The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports Springbrook State Park, near Guthrie Center, is closed due to flood conditions on Springbrook Creek and the Middle Raccoon River. Three other state parks overlooking scenic Iowa rivers are also closed after heavy rainfall sent the rivers out of their banks, flooding the parks. George Wyth State Park, in Black Hawk County, will likely be close through the weekend due to flood conditions on the Cedar River.
Dolliver State Park, in Webster County, closed at noon Monday, when theDes Moines River left its banks. The river blocked access to the cabins and campground, but the north shelter and south lodge and group camp remain open. Walnut Woods State Park has been closed in anticipation of the City of West Des Moines closing And, Walnut Woods Drive due to a flood warning for the Raccoon River. The DNR is contacting all reservations to arrange for a refund. Updates will be provided on the DNR’s website www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/ClosureInformation.aspx
In addition to the campground closures, the Neal Smith Trail, along the Des Moines River, will likely be flooded when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers increases the water release from Saylorville Lake. Signs and barricades will be posted alerting users of the closure. Rock Creek State Park will reopen once the electric pedestals are inspected. As of Sunday, Rock Creek Lake had returned to its banks.