Rathbun Lake

About Rathbun Lake

This beautiful lake in the south - central Iowa hasn't always been there, but it is a man - was built to complement shipping flows. It is located in Appanoose County and is one of the largest lakes in the state of Iowa and the second largest in North America.

Rathbun Lake was created in 1884 by the US Army Corps of Engineers during the construction of a dam on the Chariton River. This is the first dam of its kind in Iowa history and was built to create a reservoir for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Iowa State University.

The lake is extensive and covers an area of 11,000 hectares and is a popular recreational area, but it is on the list of affected waters due to runoff of nutrients and sediments. In 2010, an organization was formed, the Rathbun Land and Water Alliance, to improve water quality and prevent runoff problems.

There are many ways to enjoy Rathbun Lake, but fishing has always been popular, and anglers of all ages can relax in the lake, where fish of various kinds roam. The most common fish in Rath buns Lake are crapies, whales, catfish and mullets. It has a breeding ground where a wide variety of fish species such as bluefish, redfish, whale, salmon, trout, perch and more are produced.

The hatchery is located near the dam, and interested visitors can take guided tours of the plant and fish hatchery.

Rathbun Lake offers boaters many amenities, including a few marinas and several boat ramps. Boating and exploring is always fun, and there are so many great ways to enjoy Lake Rathbuns. Be sure to add your photos to the Rath rolls Facebook page of Lake Iowa for more information about the lake and its amenities.

Other popular activities on the lake include water skiing, windsurfing and sailing, and it is considered one of the best lakes in the country for sailing. Rathbun Lake is a particularly windy lake, so the Army Corps of Engineers runs a number of boat ramps and boat parking along the shore to make your stay enjoyable. There are many places to enjoy Lake RathBun and the landscape around it, such as Lake Iowa State Park, the Great Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Michigan.

Honey Creek State Park, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, is one of the parks surrounding the lake, and hikers will find it a fantastic place to stay. Another great way to enjoy the outdoor fun at Rathbun Lake and the Great Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is to explore the hiking trails. Educational trails inform about the early American Indians who inhabited the area and about the history of RathBun and its surroundings.

Bird watchers can see a variety of birds in the area, including bald eagles, and hunting is also a popular activity. Wild animals such as deer, elk, elk, coyotes, wolves, foxes and other wild animals are buried, as are birds of prey such as squirrels, raccoons, ducks, geese, turkeys, owls and much more.

Rathbun Lake deserves its nickname "The Little Ocean" because of the wind - swirling water and beautiful views. When winter comes, there is plenty to do around the lake, whether it is ice fishing on crappie, snowmobiling in the snow - covered paths or fishing. You will appreciate the relaxing atmosphere, natural beauty and of course the great food and drink options.