John F. Kennedy Memorial Park

John F. Kennedy Memorial Park is the largest and most popular area managed by the Webster County Conservation Board.  Construction of Kennedy Park began in 1962 and the park was officially dedicated in 1965.

The park is a 400 acre multi-use facility that offers something for everyone.  Whether you have an entire weekend or just a few hours, you will find fun and excitement for the whole family.  There are 6 open shelter houses with grills scattered throughout the park that are on a first-come first-serve basis.  Many shady picnic sites are available with grills, water, playground equipment, and sanitary facilites. There are miles of hiking trails as well as a softball field and a volleyball court located in the park. Keep scrolling to see more of Kennedy Park ammenities.

Camping at Kennedy Park
Q & A for Campers View as Webpage Printable pdf Brochure The Camping Cabin at Kennedy Park is available to stay in on a reservation basis.  The reservations can be made starting January 1st for the upcoming camping season.  The cabin is 12 ft x 18 ft and can sleep up to 5 people.  There is a bunk bed and futon inside as well as a mini fridge and a microwave.  There is no running water but a hydrant is next to the cabin.  The cabin is heated and air-conditioned.  Check-in time is 3:00 pm and the check-out time is 12:00. noon. Q & A for Cabin Rental View as Webpage Printable pdf Brochure	Rates for 2008 Season Full Hook-up Campsite $17.00 per night Electric Only Campsite $15.00 per night Primitive (Tent) Campsite $11.00 per night Camping Cabin $100 Damage Deposit Sun-Th $40 per night Fri-Sat $50 per night -Must rent Fri-Sat together Firewood $3.00 for 10 pieces Dump Station $5.00 (non-campers) No Reservations 2 week limit stay (no more than 14 days out of a 21 day period between Labor Day and Memorial Day) Handicapped accessible restroom & shower facility Firewood available at scheduled times Camp host May-September Playground Sunday church service Pets allowed. Must be supervised and on a leash no longer than 6 ft. Camping Cabin Rental
The Kennedy Park Campground offers large, shaded sites for all types of camping-from the weekend tent camper to the full-time camper.  Conveniently located just four miles north of Fort Dodge on County Road P-56, the park offers the camping enthusiast one of the finest camping facilities around.  With over 100 sites, the campground contains modern restrooms and shower facilities that are cleaned daily.

Badger Lake
Fishing Fishing docks provided Handicapped accessible fishing jetty Boat Ramp (No gas motors) Swimming beach (No lifeguard on duty) Paddleboat rental ($6.00 / hour) Hiking trail (Map)
Badger Lake is located in the center of Kennedy Park and offers numerous recreational opportunities.  It is a 45-acre man-made lake stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and northern pike.  The lake can be fished year-round providing both good open water and ice fishing success.  Only electric trolling motors are allowed for use in the lake.  A boat ramp with a courtesy dock as well as a handicap accessible fishing dock is located on the south side of the lake in the middle of the park. A swimming beach is located down the hill from the Heun Shelter. Paddleboats are available for rent.

Reception and Nature Center

Our reception and nature center is located on the main road above the boat launch. Informative brochures, maps, and field guides are available for references. The nature center contains dozens of mounted animals displayed in their natural habitats. Future plans include interactive displays also. The center is open when staff is present or by appointment. Live specimens may be on display at various times of the year.

Lakeside Municipal Golf Course

Located within walking distance of the campground is the 18 hole Lakeside Municipal Golf Course.  This is a Par 72 course with wide open long front 9 and challenging short back 9 with water affecting 5 holes, many trees and sharp dog leg holes.  Weekday and weekend/holiday rates for 9 and 18 holes are available.  For more information visit the Lakeside Municipal Golf Course website or contact the Lakeside Golf Course at 515-576-6741.

There is so much more at Kennedy Park!
Children's Forest	Children's Playground	Nature Trail
Open Shelters with grills and picnic tables	Bird Blind Viewing and Feeding Station	Butterfly Garden and Model Backyard
Wildlife Area	Remote Control Airplane Flying Area	Dog Training Area July 15-March 15
Veterans Memorial Park		Wintertime Activities