RECREATION

Cresco, Iowa is a great little town tucked away in northeast Iowa, arguably the most beautiful and scenic area of the state. With nature on our side, Cresco is known as "Iowa's Year 'Round Playground" because of the variety of recreational activities available to our residents and visitors alike. No matter what season of the year there is something for everybody.

  • Biking on over 25 miles of paved trails on the Prairie Farmer and Prairie Springs Recreational Trails
  • Snowmobiling on our extensive snowmobile trail system
  • Fishing for trout or walleye in our many streams and ponds
  • Hunting turkey, deer or pheasant
  • Nature and bird walks in our county, regional and state preserves
  • Camping at over 6 different campgrounds or golfing at over a dozen different golf courses all within a 30 mile drive of Cresco 
  • You can also stay fit in our state of the art Fitness Center and Indoor Pool. 
  • Residents and visitors can also enjoy various forms of recreation in Cresco's 4 city parks. Beadle, Kessel, Evans and East Parks offer a wide variety of features including playground equipment, softball and baseball diamonds, tennis, gaga ball, basketball and volleyball court, picnic shelters and lots of green space to run or sit back and relax. 
  • Canoeing and Kayaking on the Upper Iowa and Turkey Rivers 

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

​Over 15K of cross country ski trails and 5K of snowshoe trails can be found at the Prairie Springs Nature Center south of Cresco, Iowa.

Prairie Springs XC Ski & Snowshoe Trails have been rated third in the State of Iowa and are a favorite among skiers from Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Ski trails feature both a skating lane and a classical track.

There are both packed and ungroomed snowshoe trails in the north side park unit. The south side park unit has two packed trails for snowshoeing or for walking. We do not encourage walking on ski trails at any time.

Find us at 11562 Valley Ave, (563) 547-3634, on the web at Prairie Springs XC Ski & Snowshoe Trails and on Facebook at Prairie Springs Ski & Snowshoe Trails.

CAMPING, HUNTING & FISHING

The Howard County Conservation Board, established in 1956, acquires and develops county parks, preserves, wildlife areas, forests and other conservation areas and encourages wise management of our natural resources. Cresco and it's surrounding area offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for the entire family. 

Please visit our county website at www.iowatelecom.net/~howardccb/  or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at www.iowadnr.com for more information.

PRAIRIE FARMER TRAIL

The Prairie Farmer Trail is a 22-mile paved trail traveling the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad line between Cresco, Ridgeway and Calmar.  The trail provides a way for residents and visitors to safely enjoy the beautiful rural Iowa countryside as well as improve their health and wellness.  The $1.6 million project to "Pave the Way" has been nearly completed, with just some shoulder work remaining. The trail has plenty of shade and is nice and flat so the entire family can enjoy the ride. Check with Cresco Bicycles or Cresco Fitness Center for fun rides and events planned all year.  Click here for more info on trails in the area.

Prairie Springs Recreational Trail begins in Cresco with the route extending 2.5 miles south, ending at the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center and the Vernon Springs mill pond area and Vernon Springs Campground.  Plenty of shade and a few hills make this a great trail for young and old alike. 

This paved trail also connects to the recently paved Prairie Farmer Trail extending to Ridgeway and Calmar for over 20 more miles.

CRESCO FITNESS CENTER & THOMSON POOL

The Cresco Fitness Center is a facility for all ages to participate in walking, swimming, exercise, basketball, volleyball and other fitness activities year 'round.

This $1.8 million complex was financed by the people of Cresco for today and tomorrow. The facilities include a unique, zero-entry swimming pool that is designed in a "U" shape for safety (low water on one half, deeper water on the other half) and for better utilization of space. The indoor pool is named for the Jack and Fran Thomson family of Cresco who donated $500,000 to initiate the pool.

The large complex includes a walking-running track that circles exercise equipment and a pair of basketball hoops. This complex is connected via a walkway to the 1936 gymnasium that was originally constructed for Cresco High School. The gym is the site of basketball and volleyball games and practices for boys and girls and adults. An accompanying stage is used by groups for birthday parties or group activities and two large adjoining rooms are used for aerobics, dance, tumbling, wrestling and other activities.

 A lower level is developed into a golf driving range, softball and baseball hitting cages, a classroom and work area for arts and crafts, and numerous other activities for public use.

Check out everything that we offer on the City of Cresco website.

CRESCO PARK & RECREATION

The Cresco Park & Recreation offers programs and sports for all ages to take part in healthy activities and recreation. 

  • Basketball
  • Softball
  • Football
  • Tennis
  • Track
  • Golf
  • T-Ball
  • Baseball
  • Soccer
  • Swimming
  • Volleyball
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Disc-Golf 9 hole course at East Park.

SNOWMOBILING

Snowmobiling on the groomed trail system that connects seven communities with Cresco is one of the joys of the winter season. More than 250 miles of marked trails branch out from Cresco like spokes on a wheel. These trails, developed over a 20-year period by the Cresco Driftrunners Snowmobile Club, enable the traveler to journey down the beautiful river valleys of the Upper Iowa & Turkey rivers. Contact Eric Vobr, President of the Driftrunners, for information on trails at 563-203-0623 or visit on Facebook at "Driftrunners Snowmobile Club".
 
Hosted by Driftrunners Inc. Snowmobile Club
All events located at the Howard County Fairgrounds unless otherwise noted
Subject to change for more information visit
FACEBOOK \ Driftrunners Snowmobile Club
 
Family Driftrunner & I.S.S.A. Memberships $40.00
Send family members names, address, & check or money order to:
Driftrunners
c/oTreasurer
126 4th St. East
Cresco, IA 52136
 
Respect private property and roadway laws.
Keep off lawns and sidewalks.
Stay on the trails & ride safe!

TURKEY RIVER CAMPGROUND -VERNON SPRINGS PARK

A 114-acre park nestled deep in the valley amid the woods along the Turkey River.

The Howard County Conservation Board is excited to promote their newest campground area and facilities, the Turkey River Campground in Vernon Springs Park. Protected by woods and amid the scenic view of the Turkey River, the campground is located up a winding country road just beyond the Prairie's Edge Nature Center. The campground is NOW OPEN to the public for the camping season (May through October). The Turkey River Campground offers campers individual electrical and water hook-ups, camping pads, a bath/shower house, and playground equipment. ​

ICE SKATING

Come take advantage of one of the hidden gems of Cresco. When is the last time you laced up a pair of ice skates? The indoor Ice Rink is open at East Park on 6th Ave East and 8th St. East in Cresco. Seasonal hours may vary. 

Free skate rental. All ages are welcome!

CRESCO COUNTRY CLUB

Hours:
May 8th-Sept. 9th 9:00am - close
April 1st-May 7th & Sept. 10th-Oct. 31st - varies

Private 9-Hole Country Club

Special Events:

  • Various Local Tournaments
  • Couples Golf
  • Men's & Women's Leagues

CRESCO SPEEDWAY

Racing at the Cresco Speedway has been a long standing tradition. 
The season goes from May-September with many special events taking place.  For a detailed schedule visit the website below.

Track Specifications 
Type: High-Banked Oval 
Surface: Clay 
Size: 4/10 mile

For more information and the Racing Schedule visit http://www.mhcfair.com/speedway/index.php or call the Speedway office at 563-547-3400​

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