gazebo. For a scenic stroll, explore the picturesque trails around the lake. This retired reservoir has been transformed into an exciting water playground, perfect for kayaking or fishing – come join the fun! Conveniently located off Pleasant Plain Road just north of Fairfield, Pleasant Lake is your ticket to a revitalizing outdoor adventure.

Pleasant Lake

Pleasant Plain Road
Fairfield, Iowa 52556 

Turkey Run Wildlife Area

Welcome to the expansive Turkey Run Wildlife Area, covering 405 acres and serving as Jefferson County’s premier public hunting destination. With Cedar Creek to the North and Van Buren County line to the south, this timber-rich area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including wild turkey, deer, squirrels, rabbits, and upland game birds.

But the park isn’t just for hunters. It features a five-acre wetland area dedicated to waterfowl habitat, excellent canoe and kayak access to Cedar Creek, and an assortment of prairie, pine tree plantings, and wildlife food plots. Access fishing and paddling on the Cedar Creek from this park.

And the park is especially beloved by local equestrians, who flock to the primitive camp area and six miles of horseback riding trails. Just remember, horseback riding isn’t permitted from October 1-January 31 or during spring turkey hunting season.

Come explore Turkey Run Wildlife Area and experience all the multi-use hunting, fishing, paddling, and recreation opportunities it has to offer!

2747 Osage Ave
Fairfield, Iowa 52556 

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Zillman’s Hickory Hills

Explore Zillman’s Hickory Hills, home to stunning sunflower prairies and autumn migration of the majestic monarch butterflies. The 46-acre property offers diverse habitats, with three ponds, Oak-Hickory timber, and a trail that meanders through trees, leading to the historic Bradshaw Cemetery, adorned with headstones dating back to the 1800s. The area’s fascinating mix of prairie, pond, and timber habitats attracts an array of wildlife. Come lose yourself in this 46-acre area of shagbark hickory timber and sunflower prairie.

2437 Glasgow Road
Fairfield, Iowa 52556 

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Nady Prairie Park

Discover the wonder of Nady Prairie in Southeast Iowa – a natural prairie park that’s sure to captivate all nature enthusiasts! Immerse yourself in the lush surroundings and diverse wildlife, while taking a relaxing stroll on one of the mowed walking trails. With comfortable benches and bike racks available, this is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. Breathe in the fresh air and admire the serene tall grasses swaying in the wind. Keep your eyes peeled for a quick sighting of a deer or quail, or marvel at the wide variety of birds that call this park home. And as night falls, stargazers rejoice – the clear night sky above the endless plains is sure to dazzle you. Don’t miss out on this enchanting escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

North B St
Fairfield, Iowa 52556 

Whitham Woods

Get ready to explore Whitham Woods and take in the fascinating array of plants that have grown to maturity over time in this green wonderland.

In addition to the colorful flora, Whitham Woods boasts a whopping 100 species of trees! Plus, don’t miss the four-acre prairie plot and one-acre fishing pond for some extra outdoor fun. And for those looking to burn some calories, the Fairfield Loop Trail winds through the southern half of the park. Get your adventure on at Whitham Woods!

Created in 1889, as the original site of the C.W. Whitham Nursery, many of the original nursery plantings have grown to maturity creating an interesting diversification of plant materials at Whitham Woods. includes more than 111 different species, including oak, hickory, conifers, and fruit trees such as apple, peach, pear, and plum. Many of the original trees have matured and created an interesting and diverse habitat area. The land hosts deer, squirrels, rabbits, and songbirds. Whitham Woods also sports a four-acre prairie plot seeded with Big Blue Stem, Little Blue Stem, Indian Grass, Side Oats Grama, Switch Grass, and various native forbs.
Whitham Woods now boasts trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, plus access to a one-acre fishing pond, and a four-acre prairie plot for photography and general nature appreciation. The Fairfield Loop Trail winds through the southern half of the park.

Whitham Woods is located about 1 mile west of Fairfield on Highway 34.

Whitham Woods

1893 Business Highway 34
Fairfield, Iowa 52556 

Round Prairie Park

Escape to the serene surroundings of Round Prairie Park, where prairie and timber landscapes come together to create a natural haven along Cedar Creek. Established as the first park developed by the Jefferson County Conservation Board in 1974, this 101-acre gem boasts a picturesque blend of native prairie and timber, along with an old lime-stone quarry. The park’s two fishing ponds are stocked with an array of fish, and a primitive campground and shelter house offer the perfect retreat for nature lovers. Restored native grasses and forbs abound, while Cedar Creek borders the park’s southern edge and provides easy canoe access. Come explore and rejuvenate in this breathtaking park!

Cedar Creek borders the park on the south and a canoe access is available. Round Prairie Park has a primitive campground, a shelter house, pit latrine restroom, and two fishing ponds stocked with bass, catfish, and bluegill.

Main Location

2703 Tamarack Ave
Stockport, IA  52651 

Website

Chautauqua Park

One of our most full-featured parks. Playground areas, restrooms, shelter houses you can reserve, restrooms, picnicking, walking trail that links to the Fairfield Loop. Games: horseshoe courts, disc golf course.

The Chautauqua Complex comprises three interconnected areas – Chautauqua Park, the Community Orchard, and the Eastman Wetland. Chautauqua Park is a favorite among visitors who revel in its majestic trees, extensive playgrounds, and picnic areas that have served as a picturesque backdrop for countless memories. Families, couples, and friends alike relish its serene ambiance, perhaps engaging in a leisurely game of disc-golf or swinging away on the playground. The Fairfield Loop Trail, which provides access to extensive hiking opportunities, runs through the park and connects to the Community Orchard. Established in 2012 with support from Alliant Energy’s Hometown Rewards Program, the Orchard boasts a range of fruits, including American Persimmon, Chestnut, Mulberry, Asian and European Pears, and multiple varieties of Apples. During harvest season, visitors enjoy the opportunity to pick their own fruits. Beyond the Orchard lies the Eastman Wetland, a 24-acre mitigation site, with a restored wetland of 5 acres. Once farmland, the site now teems with abundant wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, crayfish, mussels, and insects that rely on the wetlands for feeding, nesting, and spawning. With endless possibilities for exploration, the Chautauqua Complex is truly a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Disc Golf Map Chautauqua Park Disc Golf Course Map

Main Location

Hwy. 34 East on E. Burlington Avenue.
Fairfield, IA 52556 

Website