Mcintosh Woods State Park

Near McIntosh Woods State Park, you can dine at several local favorites. Bennigan's Clear Lake is known for its casual, American pub atmosphere, offering burgers and classic fare. For a more upscale experience, Northwestern Steakhouse in Mason City offers American and Greek-style steaks in a quaint setting. Another option is The Blue Heron, which serves American cuisine with a cozy atmosphere. For a quick bite, Wendy's in Clear Lake provides fast-food options.

For accommodations, The Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City is a standout choice, boasting retro-style rooms designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It offers a posh restaurant and stylish bar, making it a unique stay. Nearby, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mason City provides modern amenities with free breakfast. For a more intimate experience, consider the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mason City, IA which offers complimentary breakfast as well.

McIntosh Woods State Park offers a variety of amenities to enhance your visit. The park features modern restrooms and showers, a playground for children, and picnic areas with shelters. The campground includes electric and non-electric sites, a trailer dump station, and a fish cleaning station. Watercraft can be launched from the park's boat ramp, and a fish cleaning station is available for anglers.

The park also includes a 1.5-mile boardwalk trail through the mallard marsh, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching.

The area around the campsite provides easy access to the nature trails, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Visitors to McIntosh Woods State Park can engage in numerous outdoor activities. Swimming is available in the designated unsupervised beach area. Boating, kayaking, and fishing are also popular, with the lake supporting a variety of fish species. During winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are favored activities. The park's trails are perfect for hiking and exploring the unique landscapes and wildlife of the area.

Bird watching is another highlight, especially during spring and fall migrations when many species can be spotted along the trails.

For those who enjoy speed, jet skiing is an exciting option to experience on Clear Lake.

McIntosh Woods State Park provides several options for disability access. One of the yurts is ADA-accessible, offering comfortable accommodations for visitors with disabilities. The picnic shelters and restrooms in the park are also designed to be wheelchair accessible. Additionally, one of the fishing jetties at the boat ramp is ADA-accessible, facilitating access to fishing activities for everyone.

Parking at McIntosh Woods State Park is well-organized with five parking areas designed for RVs, trailers, and cars. The parking lots are located near the campground, the McIntosh Shelter, and the boat ramp, ensuring convenient access to various parts of the park. There are no driving restrictions within the park, and roads are paved for easy navigation.

Overnight parking is available for RV campers, and ample parking spaces allow visitors to park their rigs without hassle.

However, there are no public transportation facilities available within the park.

McIntosh Woods State Park is steeped in history and natural beauty. The park was founded in 1944 as part of the Iowa Conservation Commission's efforts to expand public access to Clear Lake. The area around the lake has undergone significant environmental changes over time, with efforts made to preserve the water quality and natural landscapes.

The park is notable for being one of the few state parks with yurts, offering a unique camping experience. It also features a 1.5-mile interpretive trail through the mallard marsh, which is home to diverse wildlife and bird species.

The nearby Ventura community adds to the park's charm with its quaint shops and scenic views.

McIntosh Woods State Park is situated near several attractions that enhance its appeal. The nearby Ventura Access offers additional outdoor amenities, including a two-lane boat ramp and a half-court basketball court. For hiking enthusiasts, the park's trails and boardwalks provide ample opportunities to explore nature. Clear Lake itself is a major attraction, offering stunning views and diverse water activities.

The park is also close to Mason City, which features cultural attractions like the Historic Park Inn Hotel and the Stockman House Museum.