Buffalo Shores is a twenty-five acre recreation area located off of State Highway 22, just downstream from Buffalo, Iowa, on the Mississippi River. A double boat ramp, free beach, ample parking, toilets, water, and picnicking are available in the park's day use area. In addition, overnight camping is offered at the 65-site campground, which provides 50-amp electrical service, water, concrete patios, beachfront sites, modern shower house, playrground and a dump station.
Free beach, boat ramp, picnicking in day use area.
Open April through October: 6:00AM - 10:30PM
Note: The Park is closed 10:30PM - 6:00AM
Buffalo Shores
1433 W Front St
Buffalo, Iowa 52728
(563) 328-3281
The Scott County Conservation Board normally meets the second Wednesday of every month at the West Lake Park Headquarters office. Find agendas and minutes when available.
Come Learn about the many wild edibles in your own neck of the woods. We will focus on foraging basics, foraging safety, identifying plants, and preparing wild edibles. We will take a hike outdoors to identify and forage some of the spring wild edibles available during this time. After the hike, put your cast iron cooking skills to the test and make an egg bake out of our foraged ingredients over a campfire!
Online registration is required. Click link to go to our website to register: Spring Wild Edibles
Nature Journaling allows new perspectives to be discovered by looking at nature in a new way. Join Naturalist Clarah for a guided experience to start your journal.
Bring your favorite lawn chair, journal, and writing tools to add your personal touch. (Journals and writing tools will also be provided to those who need them)
Online registration is required. Please go to our website to register: Journaling
Bring your littles out to the Wapsi River Center for some fun FREE stories and nature play!
Th Scott County Library System's Bookmobile* will be there with lots of stories and the Wapsi River Center has plenty of places to explore! Ages 3 and under welcome to attend with their adults.
Registration not required. *You do NOT have to be a Scott County resident to enjoy the Bookmobile!
Come out to the Wapsi to dispel the myths and legends of bats! We will have several learning opportunities and activities throughout the evening! We recommend bringing insect repellent and a flashlight if you are planning to go on the hike.
Online registration is required. Click link to go to our website to register:
7-8 pm Build a Bat house - $10/house hold please bring a hammer
8-dusk Bat Presentation & Hike
Join Wapsi River Center Staff for an adventure with Kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or a regular paddler, come out to learn basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour around Lake of the Hills. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations
This program is determined by weather and site conditions. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./ solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem.
Online registration is required. Click here to register [ Click Title for Full Article ]
Join Wapsi River Center Staff for an adventure with Kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or a regular paddler, come out to learn basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour around Lake of the Hills. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations
This program is determined by weather and site conditions. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./ solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem.
Online registration is required. Click here to register [ Click Title for Full Article ]
Learn how to use a bow and arrow in this fun, informative and free hands-on class! Children must be in the 4th grade or above to participate and accompanied by an adult. Adults are welcome to participate as well! Park in Parking Lot A and meet at the Observatory. This event is weather permitting.
Online registration is required. Click the link to register: Archery Basics
Learn about the cause and effect of the decline pollinator populations through the Great Sunflower project . You will get to participate in a pollinator count and then make an insect hotel that you can take home and install in your own garden using recyclable items. Please bring empty cans or bottles for the insect hotels.
Online registration is required. Please click the link to register: Pollinator
Join Wapsi River Center Staff for an adventure with Kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or a regular paddler, come out to learn basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour around Lake of the Hills. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations
This program is determined by weather and site conditions. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./ solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem.
Online registration is required. Click here to register [ Click Title for Full Article ]
Join Wapsi River Center Staff for an adventure with Kayaks. Whether you are a beginner or a regular paddler, come out to learn basics. Program includes all equipment use, covers safety, techniques, and taking a tour around Lake of the Hills. You may bring your own vessel/PFD, though it must comply with IADNR regulations
This program is determined by weather and site conditions. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Weight capacity loads for kayaks are 250-300 lbs./ solo and 425-475 lbs./tandem.
Online registration is required. Click here to register [ Click Title for Full Article ]
Come join Wapsi River Center staff and learn to become more sustainable by creating your own health and home products made with natural ingredients. Making your own natural products is customizable, and it's FUN! We will make dandelion lotion bars and more. We will also learn about upcycling and reducing your footprint on the planet! Participants must be 7 years and older. The program costs $8/person for supplies.
Online registration is required. Please click the link to register: Health & Home
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $14.00 to $16.00 per hour
Conservation Department (Seasonal) $12.00 to $14.00 per hour
Conservation Department (Full-time) $24.50 to $26.50 per hour plus benefits.