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Recreation
Cresco, Iowa is a great little town tucked away in northeast Iowa, arguably the most beautiful and scenic area of the state. With nature on our side, Cresco is known as "Iowa's Year 'Round Playground" because of the variety of recreational activities available to our residents and visitors alike. No matter what season of the year there is something for everybody.
Canoeing and Kayaking on the Upper Iowa and Turkey Rivers
Biking on over 25 miles of paved trails on the Prairie Farmer and Prairie Springs Recreational Trails
Snowmobiling on our extensive snowmobile trail system
Fishing for trout or walleye in our many streams and ponds
Hunting turkey, deer or pheasant
Nature and bird walks in our county, regional and state preserves
Camping at over 6 different campgrounds or golfing at over a dozen different golf courses all within a 30 mile drive of Cresco
You can also stay fit in our state of the art Fitness Center and Indoor Pool.
Residents and visitors can also enjoy various forms of recreation in Cresco's 4 city parks. Beadle, Kessel, Evans and East Parks offer a wide variety of features including playground equipment, softball and baseball diamonds, tennis, basketball and volleyball court, picnic shelters and lots of green space to run or sit back and relax.
Check out the following links to some of our most popular activities...
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Cross Country Skiing
Enjoy beautiful northeast Iowa on the miles of groomed Cross Country Ski trails. Access to the trails can be made at the Prairie's Edge Nature Center and the Cresco Country Club (located 2 miles south of Cresco on the Vernon Road).
There are two types of trails available including the Skate-Style and Diagonal. Call the Prairie's Edge Nature Center for more information at 563-547-3634.
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Ice Skating
Come take advantage of one of the hidden gems of Cresco. When is the last time you laced up a pair of ice skates? The indoor Ice Rink is open at East Park on 6th Ave East and 8th St. East in Cresco.
Free skate rental. All ages are welcome!
Ice Rink Hours: Tuesdays & Thursday 4pm-7pm and Saturday & Sunday from 1pm-5pm
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Cresco Fitness Center & Indoor Pool
The Cresco Fitness Center is a facility for all ages to participate in walking, swimming, exercise, basketball, volleyball and other fitness activites year 'round.
This $1.8 million complex was financed by the people of Cresco for today and tomorrow. The facilities include a unique, zero-entry swimming pool that is designed in a "U" shape for safety (low water on one half, deeper water on the other half) and for better utilization of space. The indoor pool is named for the Jack and Fran Thomson family of Cresco who donated $500,000 to initiate the pool.
The large complex includes a walking-running track that circles exercise equipment and a pair of basketball hoops. This complex is connected via a walkway to the 1936 gymnasium that was originally constructed for Cresco High School. The gym is the site of basketball and volleyball games and practices for boys and girls and adults. An accompanying stage is used by groups for birthday parties or group activites and two large adjoining rooms are used for aerobics, dance, tumbling, wrestling and other activities.
A lower level is developed into a golf driving range, softball and baseball hitting cages, a classroom and work area for arts and crafts, and numerous other activities for public use.
Check out everything that we offer on the City of Cresco website at www.crescoia.govoffice2.com.
Business Hours: Monday - Friday 5:30am-9pm / Saturday 9am-6pm / Sunday 1pm-6pm
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Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling on the groomed trail system that connects seven communities with Cresco is one of the joys of the winter season. More than 250 miles of marked trails branch out from Cresco like spokes on a wheel. These trails, developed over a 20-year period by the Cresco Driftrunners Snowmobile Club, enable the traveler to journey down the beautiful river valleys of the Upper Iowa & Turkey rivers. Contact Christian Miller, President of the Driftrunners, for information on trails at 563-203-0454 or visit on Facebook at "Driftrunners Snowmobile Club".
Driftrunners Inc. 42st Annual
Snowfest 2010
January 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, 2010
Hosted by Driftrunners Inc. Snowmobile Club
Contact: Christian Miller, President, Driftrunners Inc.
All events located at the Howard County Fairgrounds unless otherwise noted
Subject to change for more information visit
FACEBOOK \ Driftrunners Snowmobile Club
Family Driftrunner & I.S.S.A. Memberships $40.00
Send family members names, address,
& check or money order to:
Driftrunners
c/oTreasurer
126 4th St. East
Cresco, IA 52136
Respect private property and roadway laws
Keep off lawns and sidewalks
Stay on the trails & ride safe!
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Cresco Park & Recreation
The Cresco Park & Recreation offers programs and sports for all ages to take part in healthy activities and recreation.
Basketball
Softball
Football
Tennis
Track
Golf
T-Ball
Baseball
Soccer
Swimming
Volleyball
Arts & Crafts
Check out the NEW Disc-Golf 9 hole course at East Park.
Go to the City of Cresco website at www.crescoia.govoffice2.com for more information on all of these activities or call the Cresco Fitness Center at 563-547-3443.
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Turkey River Campground
Turkey River Campground - Vernon Springs Park
A 114-acre park nestled deep in the valley amid the woods along the Turkey River. The Howard County Conservation Board is excited to promote their newest campground area and facilities, the Turkey River Campground in Vernon Springs Park. Protected by woods and amid the scenic view of the Turkey River, the campground is located up a winding country road just beyond the Prairie's Edge Nature Center. The campground is NOW OPEN to the public for the camping season (May through October). The Turkey River Campground offers campers individual electrical and water hook-ups, camping pads, a bath/shower house, and playground equipment.
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Cresco Karting Association
Join us at the Cresco Speedway for family fun entertainment. We are located within the Howard County Fairgrounds on 7th Street West. Our tentative race schedule for 2009 is as follows...
- Sunday, May 10 & 24
- Saturday, June 6
- Sunday, June 14
- Saturday June 27 (Part of the Fair Line-up)
- Saturday, July 4
- Sunday, July 19
- Sunday Aug 2, 16 & 30
- Monday, Sept 7 (Labor Day)
Please visit our website at www.crescokartingassociation.com for details on admission, entry fees, race results, photos and rules & regulations.
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Camping, Hunting & FIshing
The Howard County Conservation Board, established in 1956, acquires and develops county parks, preserves, wildlife areas, forests and other conservation areas and encourages wise management of our natural resources. Cresco and it's surrounding area offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for the entire family.
Please visit our county website at www.iowatelecom.net/~howardccb/ or the Iowa Deptartment of Natural Resources at www.iowadnr.com for more information.
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Prairie Farmer Trail
The Prairie Farmer Trail is a 22-mile RECENTLY PAVED trail traveling the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad line between Cresco, Ridgeway and Calmar. The trail provides a way for residents and visitors to safely enjoy the beautiful rural Iowa countryside as well as improve their health and wellness. The $1.6 million project to "Pave the Way" has been nearly completed, with just some shoulder work remaining. The trail has plenty of shade and is nice and flat so the entire family can enjoy the ride. Check with Cresco Bicycles or Cresco Fitness Center for fun rides and events planned all year. Click here for more info on trails in the area.
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Prairie Springs Recreational Trail
Prairie Springs Recreational Trail begins in Cresco with the route extending 2.5 miles south, ending at the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center and the Vernon Springs mill pond area and Vernon Springs Campground. Plenty of shade and a few hills make this a great trail for young and old alike.
This paved trail also connects to the recently paved Prairie Farmer Trail extending to Ridgeway and Calmar for over 20 more miles.
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Cresco Speedway
Racing at the Cresco Speedway has been a long standing tradition. The season goes from May-September with many special events taking place. For a detailed schedule visit the website below.
Track Specifications
Type: High-Banked Oval
Surface: Clay
Size: 4/10 mile
For more information visit http://www.mhcfair.com/speedway/index.php or call the Speedway office at 563-547-3400
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Cresco Lanes
America's most popular indoor sport.
"Lets go Bowling!" Cresco Lanes offers indoor recreation and fun for any age. This 8 lane bowling center can be rented out for parties and special occasions, has a full-service bar and restaurant.
Call 563-547-3680 for leagues and open bowling information.
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Cresco Country Club
Hours:
May 8th-Sept. 9th 9:00am - close
April 1st-May 7th & Sept. 10th-Oct. 31st - varies
Private 9-Hole Country Club
Special Events:
Various Local Tournaments
Couples Golf
Men's & Women's Leagues
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