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
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!
Bring your bow and arrows and hone your archery skills at the archery range located just a short hike off the main road east of Olsen Lodge. This is a great spot for beginning and proficient archers alike. The archery range has a 15, 20, 30, and 40-yard target and is located off the main road on the eastern edge of the park.
Canoeing, Kayaking, and Tubing
If relaxation is what you desire, plan a canoe or kayak journey on the West Nishnabotna and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. While on your journey, stop for a quick picnic or search for bits of the past such as unique rocks and fossils. Bring your fishing poles and fish from your canoe—you're sure to catch something. If you are interested in wildlife viewing, pack your binoculars and field guides.
To schedule a West Nishnabotna river journey, contact Rubber Duck Outfitters at (402) 201-6776, or visit their website. Please note that outfitting is dependent on water levels and may not be available.
Test your skill on the 9-hole disc golf course that begins near the elk and bison pens! Some disc sets are available for use.
To inquire about borrowing or renting equipment, please contact park staff at 712-741-5465.
Hike on trails winding through prairie grasses, along the West Nishnabotna River, and near the animal exhibits.
Botna Bend Trail Map
Please note that all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To get an idea of how many sites are currently available, please call the park office. Campers do not need to pay park entry fees, but any visitors do unless they are a current Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation member.
Botna Bend Park accommodates both tent and RV camping across three campsites throughout the park.
- Primitive Camping (Tent Only): No water or electric | $10 per night | Available in Middle and North Campground
- Electric: $20 per night (Dump station available)
- Electric & Water: $25 per night (Dump station available)
- Full Hookup: Electric, water, and sewage | $30 per night
West Nishnabotna Water Trail
Botna Bend Park is located along the West Nishnabotna Water Trail that travels through Western Iowa.
Access points along the trail include the communities of Avoca, Hancock, Oakland, Carson, and Macedonia. As Nate Hoogeveen describes in Paddling Iowa, “Expect no dramatic bluffs or fast water on the West Nishnabotna - it is a very lazily meandering, tree-lined prairie stream, typically brown as cocoa for much of the season, with a sandy and occasionally muddy bottom.”
River Level
More Information
Park Facilities
Park Staff
Jon Fenner
Botna Bend Park Ranger
jon.fenner@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-741-5465
Read Bio
Jon Fenner
Botna Bend Park Ranger
jon.fenner@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-741-5465
Jon was born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa and attended Abraham Lincoln High School, graduating in 1993. He then attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa where he received a BA in Environmental Science/Biology Option. During college Jon worked two summers at Botna Bend Park as a seasonal intern. After graduating he worked at Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska and the following year was hired as Park Ranger at Botna Bend Park in March of 1998. He then attended the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and graduated in April of 1999, receiving a certification as a peace officer.
Jon is responsible for management of Botna Bend Park and Old Town Park and the overseas the two public wildlife areas in eastern Pottawattamie County, Farm Creek Public Wildlife Area and Wheeler Grove Conservation Area.
Jon enjoys family time with his wife and two children camping, hiking, canoeing, and traveling and never misses a school function or sporting event. He spends his free time woodworking, taking care of his animals at home, and toiling on his property.
Jon is acting treasurer and board member of Impact Hill, a community resource and recreation center located in the former Riverside High School in Oakland, Iowa.
Cory Thomas
Assistant Park Ranger
cory.thomas@pottcounty-ia.gov
402-676-4507
Read Bio
Cory Thomas
Assistant Park Ranger
cory.thomas@pottcounty-ia.gov
402-676-4507
Cory Thomas grew up in the Council Bluffs/Omaha area. He attended Thomas Jefferson high school, graduating with the most improved student award. Between attending Iowa Western community college for fire science, Cory worked several summers at Camp Foster where he learned many of the skills that he would use for his career.
Cory spent 2009 to 2012 as a wild land fire fighter, fighting fires in many western and Midwestern states. In 2013 Cory was hired as a full-time Assistant Park Ranger at Botna Bend Park.
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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 Conservation Foundation today and gain access to Pottawattamie County parks year-round.
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