Dedicated in 1929 along the Iowa River, Pine Lake State Park, one of the oldest of Iowa’s state parks, is located in Hardin County near the small town of Eldora. The park was established in part to preserve a tract of old growth white pine trees growing unusually far south along the Iowa River.
In 2009, a massive storm with softball-sized hail and 100 mph winds tore through the park and stripped every tree of its leaves in a matter of minutes. The deciduous trees survived, but the storm ultimately wiped out the majority of white pines in the park, upwards of 85%. These pines happen to be a very rare population pocket of "southern" white pines, as well as the park's namesake. Today, visitors see standing snag pines, which, in even death, provide home, food, and perch to many bird and mammal populations.
On my first visit to Pine Lake State Park, Ranger Andy Place pointed out tiny white pine saplings protected from browsing deer by small cages. He relayed how these tree-teenagers were raised for ten years by a super Friends of Pine Lake volunteer who noticed them sprouting on the bank after a massive 2009 hailstorm wiped out 85% of their ancestors in the park. This woman took them home (with permission of the park board) and tended to them for a mere decade in her home nursery before transplanting them back in the park.
This painting stems from an old photograph I discovered at the CCC Museum in Eldora that shows Conservation Officer Gene "Bud" Bloudek on the left.
The following quote is a testament to the local impact that state parks have on communities.
"..What does Pine Lake do for us? She embraces our family and friends as we celebrate time together. Her majestic trees and soothing waters give us peace in a hectic world. She nurtures our bodies with scenic trails for exercise and inspiring views for rest. She gives us quiet paths and peaceful shores for reflection and prayer. She restores our minds, bodies, and souls. Pine Lake gives us so much. She is a special place and we love her dearly. Because of all she does for us, we dedicate this book to our beautiful friend, Pine Lake State Park." - Pine Lake State Park archive, Eldora, Iowa
Much of Pine Lake State Park, including the second lake, cabins, shelters, was built by 250 Civilian Conservation Corps workers from 1933 to 1943.
A brief history reminder: the CCC was started by FDR in 1933 as an antidote to the millions of young men unemployed by the decrease in farming jobs and later by the Great Depression. Men earned $30/week, were provided 3 meals a day, and were housed in camps across the country to work on government land and government-only projects, so as not to interfere with the private sector.
A CCC camp was located in Eldora. CCC labor transformed this park, and parks across Iowa and the nation. Millions of acres of land preserved, and the beloved Appalachian Trail improved and completed. Annual park visitors tripled from 1 to 3 million a year, mainly due to increased access roads and more amenities built by the men, such as picnic shelters, docks, and cabins. The legacy of this program is in every corner of the US, and is often unnoticed by us, as it’s become such a part of our cultural landscape.
Want to plan a visit to Pine Lake State Park? Check out some travel suggestions and a weekend itinerary.
Like the art that you see? Invest in a painting or a signed, limited edition print of Pine Lake State Park.