Recreation Nation!
While Pella is known for its Dutch heritage, one of the best kept secrets about Pella is the great recreation opportunities available in our community. From Iowa’s largest lake, Lake Red Rock, to fifteen Pella city parks and active city-sponsored rec leagues, residents have lots of opportunities to get moving and have fun!
Archery
Roberts Creek Archery Range
The 56-target Roberts Creek Archery Range is located just past the turn off to the east campground. The range is open to the public year round and maintained by the Hickory Ridge Bow Hunters Association.
Baseball/Softball
Caldwell Park Diamonds
Two baseball/softball diamonds located within Caldwell Park.
Bike Trails & Hiking Trails
Volksweg Trail
The 14-mile Volksweg Trail is a continually developing asphalt path. Currently, the trail connects Pella from the Pella Public Library trailhead to the Fifield Recreation Area.
Eagle Lair Loop
This trail was named after the many bald eagles that feed and rest below the dam. This path connects directly to the Volksweg paved trail, and is located near Ivan’s Campground.
Howell Station Prairie Trail
This trail takes you through established prairie grasses of different species. The trail also features two small ponds which are frequented by waterfowl and various small mammals.
Karr Nature Trail at Cordova
This trail was named after a small early village which was located within the confines of the park. A portion of the trail is designated as a self-guided interpretive trail with 24 points of interest.
Stu Kuyper Trail
A lovely view of Lake Red Rock can be seen from this trail.
Wallashuck Trail
Access to this trail for hiking or mountain biking is easy with five separate entrances within Wallashuck Campground and one from the Volksweg Trail. Habitat transitions can be observed as you travel through mature and immature forests and grasslands.
Bird Watching
Gladys Black Bird Refuge
This 38-acre refuge is a prime habitat for bald eagles as well as neo-tropical migrants and other wildlife. Closed December 1-March 31.
Other bird-watching areas around the lake include: Howell’s Station Campround, North Overlook Campground, Ivan’s Campground and Wallashuck Campground.
Cordova
1378 Highway G-28 | Otley, IA 50214
Closed at elevation 767’ or over
Elk Rock East
811 146th Avenue | Knoxville, IA 50138
Closed at elevation 780’ or over
Elk Rock West
811 146th Avenue | Knoxville, IA 50138
(near Ranger Residence)
Closed at elevation 760’ or over
Howell Station
1081 198th Place | Pella, IA 50219
Located on the river below the dam
Red Rock Marina
1768 Highway G-28 | Pella, IA 50219
515.782.4545 or 641.627.5743
Closed at elevation 780’ or over
Roberts Creek East
1617 Fillmore Drive | Otley, IA 50214
Open during high water
Roberts Creek West
1617 Fillmore Drive | Otley, IA 50214
Closed at elevation 775’ or over
South Overlook
1105 Highway T-15 | Knoxville, IA 50138
Closed at elevation 760’ or over
Wallashuck
890 190th Avenue | Pella, IA 50219
Closed at elevation less than 765’
Whitebreast
971 Highway S-71 | Knoxville, IA 50138
Closed at elevation 777’ or over
Campgrounds
Elk Rock State Park
A 13-mile equestrian trail, hitch rails and horse stalls allow visitors to enjoy horse-back riding in the lake area as well! Modern shower building and trailer dumping station
Hickory Creek
Paddle-in, hike-in campground located on the south side of Lake Red Rock. 8 primitive sites – no charge.
Howell Station
Howell Station is located below the Red Rock Dam on the north side of the Des Moines River. The area has access to the Volksweg trail as well as other trails, an amphitheater, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, playground, shower facilities and 131 campsites. Open year round.
Ivan's Recreation Area
Ivan’s is the smallest, but one of the most scenic, campgrounds available at Lake Red Rock. The area is situated on the south shore of the Des Moines River. Shower facilities, access to the Volksweg Trail, playground equipment are available amongst the 13 campsites.
Robert's Creek
Roberts Creek Park is located on the west side of Lake Red Rock. Showers and Boat Ramp are available at this 150-campsite park. Open April-October.
RV's Full Facility Campground
Located in Knoxville, this R.V. facility allows for 350 spots during the Annual Knoxville Nationals Races each year in August.
Wallashuck Recreation Area
Wallashuck Recreation Area, located on the north side of the lake, includes access to the Volksweg Trail, an amphitheater, two playgrounds and shower facility.
Whitebreast Campground
Whitebreast Campground offers access to boat launching, swimming at the Whitebreast Beach, an amphitheatre, playgrounds, hiking trails, numerous picnic shelters, shower facilities and fish-cleaning station. 132 campsites. Open April-September.
Disc Golf
Roberts Creek Disc Golf Course
New 9-hole disc golf course. Fun for the whole family. Open April through October from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fishing
Lake Red Rock
Lake Red Rock is Iowa’s largest lake with 15-to-17,000 square acres of surface water. The lake is home to white bass, black bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, walleye, & many other kinds of fish.
Fitness
A.N. Kuyper Athletic Complex & Ron Schipper Fitness Center
ental’s A.N. Kuyper Athletic Complex is one of the top collegiate facilities in the region. It has been chosen to host more NCAA Championship events in more sports than any other Iowa college!
Anytime Fitness
You can rely on our 24/7 availability and superior service to get results. Open 24 hours, “Drop-ins” during staffed hours only.
PCD Fitness
Full service fitness center and indoor turf fieldhouse. Activities for all ages, friendly staff.
Golfing
Bos Landen Golf Club
The 18-hole championship public course at Bos Landen Golf Club in Pella, Iowa, was designed by well-known architect Dick Phelps.
Pella Golf & Country Club
This pleasant 9-hole course on the north side of Pella features a bar and dining area for members and guests.
Hunting
Roberts Creek Hunting Area
This 1,535 acre park is one of Iowa’s largest county maintained parks. Public hunting is allowed on about 350 acres of park property located near the northern boundary.
Parks
Big Rock Park
Located in the northwest corner of the city at the end of Big Rock Road, it has remained in its natural state as much as possible. Information signs guide visitors through the maze of trails to get to the Big Rock itself.
Brinkhoff Park
This picture-perfect park serves as a welcome park on the west edge of Pella on Washington Street. Many flower beds, a small windmill, and picnic tables greet those entering Pella from the west.
Caldwell Park
Caldwell Park is located in the southeastern part of Pella between University and Huber Streets. This 15-acre park has restrooms, shelters, playground, ball fields, basketball court, sand volleyball court, 8 tennis courts, skate ramp, and a pond.
Central Park
Surrounded by the central business district, Central Park is the heart of the community. Its many tulip beds, flowering trees, cannon, Tulip Tower, 1900′s fountain, Civil War statue, sundial, and windmill can be viewed by taking a leisurely stroll along the park’s extensive sidewalk system lined with 19th century benches and lamp posts.
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Park features Pella‘s state-of-the-art, inclusive playground which is designed for people of all ages and abilities to play together. The largest of its kind in the area, the Wonder Spelen playground features fully accessible and sensory-friendly equipment, an interactive Sona dance and play arch, a sensory garden, a lighted shelter house with picnic tables, and two fully accessible bathrooms. Visitors can also enjoy a basketball court, community gardens, four tennis courts and ample parking off of Main Street and Orchard Street.
Lions Park
Located 1-1/2 miles southwest of Pella off Idaho Drive in the Bos Landen Development, Lions Park has a shelter, picnic tables, play equipment, hardwood trees, kid’s playhouse, flower gardens, and a big open space.
Rotary Park
Rotary Park includes a baseball field, a shelter house with picnic tables, playground equipment (new in 2006), a basketball court, and a drinking fountain. This 2-acre park is located at the intersection of Columbus Street and East Third.
Sunken Gardens Park
Located two blocks north of the square on Main Street, this park derives its name from the main focal point, a sunken pond in the shape of a wooden shoe.
West Market Park
Platted into the original plan of Pella and located two blocks west of the square on Franklin Street, West Market Park is a major gathering place for family reunions and picnics. This park was originally designated as a market center for area farmers to sell their produce – thus the name West Market
Racing
Knoxville Raceway
A tradition, a legacy, and a leader in dirt track and open wheel racing. Come out for the fun and be entertained by some of the most skilled drivers in the world on this 1/2 mile dirt track.
Slideways Go-Kart Track
Test your skills racing around the Slideways track in Go-Karts that resemble sprint cars.
Rentals
Bike Rental
Iowa Bike Co.
620 Main Street
Pella, IA 50219
641.638.1373
Boat Rentals
Red Rock Marina
1768 Highway G-28
Pella, IA 50219
641.627.5743
Canoe Rentals
Marion County Conservation Board
641.627.5935
RV Rentals
Van Ko Camper Rentals
641.780.3696
Soccer
Pella Soccer Complex
Located on 30 acres 1-1/2 miles south of Pella on Neil Drive, the Pella Soccer Complex boasts 9 soccer fields and is open April to June and August to November, open only during the soccer season.
Swimming
North Overlook Beach
Sand beach with specified swimming area, boat access and restrooms.
Pella Indoor Pool, Aquatics Center & Adventure River
Indoor and outdoor facilities. Indoor pool is a 6 lane, 25 meter facility, along with a 1 meter diving board and ramp entry. Lessons for all ages are offered, as well as lap swims, water aerobics, youth swim team, and various public swims throughout the year. The Outdoor Aquatic Center has various play features, slides and an Adventure River. Indoor pool open year round. Outdoor pool open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Whitebreast Beach
Sand beach offers access to boat launching, swimming, sand volleyball court, numerous picnic shelters, shower facilities, restrooms and fish-cleaning station.
Tennis/Pickleball
Caldwell Park Tennis & Pickleball Courts
Caldwell Park, located at the University St and E 8 th Street intersections has 6 pickleball courts and 8 lighted tennis courts.
Kiwanis Park Tennis & Pickleball Courts
Kiwanis Park, located on the north side of Pella along Orchard Drive has 6 pickleball courts and 2 fenced tennis courts.
