Twin Lakes is a recreational haven in Calhoun County, Iowa, centered around its namesake lakes. North Twin Lake offers fishing, boating, swimming, and a scenic bike trail, while Twin Lakes State Park provides sandy beaches, picnic areas, and a variety of outdoor activities. The area's natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and water sports lovers alike.
Although not one of Iowa’s largest state parks, Twin Lakes stands as one of the oldest with a history stretching well into the distant past. A major waterfowl nesting site dating to a time before American settlement of the area, the Ioway, Dakota, Sauk and Meskwaki peoples all hunted on the lakes at different points in time. The Twin Lakes, which are separated by a narrow strip of land between 500 and 1000 feet wide, ranged five to six feet deep at the park’s founding. The glacially formed lakes lack any streams running into them, making the bodies of water unique from many others. Instead, springs feed the lakes and rain pools to continuously refresh the lakes.
Twin Lakes is home to a 20-site housing development "Lakeside Landing."
Learn more about the history of Twin Lakes, including photos, stories, and history from archaeological heratge through today, in the new book Twin Lakes Through the Years: Exploring Iowa's Best-Kept Secret!
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