While it’s a beautiful place to spend time, and has some of the best fishing, water sports, and shoreline of any lake in Iowa, this particular body of water has a special purpose.
Big Creek State Park has a giant lake that exists to protect Polk City from devastating floods.
A diversion dam forms the 866-acre lake. Without it, Polk City would be under water.
The water at this lake is clear and perfect for swimming. The shoreline is longer than most Iowa beaches and covers 3.4 acres.
During swimming season, visitors flock to this amazing Iowa beach to relax and have fun. Refreshments are available from vendors on the beach.
If being out on the water is your goal, you can rent a variety of watercraft from Big Creek Marina.
Rent fishing boats, canoes, hydro bikes, kayaks, paddleboats, stand up paddle boards, hobie sailboats, and pontoons by the hour for the ultimate summer fun.
There are many opportunities for boating, here.
You can operate any size motor, just keep it at "no wake" speeds. There are five modern boat ramps that provide access to the lake.
There are plenty of picnic areas.
The most recent renovation of this park included new shelter structures. You can reserve a shelter for an event through the park's reservation system. Many picnic tables in the shelters are handicapped accessible.
Big Creek Lake offers some of the best fishing in the state.
It's stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, muskie, walleye, and crappie. This 28-inch, 12-pound walleye was caught near the spillway while the DNR was researching their fish barrier. Their goal is to keep muskie and walleye in the lake. They released this giant fish. Big Creek Lake also has a fishing dock designed for the mobility impaired.
The large wooden play structure is located at the beach.
The beach also has disc golf, volleyball, and softball areas.
Big Creek State Park covers 3,550 acres. It's main feature is the beach and lake.
The Big Creek Lake Watershed Project exists to protect the water quality in Big Creek Lake. Over 750,000 people enjoy this amazingly well-cared-for lake each year. Big Creek Lake contributes nearly $20 million to the local economy each year by offering visitors a beautiful and relaxing place to play.
Big Creek Lake definitely has an important and unique purpose.
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