Friends of Lake Darling started in 2003 and has funded and completed many projects that enhance Park's facilities.
A few of the Friend's activities that can add adventure to your Lake Darling visit.
Halloween Hike
An annual event that brings campers and local Trick or Treaters together for an evening of fun. 
Youth Nature Packs are available at the Boat Rental. 
Nature Packs at Boat Rental

Friend's operate the boat rental from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Friends of Lake Darling Projects.
The Friends of Lake Darling is a group of volunteers who works to enhance camping, biking, fishing, hiking, boating, swimming, nature study, picnicking, canoeing, and enjoyment of outdoor recreation. A few of our accomplishments include: Ding Darling Trail, Ding Darling Welcome Area, Four Season Cabins, Four Seasons Lodge & Grills, Beach Playground, Beach Shelter & Restroom, Osprey Nesting Poles, and Park Shop Roofing.

Ding Darling greets people at the Park entrance. 

The Friends of Lake Darling placed a bust of Ding Darling at the Kiosk area near the entrance to the Park.  Ding was a national leader in conservation protection and his cartoons illustrated the need for environmental education.  The Iowa Conservation Commission dedicated the lake in Washington County to Ding for his dedication to improving our understanding ecology. 

140 Foot Pedestrian Bridge Made Possible by Jerry B. Robinson Donation.

Lake Darling recently completed a 140 foot pedestrian bridge spanning the silt dam. Funding for the bridge and its installation was made possible by Richland native Jerry B. Robinson, currently of Engelwood Colorado, through a grant of $200,000. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources supervisor Tom Basten said the ADA approaches to the bridge were funded with funds from Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Funds allocated to the park in 2018.

2018 Washington County Riverboat Foundation Grant for Trail Expansion

Thanks to the Washington County Riverboat Foundation for our $135,000 grant to expand our paved ADA accessible trail beyond our new pedestrian bridge and to the large group campground at the East side of the park.