Fort Defiance State Park - Estherville, IA - Iowa State Parks

 
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Contact Info

Phone:
712-337-3211
Website:
View Website
Welcome to Fort Defiance State Park
Fort Defiance State Park is named for the fort that once stood in the nearby community of Estherville. In the mid-19th century there was considerable concern among the settlers about the possibility of attacks by hostiles. In March of 1857, forty men, women and children were massacred near Spirit Lake and Okoboji. In 1862, a wounded 15-year old boy stumbled into town with the story of an Indian massacre in Jackson, Minnesota. This brought terror into the community and Captain W.H. Ingham and Company A of the Northern Border Brigade were dispatched to Estherville to construct Fort Defiance. The townspeople eventually moved into the enclosure but the feared Indian attack never came. Over time, the fort was taken apart and the timbers used to build cabins.

Amenities

Within Facility
Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
A lodge constructed in the style of an old army outpost is an excellent place for group gatherings such as reunions and wedding receptions. The lodge may be reserved online through the park reservation system. An open shelter is available on a first-come, first-served basis at no fee.

Camping
Fort Defiance State Park has 16 campsites. The camping area is non-modern. No flush toilets or showers are present. However, electrical hookups are available at eight sites. All camping permits are obtained through self-registration at the campground. Camping Fees can be paid at the site.

Trails
Several trails take you around the park and through the hills and woodlands that make up Fort Defiance. Equestrian use is allowed on three of the trails. During winter months the park is a popular place for cross country skiing. Fort Defiance State Park's 191 acres of rugged woodland provide a beautiful contrast to the gently rolling surrounding farmlands. The park's trails, picnic areas and scenic overlooks provide a great place to relax. Its lush cover of vegetation includes hawthorn, plum, locust and many species of the state tree - the oak. In the spring, the slopes are speckled with trillium, bloodroot, hepatica and violets. A small prairie with native grasses and flowers, including the endangered prairie bush clover, thrives on a secluded knoll.



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