Lake of Three Fires State Park birth and growth story
Bedford Iowa’s Lake of Three Fires evolved from a 1932 fishermen group to a full state park opening on March 24 1938. CCC WPA and local supporters funded land purchases dam building and infrastructure while naming the lake after a three tribes legend and guiding the park’s early development and public access.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bedford
Iowa
Times-Press
the Lake of Three Fires
Will H. Dily
NRA
WPA
CCC
Sam Park
Biarritz
France
C. C. Mohler
Bibbins Park
Council Bluffs
State Park
National Park Service
Towa
State Conservation Commission
State Board of Health
Camping Growth at Three Fires State Park Near Bedford
More than 5,000 campers registered at Three Fires last year for 12,623 guest days at the park three miles north of Bedford. In 1962 the park logged 5,347 campers versus 4,444 in 1961 with total camper fees of 2,288.35 dollars. The Iowa state system shows 215,396 campers in 1962 versus 160,569 in 1961 across all parks.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bedford
Joe Murphy
State Conservation Commission
Iowa
Lake Park
Omaha Walking Club Visits Three Fires
The Omaha Walking Club spent a May weekend at Lake of Three Fires State Park. Twenty of its 150 members attended a three day outing, the eighth visit since 1919, with hikes led on Sundays and routes near Fontennelle Forest. The June bulletin urges care for wildflowers and not to litter trails.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Omaha
Group of
Council Bluffs
Bluffs
Missouri
Fontennelle Forest
Spic & Span
Improvements at Lake of Three Fires Park Update
The Lake of Three Fires park has added six modern cabins near the north shore and a bath house with toilets. Camping spaces for 100 plus units, picnic grounds, shelter house, a new paved parkway, beach parking, and abundant tables and stoves are available with treated water. Joe Murphy serves as custodian with family living near the park entrance. Contact for cabin rental camping space or fishing licenses via Mr. and Mrs. Joe Murphy. Iola Reed handles the beach and bath concession and life guards are on duty during hours.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Joe Murphy
Iola Reed
Bedford
Bath
Bath House
Bedford's Oldest Firm Thompson Mercantile Co
Bedford marks Thompson Mercantile Co as its oldest business, established in 1868, highlighting long standing local commerce.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bedford
Thompson Mercantile Co
Also Mentioned on This Page
And
Bedford, Iowa
Lake & Park
Southwest Town
Bedford Times-Press
Three Fires State Park
New Lake
Guy Liggett
Conway
Lake Fund
Community Club
John Prugh
Frank Wetmore
Ed Ahrens
Harry Erwin
Ben Fuller
John Nevins
Prugh
Ken Fuller
Lute Taylor
Guy
State Conservation Board
Focal Fund
Fred Kernen
Carl Kernen
R. C. Griffith
K. E. Stephens
J. S. Nevins
W. E. Crum
Lake Lexington
Iowa State Conservation Commission
Des Moines
Masonic Temple
M. L. Hutton
Conservation Commission
Skylark
Vais
Hiway
Bedford’s Modern Food
Ent
Lake of
Mrs
Yola Reed
Jeter
West
Main
Town
D-X
Main Street
Main Street Cafe
Lake of 3
LOWRY
Three Park
Caskey
Wrecker & A.A.A
FORD
Taylor County Motor Co
Hardin Theatre
NEW, Modern Theatre
Conoco
Hamburger
Weat Main &T
Beauty Haven
TiMg
Rainbow Motel
Hiway 2
Edge of
OATH
ICE
C & Dee
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