Black Hawk State Park provides quality picnicking opportunities for the public. There are many places to enjoy
an informal cookout, all within sight of the beautiful lake. Four
open picnic shelters are available and may be reserved
online through the park reservation system.
The Black Hawk State Park campground is a large one. It will accommodate 128 camping units, including 89 campsites
equipped with electrical hookups. The campground features modern shower and rest room facilities. Nearby, a Frisbee
golf course is available for some fun-filled exercise. A volleyball court and a large playground facility also offer
lots of fun opportunities for campers, young and old. Advance campsite reservations can be made through the
park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for
self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
(swimming, boating, fishing)
Angling is a popular pursuit at Black Hawk Lake. Channel catfish, crappies, walleyes, bluegills, sunfish and several
types of bass abound and provide a challenge to anglers of all ages. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources provides
boat launching ramps on the lake. Three are located within Black Hawk State Park. Swimming is allowed only in
designated areas.
The "Stubb" Severson Nature Trail offers visitors a chance to learn about many of the shrubs and trees found
in the park. Along the trail, walkers often see a variety of wildlife, including deer, waterfowl and many species of
songbirds.
Black Hawk Lake lies off the southeast tip of the town of Lake View in Sac County, Iowa. Black Hawk Lake was formed
many thousands of years ago by glacial action. In fact, it is the southern-most glacier-formed lake in Iowa. The lake's
957 acres which adjoins the state park, and the many services provided within the town of Lake View, all combine to
provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities to the public.
There is a great deal of Iowa history at Black Hawk Lake. In 1828, President John Quincy Adams formally declared
that all lands east of the Mississippi were to be sold to settlers gradually moving their way westward. This resulted
in the forcing of Indian tribes to the west. Chief Black Hawk and 2,000 of his followers refused to move and the
"Black Hawk War" resulted. Future President Abraham Lincoln fought in the Black Hawk War in command of a
detachment of Illinois militiamen. In August of 1832, Chief Black Hawk was defeated at the Bad Ax River in Wisconsin.
In 1838, the chief died and was buried in a sitting position facing southeast near Iowaville on the Des Moines River.
Later, his remains were stolen, the skull was recovered, and then lost in a fire.
Chief Black Hawk's legacy lives on in such places as Black Hawk Lake and as the namesake for Black Hawk County, Iowa.
Black Hawk State Park was established in 1935. Many of its buildings were constructed by the Civilian Conservation
Corps.
Black Hawk Lake is located next to the town of Lake View. Wall Lake is one mile south on county Road M68 and two miles
west on D54. Odebolt is 10 miles west on Highway 175. Sac City is eight miles north on M68 and two miles east on
Highway 20.
228 S. Blossom
Lake View, IA 51450
ph. 712/657-8712
fax: 712/657-2289
E-mail address: Black_Hawk@dnr.iowa.gov
| 
