Lake Macbride

About Lake Macbride

Lake Macbride is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States and the second largest lake in Iowa. The construction of this lake was first recommended in 1932 by the Office of Land Management (BLM) of the US Department of Agriculture. The state's conservation agency approved the project in 1934 with the help of a $1.5 million grant from the National Park Service.

The Civil Conservation Corps provided workers and a $50,000 federal grant was secured to pay for the dam. The state's conservation agency helped develop what is now Lake Macbride State Park, whose land was handed over to the state when it was completed.

Iowa State was not content to lose its Lake Park, however, and in 1937 a new 200-acre lake opened and Lake Macbride changed forever. Originally, the lake consisted of two different lakes, one on the west and the other on the east. It was necessary to increase the height of the Macbrides dam to separate the two lakes so that there would be no flooding.

USACE donated the surrounding acreage to the state and bought additional land to expand the lake. USACE expanded Lake Macbride to 812 acres, raised its level by 28 feet and reconfigured the popular state park to accommodate the new shoreline.

By the early 1960s, the new lake was full, and by the end of the decade it was the largest lake in the United States. Most of these shores of this new, larger lake belong to the National Park, but not all.

This picnic hut is located on the south shore of Lake Macbride, which was built by the Civil Defence before the original park opened. Located in the heart of the Great Lakes National Park, it offers a unique combination of natural beauty, scenic views and leisure activities. It offers a variety of water sports, such as fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, camping, fishing and much more.

This picnic hut is located on the south shore of Lake Macbride, built by the Civil Defense in front of the original park.

The park is divided into two sections; the northern unit, the arm of Mill Creek, has two campsites, one on the southern shore of Lake Macbride and the other at the northern end of the lake. The Southern Unit (Jordan Creek Arm) has one day - use of the lodge, a picnic hut and a group camping, both available for group events and reservations, as well as for group camping.

Sailing has long been a popular destination on Lake Macbride, and the University of Iowa Sailing Club has called it its home since 1961. The club's facilities and moorings are located at the northern end of the lake, near the shore of the Mill Creek Arm. Along the coast several shelters can be reserved for sailboats and a toilet is located nearby.

The lake has a maximum speed of 10 hp, which makes it easy for non-motorized boats to maneuver safely through the water. Pontoon rental is also very popular, and you can rent a dry dock, pontoon boat or even a kayak for $1,000 per day.

Lake Macbride is separated from Coralville Lake by a causeway and a narrow headland, and the park is also bordered by an adjacent reservoir. The boat ramp is suitable for those who want to visit the Coralville reservoir, but is only accessible by boat from the lake.

Fishing has always been a big part of what happens at Lake Macbride, and this is probably the only lake in Iowa where Kentucky spotted bass can be attracted. Channel catfish and musk whales are replenished annually, but valuable fish were planted a few years ago as part of a stocking programme.

With seven berths, there has never been a problem with access, and with seven boats at the berths, there is never a problem with access.

The lake regularly produces enough ice to fish for ice in the winter months, but you have to follow the rules and get a proper fishing license. It is best to check the Lake Macbride State Park website for warnings before entering the lake, as there are sometimes wintry lows and construction works.

The Macbride Nature and Recreation Area has a third, smaller campsite in the middle of many nature trails. The native flora and songbirds of the region are a great source of food for birds, but also for humans and animals. A bird of prey centre linked to the nature reserve rehabilitates injured birds of prey, which are released into the wild as soon as they are in good condition. A wealth of bird watching and a variety of bird watching activities such as birdwatching, hiking, fishing and birdwatching make visiting the Nature Centre enjoyable for all ages.

Two competition archery courts are located near the entrance, one for men and the other for women. There are also a variety of outdoor activities for children, such as swimming, canoeing and kayaking, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Lake Macbride State Park has 17 km of hiking trails and you can also reach a variety of lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and other natural areas within the recreation area.

This five-mile path leads from the park entrance to Lake Solon and from there to Lake Macbride. This trail is popular all year round and is used by cross-country skiers and snowmobiles in winter.

A kilometre-long footpath - halfway - facilitates the journey from the beach to the dam. This limestone and asphalt road is very popular with cyclists and walkers, and a popular network of paths makes it easy to reach jogging and hiking destinations from nearby towns. Iowa City is one of the largest cities in the United States with a population of over 1.5 million people.

It is home to the University of Iowa, and the college town has a full complement of cultural and entertainment venues. The Iowa Avenue Literary Walk features bronze inserts with the words of famous authors associated with Iowa. If you do not want to camp at a campsite, there are many other activities nearby, but it is usually ensured that there is a special event.

The Devon Gorge has long been known for its fossilised past, but the reason Coralville got its name was discovered in 1993 when floods eroded the surface. The newly unearthed canyon revealed the remains of a shallow sea that once covered much of the Midwest. Nearby, children and adults alike will be delighted by the thousands of fossils embedded in the limestone, many dating back to the late Pleistocene.

Iowa City, Coralville and the surrounding area offer a wide variety of restaurants, bars, shops, hotels, restaurants and hotels. There are many private rentals and also a number of short-term rentals. Some properties are sold out, but some are offered for short-term rental along the lakeside.

So, get wet on the leash and dive into a paddle at Lake MacBride for great views of Iowa City, Coralville and the rest of the state.