Parks, Recreation and Camping
Quick Links
Goins Park
Goins Park is located on the west side of Lake City, it is site for many community gatherings and events. It is comprised of a large play ground for all ages, soccer fields, 6-hole disc golf course, baseball diamond, tennis courts, public swimming pool, basketball court, horse shoe pits, a public restroom, two shelter houses with electricity, one shelter house with no electricity, one gazebo with electricity and two drinking fountains and water spigots. The park is also the beginning of the 5 mile Lake City Recreational Trail. Click here for a map of the trail!
The two main shelter houses are available on a first-come, first-serve basis or may be reserved ahead of time. Reservation rates are $15 (before or after 3 PM) and $25 full-day. Contact the Lake City office at 712-464-3111 for reservations.
Lincoln School Park
Lincoln School Park is not only a part of educational history in Lake City but also a local favorite for youngsters to play at. The park is located on the east side of Lake City, just north of the old Lincoln Elementary School on 211 Center St..
It has a large play structure with slides and obstacles of all sizes and for all ages. There are also several swing sets and park benches which make great rest areas!
Michael Macke Memorial Park
Michael Macke Memorial Park is a scenic and relaxing camp group and park located just west of town on County Road N37 and Lake Creek. This park has 5 RV spots with electrical hook-ups. The spaces may also be used for tent camping. Fire pits and a playground are on site. There is also a very well-maintained bathroom, complete with showers and a shaded picnic area.
Being right on Lake Creek, makes fishing a great opportunity at this park!
Reservations are first come, first serve - fees and donations are collected on site. Fees are $10 for an RV/night and $5/tent a night.
Central School Playground
Central School Playground is yet another mark of educational history. This playground is located one block south of Main Street on 211 Center St. It is full of various playground favorites including: swings, slide, and merry-go-round! There is also plenty of open grass space to have a picnic or set-up a game of kickball or tag! The backdrop for the park is the elegant brick schoolhouse from 1884. The school is open daily through-out the week and is home to many pieces of education related memorabilia.
Rainbow Park
Rainbow Park is located 3 miles south of town on Iberia Avenue. It gets its name from the beautiful Rainbow Bridge, erected in 1914, which crosses the Raccoon River.
Rainbow Park is great for fishing along the river, picnicking in the outdoors and even primitive camping!
Lake City Towne Square
Located in the heart of Lake City directly on Highway 175, the “town square” is home to many Lake City events and gatherings. It’s natural beauty and tranquility are just partners to what makes the park one-of-a kind. In the park you will find a replica bandstand constructed (solely by volunteers) to match the original structure erected in 1887.
The replica fountain, similar to the original built in 1914 sits in the center of the square. Many benches and lights are situated around the square making it possible for gatherings at all times of the day!
The square may be reserved for events such as weddings by calling the City Office at 712-464-3111.
Opportunity Living Acres
Located on Highway 175 about a quarter mile east of town, is Opportunity Acres. Outside you will find a quarter mile, paved recreation trail perfect for rollerblading, biking or walking! Also outdoors is a shelter house, restroom and flower garden.
Indoors you will find Lake City’s very own indoor recreation center complete with full basketball gym equipped to set-up volleyball, racquetball/walleyball court, work-out area, therapeutic swimming pool and hot tub. Various work-out classes and swimming lessons are available through out the year.
Call 712-464-8961 for more information and hours. Information and photos are also available at http://www.opportunityliving.org/recreationcenter.html
What a Blast Shooting Range
2030 340th St.
(712) 464 – 3712
Golf
Lake City Country Club
The Country Club is located on highway 175 on the East end of town. It is a beautiful 9-hole course surrounded by some of the best scenery mid-west Iowa has to offer. The course is open 7 days a week during regular season. Contact them at 712-464-3344 for more information.
Recreation Trail
The Lake City Recreation Trail is an approximately 5 mile long street trail weaving through out the city. It was officially established in 2006. Since then it has been a commonly used mode of recreation!
The full map can be found on the east side of Goins park or just follow the yellow directional signs from any point in town to hop on the trail!
Library
The Lake City Public Library is very active in the community. There are programs and classes for all ages throughout the entire year ranging from children’s day programs to reading programs to computer classes to photography club! It is located “on the square” in downtown in Lake City. Most importantly there are many books and other resources (computers, magazines, videos/dvd’s) available. Have an e-reader or prefer to listen on your iPod? No worries, the librarians can help you out with that too! Check out their website for more information!
http://www.lakecity.lib.ia.us/
Movie Theatres
The Capri Movie Theatre is a $2 (yes, you read that right!) showing movies Friday – Sunday evenings at 7:30pm and Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. Movies are current and range in ratings from G – PG-13. The theatre is managed and operated solely by volunteers. Anyone is welcome to volunteer to work a showing. Sign-ups can be found at the Capri or at Lake City Hardware & Gifts. The theatre is located “on the square” on Center Street.
Resturants and Night Life
Coyote’s Café & Bar
- 207 E. Main
- (712) 464 - 3303
Sweet Things Bakery
- 107 E. Main
- (712) 464 - 3564
Wagon Wheel Restaurant & Bar
- 116 N. Illinois St.
- (712) 464 - 3575
Carnegie Café & Pub
- 120 N. Illinois St.
- (712) 464 - 3774
The Wright Place (bar)
- 114 S. Center St.
- (712) 464 – 7265
Fitness
Opportunity Living Acres
Including: indoor therapy pool, whirl pool tub, racquetball/walleyball court, full court gym, weight/work-out area, fitness classes, billiards & pingpong
Including pool, tennis courts, soccer fields, disc golf course & basketball court
Fitness on Center
Fitness on Center is located on a side street of downtown. It is a perfect place to join friends and the comfort of being indoors. Check out the exercise system, treadmills, elliptical, free weights station, various medicine balls, work-out ball, stationary bike and more! Access is 24/7 through becoming a member. Many membership options are available, just give Judy a call!
112 S. Center St.
(712) 464-3338
Annual Events
Western Days
Come to Lake City in late June to experience the Lake City Western Days weekend! 3 days full of fun for the whole family including our biggest attraction the 2 night rodeo complete with all of your favorite acts and fireworks after the Saturday show! Don’t miss out on the carnival, street dance & beer garden, vendors in the park, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Fun Run, entertainment in the band stand, BIG parade, ice cream social, car show, mud volleyball, Tractor Pull and MORE!!! This weekend is not one to be missed!!! Visit the Top Rail Saddle Club to find out more about the Rodeos!
2012 - June 29 - July 1
2013 - June 28 - 30
Fall Festival & Dell Blair Memorial Chili Cook-Off
(The third Sunday of September)
Bring in Fall with this local favorite! Enter to cook chili OR salsa or if you would rather taste than don’t forget to purchase your official taste testing spoon! Special judges choose 1st, 2nd & 3rd place while the crowd chooses People’s Choice! Also at fall festival enjoy: grilled burgers, caramel apples, vendors in the park, kids activities including a peddle tractor pull and inflatables carnival, entertainment in the bandstand and much more! Want to do something special for the community than participate in the Pillowcase Challenge!
2012 - September 16
Christmas Festival
(The first Sunday in December)
Welcome Santa Claus to town, roast marshmallows in the square, enjoy soup and rolls in the community building, watch the Christmas parade, take in the atmosphere, register for the Christmas raffle and don’t forget to visit the Festival of Trees and go on the Tour of Homes!
2012 - December 2nd
Jazz Band in the Park
Come to the square mid-May and enjoy the sounds of the newly formed South Central Calhoun Jazz Band. Listen as Director Tom Plummer directs the band in a delightful and entertaining performance. This Jazz Program has a history of 7 consecutive state championships jazz band titles. While you listen enjoy burgers and food provided by the Lake City Betterment Association!
2012 - May 22nd
Progressive Dinner
Held annually in June, this is a night where our businesses thank YOU, their customers! Come up town for a FREE meal prepared for those of the community by our store front owners. The first 500 are served. Meat preparation is an all day event, by the time 5:00 comes your mouth and stomach won’t be able to resist! Also enjoy entertainment in the Bandstand and ice cream sponsored by the at the United Bank of Iowa.
2012 - June 21
Community Wide Garage Sale/Crazy Day
(Third Saturday in July)
Do you like to snag up a good deal or maybe want to make a few bucks off some of the stuff you don’t need anymore? Then come to Lake City and take part in this exciting day of good deals all around town! Get your Garage Sale registered by contacting the Graphic-Advocate a few weeks in advance and then don’t forget to cut out your map from the paper or pick one up at our local Casey’s and Sparky’s Convenient Stores!
2012 - July 21
Farmer's Market
Details Coming Soon!