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 

Website

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 

Website

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 

Mac Coon Access

Mac Coon County Park has become a local favorite for those looking to camp & enjoy the Skunk river.

Mac Coon Access is located five and one-half miles north of Lockridge just east of Willow Blvd. It is a popular place for fishing, camping, boating, and hunting.

71 acres
Camping – electricity, drinking water, pit toilets
Picnic shelter
Trail – hiking
Fishing – Skunk River
Boating – boat ramp.
Hunting
Playground equipment

Camping Site fees: $10 with electricity/$7 without per night.
Reservations: Can not be reserved.
Season: All year-around.

This recreation area got its name from an old game Warden, Mac Coon, who worked in the area back in the 1930’s and 40’s.

Purchased by the Department of Natural Resources in 1945, a renewable 25 year management-lease agreement allows the Jefferson County Conservation Board to develop and manage this area.

Since 1973 numerous improvements have been made to Mac Coon Access which includes: construction of restrooms and a shelter house, installation of playground equipment, drilling a well for potable water, developing a campground equipped with electricity and providing a concrete boat ramp and fish cleaning station.

A trailer dump station and rural water was added to Mac Coon Access in 2006. Camping area

Mac Coon Access not only provides fishing opportunities with the presence of the Skunk River, it is also open to public hunting from August 31 to May 15.

Note:
Mac Coon Access is prone to flooding. If you are uncertain about the current conditions please contact us at 641-472-4421.

Main Location

3293 Macoon Rd
Lockridge, Iowa 52635 

Website

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

Jefferson County Park

Jefferson County Park is the largest multi-purposed outdoor recreational facility in Jefferson County. Established in 1977, the park currently encompasses 190 acres and includes a nature center, bike & hiking trails, campsites, cabins & picnic areas.

The 75-foot Swinging Bridge is a local favorite along with the quiet 24 site campground and the Picnic Area which has three reservable shelters. The campground is open from May through the end of October. The Jefferson County Conservation Office and Nature Center are also located in this park.

The park is connected to the Fairfield Loop Trail through the Cedar View Trail allowing campers to ride the 16-mile loop trail without driving to an access point.

If you are looking for a natural experience in a rustic environment, then consider renting one of the park’s 2 cabins. Each cabin holds 6 people and has all the amenities of home. If one wants to get even closer to nature and sleep underneath the beautiful Iowa starlit skies, the park offers 24 campsites. Each site comes with electricity, restrooms, and hot showers.

The park can accommodate large groups at each of their 3 picnic shelters. They are open every year from May 1 – October 31 and include electricity, flush type toilets, and drinking water. Close by the shelters are horseshoes, softball, and volleyball facilities. All are handicapped accessible.

Jefferson County Park has about 8-miles of trails, which connect to the Cedar View Trail (which makes a direct connection to the Fairfield Loop Trail), the Erma Hartman Trail, and the Prairie & Pond Trail.

Camping Site Season: Normally May 1 through October 31.

Main Location

2003 Libertyville Rd.
Fairfield, IA 52556 

Website