Friends of Fort Defiance State Park

  • Work Nights

    Work nights are on the first and third Tuesdays of the month starting early Spring. Come join us at the Lodge.

    Board Meeting

    Spring Cleanup workday is coming up soon. We will be cleaning the lodge and lodge area, putting out picnic tables and more. Stay Tuned. TBA.

  • Upcoming Events


    Get out and enjoy the park today!

  • Quick Links

    •Donate
    •Lodge Reservations
    (Or Call 877-427-2757)
    •Download Trail Map
    •Download Brochure
    •Contact

  • About Friends of Fort Defiance

    Dedicated to preserving and protecting the park.

    In 2006, the Friends of Ft. Defiance was formed to address the growing problem of an eroding trail system. Today, we work to maintain the park's features, and have also completed many, many park improvement projects. We are actively taking part in preserving, protecting and improving our local treasure.

    • Members

      John Wittneben - Pres
      Alan Morphew - V.P.
      Laura Young - Treasurer

      Come join us at our board meetings - 7pm on the third Tuesday of the winter months in the community room of the Estherville Public Library.

    • Projects

      new park benches added
      new fire rings added
      upgraded electrical in campground
      new trails opened
      new bridges added
      prairie ecosystem component added

    • Work Nights

      Join us on the first and third Tuesdays of the month starting in spring. Come find us at the lodge.

    • How to Help

      donate
      volunteer
      membership

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About

Fort Defiance State Park

Fort Defiance State Park is 231 acres of Iowa wilderness located just outside of Estherville, Iowa.

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    Park History

    Fort Defiance was officially dedicated as a state park by the DNR in 1931. The East entrance was dedicated in 1936.
    The Lodge, the main gathering place of the park, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the style of an old army outpost was completely refurbished in 2001 and is a very popular location for weddings, gatherings, and reunions.

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    Trails

    The trail system in Fort Defiance State Park holds something for everyone. From the extensive prairie area trails to the depths of the ravine, Fort Defiance has trails for all skill levels and personal tastes.

    Hiking, equestrian, self-guided interpretive trail, cross-country skiing, showshoeing, and more

    Click for trail map

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    Lodge Bookings

    For bookings in the main Lodge (Universally accessible, seasonal day use, available for reservation), click here

    or call: 877.427.2757


    Our Open Shelter House is available on a first-come first-served basis. Picnic areas are located throughout the park.

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    Camping

    8 electric sites
    8 non-electric sites
    non-modern campsites (no showers)


    Campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis only. No reservations.

EVENTS

Fort Defiance State Park is host to a variety of events throughout the year.
  • Past Events

    Past events include an annual Halloween Fright Hike, Relays and other races, Music Concerts, and much more.

  • Upcoming Events

    Friends of Fort Defiance will be hosting the annual Spring Cleanup worknight soon. Date TBA.

How to Help

Friends of Fort Defiance State Park takes great pride in maintaining and improving Fort Defiance State Park. But we can't do it without the support of good people like you.

  • Join Us

    The membership fee is $10, make check payable to:

    friends of fort defiance
    membership committee
    po box 314
    estherville, IA 51334

  • Volunteer

    Work nights are on the first and third Tuesdays of the month in the Spring and Summer. Come join us at the Lodge.

  • Donate

    Your donations help cover costs of maintaining and improving Fort Defiance State Park. Click here to donate.

Contact Us.

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