"Watch for the brown and white arrowhead signs pointing your way to Dubuque County Conservation Board Areas in Iowa"

One of Swiss Valley Nature Preserve's famous
suspension bridges
Photo by: Carol Freund

About Us

The Dubuque County Conservation Board consists of five County residents who are appointed by the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors and given, by terms of the State Code of Iowa, the responsibility "…to acquire, develop, maintain, and make available to the inhabitants of the County [and its visitors] public parks, preserves, parkways, playgrounds, recreation centers, county forests, wildlife and other conservation areas, and to promote and preserve the health and welfare of the people, to encourage the orderly development and conservation of natural resources, and to cultivate good citizenship by providing adequate programs of public recreation."

The Dubuque County Conservation Board was created in 1957. Since that time the Board members, serving without pay, have supervised the acquisition and development of over 1,600 acres of parks, preserves, and recreation areas for Dubuque County residents and guests. The Conservation Board is supported in part by County tax funds, with the remainder of the budget originating in user fees, grant programs, and donations, all providing an investment in the future of Dubuque County.

The increasing leisure-time available to all segments of our society has resulted in an ever-growing demand for access to public outdoor recreation facilities. The Conservation Board program seeks to insure that in the future all Dubuque County residents and visitors may have ample opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty and recreational promise of the area. The Conservation Board invites you to show your support for their work by the responsible use of the County Parks. Enjoy them at every opportunity, and remember to leave them as you would like to find them. Spend time viewing scenic vistas along the Mississippi River from one of our river access areas. Learn of our County's rugged natural beauty and cultural heritage. Take a leisurely hike or bike ride, or play a competitive round of golf. Like winter? Try cross-country skiing, winter hiking, snowmobiling, or ice fishing. Whatever the season, whatever your interest, you will find that our recreation areas really do offer "Something for Everyone".