The Green Castle Recreation Area was purchased in 1977. The hilly 116 1/2 acre area has a 16-acre lake. The site provides for public fishing, trails for hiking, wildlife exhibit, observatory, and day-use picnic facilities only 11 miles from downtown Marshalltown.
Three shelter houses provide picnic facilities with an excellent view of the lake. All shelters are on a first-come/first-served basis with one exception. The Gander Lookout shelter adjacent to the playground may be reserved for a fee of $75 a day with a $100 refundable deposit. For more information about reserving the shelter and availability of it, please call 641-752-5490.
The lake has good populations of Largemouth Bass, northern, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Bullhead, red-eared sunfish, and walleye also be found. White Amur, also known as "grass carp" have been stocked to help keep aquatic vegetation under control. Several fishing jetties have been built along the shoreline with numerous submerged fish shelters. Carry-in canoes and kayaks are also allowed.
The area, with several restored native prairie areas, is designated a wildlife refuge. A small bison herd and Trumpeter Swan exhibits are located on the south side of the park. An observatory, managed by the Amateur Astronomers of Central Iowa, is located near the bison pen.
Green Castle Recreation Area
http://www.co.marshall.ia.us/departments/conservation/conservation-and-recreation-areas/green-castle-recreation-area
The Green Castle Recreation Area was purchased in 1977. The hilly 116 1/2 acre area has a 16-acre lake. The site provides for public fishing, trails for hiking, wildlife exhibit, observatory, and day-use picnic facilities only 11 miles from downtown Marshalltown.
Three shelter houses provide picnic facilities with an excellent view of the lake. All shelters are on a first-come/first-served basis with one exception. The Gander Lookout shelter adjacent to the playground may be reserved for a fee of $75 a day with a $100 refundable deposit. For more information about reserving the shelter and availability of it, please call 641-752-5490.
The lake has good populations of Largemouth Bass, northern, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Bullhead, red-eared sunfish, and walleye also be found. White Amur, also known as "grass carp" have been stocked to help keep aquatic vegetation under control. Several fishing jetties have been built along the shoreline with numerous submerged fish shelters. Carry-in canoes and kayaks are also allowed.
The area, with several restored native prairie areas, is designated a wildlife refuge. A small bison herd and Trumpeter Swan exhibits are located on the south side of the park. An observatory, managed by the Amateur Astronomers of Central Iowa, is located near the bison pen.