Most Lake Panorama residents have heard of Springbrook State Park. Many of you have been there. And, some of you have no idea where it is even located. Until last year, I was in the latter group.
Prior to owning our lake home, Jolene and I were avid campers. Like most who camp, we started with a tent and then progressed to a pop-up camper, a travel trailer and, eventually, a small RV. We spent many weekends in the campgrounds in Iowa and Nebraska, and we developed a fondness for Iowa’s state parks.
As our kids grew older, they made it clear to us that they no longer wanted to be “cooped up in a tin can.” So, the RV stayed in storage and gathered dust. Once we bought our lake home, it was used even less.
Last year, though, Jolene and I decided to break out the camper while one of our now-adult daughters held a bachelorette party for one of her friends at our lake home. So, we packed the gear and made our first trip to Springbrook State Park. What we found was a wonderfully quiet retreat right here in Guthrie County with more than 930 acres of rolling hills and mature timber.
We didn’t get too adventurous on the first trip, but we did do a bit of hiking, and we plan to bring our bicycles next time to explore the 12 miles of trails. We were also intrigued by the park’s 17-acre lake, and we hope to fish for the many crappie, largemouth bass and bluegill that reside there.
I find the history of Springbrook State Park to be fascinating, as many of the park’s structures were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, creating a nostalgic setting. This year also marks the 100-year anniversary of the establishment of Springbrook State Park, and a year-long celebration will take place. We share the details in this month’s cover story
So, if you are looking for a get-away from your get-away for an afternoon, a weekend or an extended stay, plan a trip to Springbrook State Park, located at 2437 160th Road, upstream from Lake Panorama and just east of Highway 25. And, if you are looking for a tin can to get cooped up in, just let me know.
Thank you for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Lake Panorama Times
641-332-2707
shane@gctimesnews.com