Friends of Lake Darling State Park

About Lake Daring
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Dedication 1950

Lake Darling was developed in 1950, it was Iowa’s largest man-made lake, with 302 surface acres. Legendary Iowa political cartoonist Ding Darling participated in the gate closing ceremony.
​Soon came campgrounds, a beach building and picnic areas, as the park became well-known as a wonderful place of recreation.

Jay "Ding" Darling

Champion of Conservation

Ding was at the dedication of the park to close the gate and start filling the lake.  A world-renowned cartoonist of both political and conservation subjects.  He was a national leader of conservation efforts & was appointed the Chief of the Bureau of the Biological Survey and developed the Duck Stamp program as well as drawing the first stamp. His roots in Iowa run deep.  He was instrumental in getting the Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Units established and Iowa State University was the first one funded in part by Ding himself.

Friends Get Involved

Membership

Join Friends of Lake Darling and help make Lake Darling State Park a distinctive natural recreation area.​
Join our group, donate to a project, participate in a project, contribute to our endowment, and leave a legacy. You make the difference between GREAT and EXTRAORDINARY!