Cody Shooting Complex

A photo of the 30 yard range under construction with blue sky.
A close up photo of the steel baffling under construction on the 30 yard range
A photo of the 100 yard range under construction with blue sky.
A photo of the registration building at Olofson Range is Des Moines
A renditional photo of the proposed baffling system

The Cody Shooting Complex is owned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Shooting Sports Program and operated by Scott County Conservation.  Target shooting is a lifetime sport that families can enjoy together and is one of the safest activities available today.  In addition, target shooting teaches the fundamental marksmanship skills required for hunting and provides multiple avenues for families to get involved in hunting and other outdoor pursuits.

The vision of Cody Shooting Complex is to help ensure the future of hunting and sports education and training for generations to come by providing readily available, high-quality facilities, staffing, and programming. 

For more information on locations and amenities at both public and private shooting ranges located in Iowa, click here.


Amenities and Ranges

  • Range Check-In Building
  • Restrooms and Hand-Washing Station
  • 30-Yard Handgun Range with 20 Bays
  • 100-Yard Rifle/Shotgun Range with 12 Bays
  • Targets Available for Purchase
  • Planned for Phase 2 (to be completed by December 2026): Archery Range, Classroom, Registration Building

Along with providing a place for shooters of all skill levels to practice with their firearms, the complex will be host to numerous special events and educational classes throughout the year.


Safety and Rules

Pay attention to the posted firearm shooting safety rules throughout the property while visiting the Cody Shooting Complex. Please remember:

  • All shooters must register in the range office.
  • Ear and eye protection are required at all times on the gun ranges.
  • Always keep the muzzle pointed downrange.
  • When the range is cold, firearms must be unloaded with the action locked open. Target shooters may only go downrange at this time to put up or take down targets.
  • Children are welcome under adult supervision.
  • No smoking is allowed.
  • No alcohol is allowed.
  • Any violation of the range rules will result in prompt expulsion.

Safety is the top priority at Cody, and we need your help to keep everyone safe.


Hours of Operation

DAY MAR 1 - OCT 31 NOV 1 -FEB 28/29
MON/TUE Closed Closed
WED/THURS/FRI

11:00 am - 5:00 pm

11:00 am - 4:00 pm

SAT/SUN

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

*Last check-in will be 1/2 hour before close

HOLIDAY RANGE CLOSURE

January 1st (New Year's Day), Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4th (Independence Day), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, December 24th (Christmas Eve), December 25th (Christmas Day), and December 31 (New Year's Eve)

WINTER WEATHER CLOSURE POLICY

  • Forecasted high temperature or wind chill for Scott County according to the National Weather Service not to be above 20 degrees Fahrenheit for the majority of the normal operating hours.
  • Winter Storm Warning issued for Scott County
  • Travel Advisory issued for Scott County
  • High Wind Warning issued for Scott County

We apologize for any inconvenience that our weather-related closures may cause. The health and safety of our range patrons and staff are extremely important to us, so that is why they are in place. Weather closings and delays will be posted here.

Features

Flyer advertising the event.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 10:30am to 2:00pm

Once a month the Wapsi River EE Center will be hosting a day just for homeschoolers!

Joins us for themed programming led by our Naturalists! The goal of this series is to immerse children in the natural world and help them experience seasonal phenomena in a hands-on way.

Most appropriate for K-8th grades, though all ages welcome. There is a program fee of $3/person payable at registration. Please come prepared for the weather because muck of the planned programming will take place outdoors. Please bring a lunch.

May: Prairie-themed!

Online registration is required for every participant (parents included). To register click on [ Click Title for Full Article ]

Flyer advertising the event.
Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 3:00pm

Join Naturalist Mike for a lesson on spring woodland wildflowers at the Wapsi River Center. Mayapple, bloodroot, and hepatica are just some of the many wonderful wildflowers to discover. Please wear sturdy waterproof shoes for this woodland adventure.

Online registration is required. Click link to go to our website to register: Wildflower Hike

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 3:00pm

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.

Flyer advertising the event.
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm

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 skills to the test and prepare a pizza topped with pesto and other foraged greens and mushrooms over a campfire!

Online registration is required: Wild Edibles

Flyer advertising the event.
Sunday, May 25, 2025 - 11:00am to Monday, May 26, 2025 - 4:00pm

Sunday May 25 & Monday May 26

Celebrate an Old Fashioned Family Memorial Weekend at Pioneer Village!

Enjoy kid's activities, Wapsi Wranglers "shoot-out", food vendors, blacksmithing, & ice cream in the Soda Fountain

Admission: $2 for Adult and $1 for Children

Flyer advertising the event.
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 10:00am

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: Archery Basics

Flyer advertising the event.
Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm

Come join staff to learn how to turn forage items into paint! We will go over safe harvest techniques, how to make your own watercolor paint, and then create an art piece to take home!

Program fee of $ per person for supplies, payable at registration.

Online registration is required: Foraged Fine Arts

Flyer advertising the event.
Friday, April 11, 2025 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Join Wapsi River Center Director and LNT Master Educator, Dave Murcia for a presentation on camping basics that emphasize Leave No Trace ethics and principles.

Register on-line at Campfire.

Flyer advertising the event.
Saturday, June 14, 2025 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Stop by and visit a Wapsi Naturalist to learn about Iowa mammals. There will be furs, skulls, and tracks for a hands-on experience for all ages!

Online registration is recommended: Summer Shelter Program

Flyer advertising the event.
Thursday, June 19, 2025 - 10:00am

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 ]

Flyer advertising the event.
Thursday, June 19, 2025 - 1:00pm

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 ]

Flyer advertising the event.
Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 10:00am

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 ]

Flyer advertising the event.
Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 1:00pm

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 ]

Flyer advertising the event.
Saturday, July 12, 2025 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Stop by and visit a Wapsi Naturalist to learn about Iowa mammals. There will be furs, skulls, and tracks for a hands-on experience for all ages!

Online registration is recommended: Summer Shelter Program

Scott County is accepting online applications for the following position: 

Conservation Department (Seasonal) $16.00 to $18.00 per hour

Application Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 2:15pm Central Time.

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