Union County Recreational Sites

On the city square in Afton, this picturesque park offers a playground, historic band shell, picnic area, fenced recreation area, a splash pad, open Memorial Day through Labor Day and restrooms. During the summer enjoy Lawn Chair Nights on Tuesdays. Located between Railroad, Douglas, Kansas & Webster Streets.

LEARN MORE

Afton Trail Map

Twelve acre Cedar Park is a favorite for family and community outings. It has a small pond, enclosed shelter with potable water, electricity and restrooms. A 1/4 mile trail, complete with footbridges leads to the butterfly garden, a relaxing spot to observe nature on a warm summer day. To reach Cedar Park, go east on Highway 34 to Iris Ave. then take Iris to 190 St. and go approximately 1 1/4 mile.

This beautiful private 9-hole course is on Highway 25 north in Creston.  For information call 641-782-2771. Or visit their website.

Three miles north of Creston on Lincoln Street/Green Valley Road, this park and lake attracts campers with 100 newly renovated campsites – 83 with electrical hookups and 18 of these are full hookups with water and sewer -, seasonal cabins, playground located in the campground, swimmers, boaters and water skiers. The lake has a beach for swimming as well.  Green Valley also offers great bass and crappie fishing. Call 641-782-5131 for more information.

LEARN MORE

This 112-acre area northeast of Afton offers almost everything a hunter could want, from timber to open grassland. The 4 acre pond with nesting island provides excellent fishing. To reach this area take US Highway 169 North to Lorimor then go west on the REA Road to Grand River Drive and go south for 1 1/2 mile.

The High Lakes Shooting Range is located north of Three Mile Lake.  It is the newest addition to the Three Mile Lake area.  The range consist of 5 separate ATA certified trap shooting stations, 50 yard pistol range, rifle range with targets at 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 and 800 yards and  a clubhouse.  For more information please call 641-347-5100. Five Miles North of Afton on Creamery Road and two miles West on 130th Street.

LEARN MORE

This private 9-hole course is located on Highway 34 west near Afton – 1857 Golf Club Drive.  The phone number is 641-347-5221.

This park is located on the west edge of Lorimor, and provides a restful setting with an old-fashioned Gazebo and many shade trees, all in a peaceful, country setting.

LEARN MORE

This picturesque park, located six blocks north and west of Highway 34 on Adams Street, has an all purpose court, picnic and camping areas including Creston McKinley Campers Camp Ground with 38 electrical hook-ups and water, eight shelter houses, a band shell, 18 hole disc golf course, playground areas and just added a brand new pickle ball court along with a soon to open dog park. Part of the park is beautiful McKinley Lake. Also at the park is a Leisure Pool featuring a wading pool, heated swimming pool, two diving boards and a large slide.  For information call 641-782-2000 ext.2.
McKinley Park is the beginning of the five plus mile paved trail that runs through west Creston and then north to Green Valley State Park.

LEARN MORE

The eight plus mile paved walking/biking trail extends through McKinley Park in Creston to the campground at Green Valley State Park north of Creston.   The trail then connects with the 6  miles of grass trails west around Green Valley Lake.  This portion of the  trail is suitable for hiking or mountain biking.

Map of Park to Park Trail

Pine Valley Golf is currently closed.

Located in the 500 block of south Vine and south Birch in Creston, this park has two shelter houses, a beautifully restored fountain, playground, disc golf course, picnic area and gazebo band shell.

With 36 acres of native timber, this area was acquired to preserve its natural beauty. A leisurely walk along the hiking trail and a watchful eye can usually find an abundance of wildlife as well as wildflowers in the spring. Located along the south side of Highway 34, 2 miles west of Thayer on Umbrella Ave., this area offers a shelter house, restrooms and picnic facilities.

This 210-acre area on the north side of Highway 34, 2 miles west of Thayer at 2965 US Highway 34, is one of the County’s most beautiful natural areas. It abounds with habitat diversity, from the pond, marsh and timbered areas to the upland game areas. It is used extensively by wildlife enthusiasts as well as for an outdoor classroom for environmental education.

Located 1 mile southwest of Thayer, first road south Thayer, then west on Thayer Lake Road, this 10-acre lake was built by the railroad in the 1850’s for water supply for steam engines. The 47 acre area includes excellent facilities for fishing, including a hard surface boat ramp, as well as camping, hiking, and picnicking. Access is available via a rocked road parallel to Highway 34 just south of Thayer which leads to the entrance and a beautiful drive through pristine native timber. Take Hwy 34 to P64 then turn on to Thayer Lake for 1 mile. With two shelter houses, primitive camping and electric hook-ups, this area receives considerable usage throughout the spring, summer and fall months. It is one of the oldest recreation areas in the county.

Three Mile Lake is for you to enjoy. With critical upland watershed treatments in place and continuing today, you can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities in or near some of the cleanest lake waters in Iowa. Five miles north of Afton on Creamery Road, then left.

 LEARN MORE