Prairie Park Fishery

Imagine a quiet oasis located just a few minutes' drive from bustling city streets. Prairie Park Fishery is a wonderful example of how man and nature can harmoniously coexist. Located in the city of Cedar Rapids, this 42-acre park is a favorite recreation area for both locals and visitors to the USA.

The main feature of the park is its origin: it was once the site of an industrial sand quarry. Today, it is a picturesque body of water with crystal-clear water, surrounded by well-maintained grounds. The park combines the functions of a fishery and a modern recreational zone, offering visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy wildlife without leaving the city infrastructure.

Thanks to its upkeep and modern amenities, this place is rightfully considered a gem of Cedar Rapids. People come here for peace, fresh air, and the vivid experience of observing local flora and fauna at any time of year.

To contact the park administration or for details about events, you can use the official contact information below.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of interesting things to do here. The main draw is undoubtedly fishing. The lake is generously stocked: you can find trout, bass, crappie, and hybrid striped bass here. The park offers unique fishing opportunities year-round—from classic summer and night fishing to atmospheric ice fishing in winter. With easy access to the water, it is an ideal place to introduce children to this hobby.

For those who prefer solid ground under their feet, there is an excellent paved trail about 2-3 kilometers long around the lake. It is perfect for running, cycling, or a leisurely stroll with a stroller. Distance markers are installed along the way, which is convenient for athletes tracking their performance.

During the warmer months, kayaking and canoeing are popular on the lake, with special boat ramps equipped for launching watercraft. If you simply want to spend time with loved ones, there are picnic areas at your disposal where you can relax while watching the wildlife and birds that have made this park their cozy home.

Finding this picturesque spot is quite easy: it is located at 2125 Otis Road SE, in the southeastern part of the city. Thanks to its proximity to the center, a trip by car or taxi will take only about 5 minutes. Convenient parking is provided on-site for visitors.

For those who prefer active ways of getting around, the park is integrated into the city's trail system and connects to the popular Sac and Fox Trail. This makes it easy to reach the site by bike or on foot while enjoying the city views along the way. Public transportation also runs in this direction, though it is advisable to check the current city bus schedules for the nearest stops on Otis Road in advance.

Few people know that the modern appearance of this natural area is the result of a large-scale environmental project. Prairie Park Fishery was created on the site of an old industrial sand quarry that had long sat abandoned along the banks of the Cedar River.

Transforming the area required the efforts of several city administrations and more than five years of meticulous planning. The goal of the project was not just to beautify a wasteland, but to restore a natural resource and create a full-fledged recreation zone for residents. During the work, the former quarry was filled with water, turning into a lake with a remarkably clean and clear ecosystem.

Today, the park is considered a model example of how industrial land can be given a "second life." It is not only pleasing to the eye but also serves as an important link in the city's trail network, connecting different neighborhoods via the Sac and Fox Trail and preserving the region's natural heritage for future generations.

When planning your visit, consider what type of recreation you prefer. For a standard introductory walk along the paved trail around the lake and a short rest by the water, 1.5–2 hours is usually sufficient.

If you plan to have a family picnic, go fishing, or leisurely walk the grounds several times, it's worth setting aside half a day. This will allow you to enjoy the silence and natural beauty without haste, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The doors of the recreation area are open to visitors daily. You can plan your visit for any day of the week, as the park maintains a consistent schedule from 06:00 to 22:00.

This operating schedule allows you to both meet the sunrise on the shore with a fishing rod and enjoy a pleasant evening stroll after a workday, basking in the sunset rays over the mirror-like surface of the lake.

A visit to the park can easily be combined with exploring other interesting locations in the city. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to get better acquainted with the culture and history of this region of Iowa.

Within a few kilometers, you will find both historical monuments and modern leisure centers. Below are the most noteworthy sites located nearby: