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.
Disc Golf Course, Gaga Ball
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.
New to the 2025 season!
A gaga ball pit has been added to the middle campground. Click here to view the park map
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.”
