Second largest lake in Iowa
If you enjoy the outdoors, you will love Rathbun Lake. With more than 11,000 acres, eight parks, two marinas, and several restaurants and cultural activities nearby, the Rathbun Lake area is a vacation destination for everyone.
As the second largest lake in Iowa, Rathbun is nestled among forested lands, prairies and wetlands preserved to ensure the natural environment. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, songbirds and other wildlife are prevalent in the area. Rathbun is a flood protection lake managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Recreation facilities include boat ramps, camp grounds, picnic areas and playgrounds. The Corps has a Visitors Center that provides information about Rathbun Lake’s natural resources.
The Iowa DNR manages both Honey Creek Resort and the original 850-acre Honey Creek State Park. In the future, the DNR plans to link the two parks, which are separated by a cove, with a pedestrian bridge. Honey Creek State Park offers camping, camping cabins, heated shower facility, trails and a boat ramp.
Another DNR facility in the area is the Rathbun Fish Hatchery. The hatchery raises channel catfish, walleye, saugeye and largemouth bass, which are then stocked in other Iowa lakes. Visitors are welcome year-round, including large-group tours with an appointment.
