Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake is a man-made lake located in Ames, Iowa. The lake covers an area of 110 acres and is surrounded by a park that covers 430 acres. The park and lake were named after Ada Hayden, who was a prominent botanist and educator at Iowa State University. The lake was created in 1967 by damming the North Skunk River, and it serves as a source of recreation for the local community. The lake is stocked with various species of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The park surrounding the lake features hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, a disc golf course, and a nature center. Additionally, the park has a beach for swimming and boating, making it an ideal location for summer activities. The park is open year-round, and admission is free. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, hiking, and biking during the spring and summer months. During the winter, the park is popular for cross-country skiing and ice fishing.