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Botna Bend Park

Meet live elk and bison herds while enjoying quiet camping and riverside views at this unique 119-acre park nestled along the West Nishnabotna River Water Trail in Hancock, IA.

Attention

Campground Updates (as of October 27, 2023):

  • The shower house is closed for the season.
  • The north restroom is closed for the season.
  • Water hydrants in the north and middle campgrounds will be available through winter.
  • The South campground is closed for renovations but will open in Spring 2024. Check back for updates.
  • A new disc golf course has been laid out and is now open to the public. Come see us soon!

Other alerts:

Botna Bend Park
42926 Mahogany Road
Hancock, Iowa 51536
(712) 741-5465

Directions:
Take I-80 exit #40, 8 miles south on US Hwy 59

Park Hours:
6:30 am to 10:30 pm

Park Admission:
$3.00 per vehicle, payable with exact change or check at the park gate. Park Map

Become a Member

Join the Pottawattamie County Foundation for as little as $20.00 to gain a year of access to Pottawattamie County parks. Join Today

View Park & Trail Map

Home to our annual Maple Tree Tap event, this picturesque park also features live bison and elk herds with informational kiosks to introduce you to these amazing animals. Explore the park on quiet prairie and river hiking trails, visit the playground, have a picnic at a shelter, book your next family get-together at Olsen Lodge, or stay the night in one of three beautiful campgrounds. 

Botna Bend Park is located on the West Nishnabotna River Water Trail and offers access to this meandering river for your canoe, kayak, tube, or fishing adventures. 

 

Park Features

Bison & Elk Herds

The enclosed pastures at Botna Bend Park are home to the area’s only bison and elk herds—a tradition at Botna Bend Park since the 1960s.

Herds live at the park year-round, offering a glimpse into the not-so-distant past when these animals freely roamed the state.

Make sure to visit us in late April or May to welcome new elk and bison calves (also called red dogs) to the world! 

Please note: Elk and bison are wild animals that are especially protective of their young. For your safety and to avoid stressing the herds, please stay several feet back from fencing if animals are nearby and never reach your hands or fingers through fencing or attempt to touch wildlife. Thank you!

Archery Range

Canoeing, Kayaking, and Tubing

Disc Golf Course

Hiking Trails

Tent & RV Camping

West Nishnabotna Water Trail

Park Facilities

Botna Bend Olsen Lodge

Starting at $100.00

More Info

Botna Bend RV Camping

Starting at $20.00

More Info

Botna Bend Tent Camping

Starting at $10.00

More Info

River Level

More Information

Park Staff

Jon Fenner

Botna Bend Park Ranger
jon.fenner@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-741-5465

Read Bio

Cory Thomas

Assistant Park Ranger
cory.thomas@pottcounty-ia.gov
402-676-4507

Read Bio

Botna Bend Park Map

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