Otter Creek Lake located northeast of Toledo pictured this past April. Restoration of the lake has been completed following a two year project spearheaded by the Iowa DNR. The lakebed is currently refilling. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

TOLEDO – Following lake improvements, visitors will once again be able to hike and camp at Otter Creek Lake & Park starting on Thursday, June 29.

Upon reopening, all park trails, roads, restrooms, and shelters will be available for public use.

Campsites will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In celebration of this occasion, the Nature Center and Conservation Office at Otter Creek Lake & Park will be open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. June 29 through July 1. Animal encounters, craft activities, and more will be provided by the Park Naturalist.

Completed lake improvements include greater angler access, better fish habitat, and removal of sediment from the lake.

Additional park improvements include the enlargement of camping pads at Camper’s Hill and shoreline improvements.

Otter Creek Lake is currently in the process of refilling and will likely not be full until 2024. As such, swimming and fishing in the lake will be unavailable until further notice.

Playground improvements are still in progress, and playground equipment will not be available for use until 2024.

The official grand opening of Otter Creek Lake & Park will be held on October 7, 2023 during this year’s Fall Festival.