Lewis and Clark State Park sits along the shores of Blue Lake in Onawa, Iowa, offering 176 acres of recreation where the famous explorers once camped during their 1804 expedition up the Missouri River. The park’s centerpiece is Blue Lake, an oxbow lake formed by the shifting Missouri River, which gives the area its distinctive landscape and rich wildlife habitat.

Water activities dominate the summer season here. Blue Lake is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming, with a sandy beach that draws families on warm weekends. Anglers pull largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish from the lake’s calm waters. A full-size replica of a keelboat — modeled after the vessel Lewis and Clark used on their journey — sits near the lake and serves as one of the park’s most photographed landmarks.

The campground offers both modern and basic sites, many with lake views and easy water access. Cabins are available for those who prefer a roof overhead. Hiking trails wind through bottomland forest, where you might spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a strong variety of migratory birds passing through the Missouri River floodplain.

With a 4.5-star rating across 662 reviews, visitors consistently praise the peaceful setting and well-maintained facilities. Late spring through early fall is the best window — summer for swimming and boating, spring and fall for birding and quieter camping. Onawa is a small town, so stock up on supplies before arriving. The park rewards those looking for a laid-back, water-focused getaway with genuine historical character.

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