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Lost Island Lake features 5000 acres of surrounding wetlands and
almost 300 species of birds, making it one of the top birding area
in the Midwest. Lost Island is located 3 miles north of Ruthven and
15 miles north of Fostoria -- it is Iowa’s sixth largest natural
lake. |
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Photography by Amelia
Painter
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Wildlife Observation Blinds can be
found in strategic locations near the lake.
Lost Island is nearly circular in shape and the
shoreline is characteristic of both knob and kettle terrain, with
areas of low relief and consists of nearly level to moderately
sloping banks. |
| The easy lake access stairway,
pictured to the right, is
located just below the well-maintained Visitor's
Center.
This beautiful lake area, with a
county park on one side, and the Department of Natural Resources
on the other, is a bird watchers paradise.
Formed by the Des Moines Lobe of the Wisconsin
glacial period approximately 12,000 to 15,000 years ago. The
shallow bowl shaped basin has a surface area of 1,266 acres, a
maximum depth of 14 feet, a mean depth of 10 feet and 7.5 miles of
shoreline. |
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The Visitor Center is filled with
photographs, information and is a great educational adventure for
families.
The Visitor's Center also attracts educators
bringing school children on field trips. |
| Lost Island Lake is an important
multi-use recreation area in Clay and Palo Alto Counties. On its
shores is Huston Park, a County Conservation Board park that
provides camping, picnicking and hiking plus shore and boat
access. Other facilities include:
A
Fishing Pier, Fish Cleaning
Facility, Wildlife Observation Blinds, picnic tables, grilling
areas, hiking trails, swimming beach, and RV camping area that has
electricity and hot showers.
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