The High Lakes of Union County
Five lakes, 2,100+ acres of water, 6,000 acres of parks
Southwest Iowa's Outdoor Recreation Hub
Creston sits at the center of one of southwest Iowa's finest outdoor recreation areas. Five lakes totaling over 2,100 acres of water lie within a 25-mile radius, surrounded by more than 6,000 acres of publicly owned parks, woodlands, prairie, and wetlands. Four campgrounds serve visitors across the system.
The Five Lakes
Green Valley State Park
The flagship of the system. Green Valley Lake offers boating, fishing, swimming, and camping in a rolling Iowa landscape. Connects to Creston via the Park-to-Park Trail.Three Mile Recreation Area
A popular fishing destination known for bass and crappie. Includes boat ramps, fishing piers, and picnic facilities.Twelve Mile Lake
A quieter, secluded option surrounded by timber and native prairie. Excellent for fishing and wildlife watching.Summit Lake
A smaller, spring-fed lake offering peaceful fishing and non-motorized boating.McKinley Lake
Located within Creston city limits at McKinley Park. The gateway to the entire lake system and the southern terminus of the Park-to-Park Trail.Activities
- Fishing — bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, and more
- Boating — electric motors and non-motorized crafts
- Swimming — designated beaches at Green Valley State Park
- Camping — four campgrounds with electric hookups and primitive sites
- Hiking & Biking — 9-mile Park-to-Park Trail
- Wildlife Watching — deer, wild turkey, eagles, and migratory waterfowl