Located just south of Highway 30 and west of the town of Colo, Hickory Grove is the largest and most popular of the Story County Conservation destination parks. At 445 acres this park offers swimming, fishing and boating on a 98 acre lake to go along with the great camping.

The campsite includes 42 modern sites with electricity that will run you $17.00 per night.  The pads are 10' wide by 50' long with an additional 10 by 20 pad for a second vehicle.  There is a modern shower house found in the main camping area.  They also have 10 primitive camping sites that will cost $7.00 per night.  Additional amenities at the campsite includes supervised youth camping and senior discounts for persons over 62 years of age.

The 98 acre lake offers two boat ramps with docks to launch boats of all sizes. The lake is slated as an electric motor only due to the relatively small size of the body of water.  Your fishing fair includes largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish.  Unofficially I've even heard of rare cases of tiger musky jumping on bass baits!  There is a very nice sand beach which allows swimming, although there are no life guards so you must swim at your own risk. On the weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there is a concession with boats, canoes, baits and refreshments on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8pm.

If you're looking for a day use facility Hickory Grove offers 5 open picnic shelters that are available on a first come first serve basis.  There are also two enclosed lodges with fireplaces, electricity and outside grills which can be reserved by calling 515-232-2516.  The units can be rented in three different time periods from 5-10am, 10:30am-4pm and 4:30 - 10pm.The larger facility can accommodate up to 100 people and rented for $40.00 per period while the other can hold up to 75 people and can be rented for $25.00 per period.

The campground opens April 1st and closes on December 1st each year. And although the campground is closed during the winter, the activities continue and include ice fishing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. If you're looking for a central Iowa destination check out Hickory Grove Park located in Story County!