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Iowa's Newest State Park

Commonly known as Banner Pits, this scenic area was dedicated as Iowa's newest State Park on October 7, 2004. It was originally purchased by the the Department of Natural Resources in 1954 as a wildlife management area after being the site of an open pit coal mine since the 1930's.

The area provides a great place to combine paddling with biking or fishing. South Lake is stocked annually with Trout. You'll also find crappie, bluegill, and other species. Mountain biking trails are planned and it has access to the paved biking trail connecting Indianola with Carlisle.

Paddling Opportunities

The area consists of 222 acres with two small lakes. North Lake consists of approximately 14 acres while South Lake is 28 acres.

Both lakes are long and narrow, with a variety of off shoots and small bays to explore. Both lakes provide easy, flatwater conditions and are well protected from wind and waves. Boats must operate at no wake. All of these combine to make this a very safe area for recreational kayakers and canoeists.

Land and launch along the shoreline near one of the boat ramps located in the park, or use the sloped shoreline at one of the picnic areas.

Having been formed from open pit coal mining, both lakes are relatively deep. Also be aware there is not a lot of shallows along the shore. Both lakes generally drop to deep levels relatively close to shore.

Always be safe and wear a life jacket. Be aware of cold water early and late in the year. Also practice dealing with capsiizes in varying conditions to assure you know how to handle the situation when it happens. Ideally practice them in agood instruction program.

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203 West Salem Ave., Indianola, IA 50125

515-961-6117 or 1-800-257-6080 / e-mail: casey@canoesportoutfitters.com