Geode State Park

About this park

Geode State Park is named for Iowa's official state rock, the geode, and sits near Danville around the 187-acre Lake Geode. While the park itself is not a major geode-collecting site, the surrounding region of southeastern Iowa is well known among rockhounds for these hollow, crystal-lined stones, and the park's name reflects that regional identity. The lake is the park's central feature, supporting fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill as well as boating and swimming from a sandy beach. Wooded hills surround the water, offering shaded hiking trails and a noticeably cooler microclimate than the open farmland typical of the surrounding county. A large, well-shaded campground makes Geode a popular base for both weekend camping trips and longer stays, and its position near the Mississippi River corridor in far southeastern Iowa makes it a convenient stop for travelers moving along that route. Picnic areas and multiple boat ramps round out the park's day-use facilities.