Programs may be subject to change. Outdoor programs will be cancelled if raining. Call the Corps of Engineers office at (641) 828-7522 or (641) 628-8690 if you have questions or wish to confirm scheduled program dates, times and locations.
Froggin’ at Red Rock
Friday, May 23 - 8:30 p.m. - Howell Station Amphitheater
Saturday, May 24 - 8:30 p.m.- North Overlook Amphitheater
Croaks, churps, trills and burps...who’s making all that noise? Spring is a great time to enjoy the serenades of native frogs and toads. Join Ranger Tracy Spry to learn how to identify the lake area’s amphibians and recognize some of their calls. After a short program at the amphitheater, we’ll hike to a pool and try to spot the little critters in concert.
Wetland Exploration
Saturday, May 24 - 1 p.m. - South Tailwater Rec. Area
Saturday, July 12 - 1 p.m. - South Tailwater Rec. Area
Jion Ranger Tracy Spry to do a little “mucking” at one of the lake area wetlands. Dip nets and tubes will be available for you to try to catch some of the critters swimming and crawling in and around the area. Mucking can be messy. Wear old shoes and clothes.
Outside-the-Dam Tour
Sunday, May 25 - 5 p.m.
Monday, May 26 - 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 1 - 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 15 - 11 a.m.
Saturday, July 5 - 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 12 - 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 13 - 11 a.m.
Saturday, July 19 - 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 26 - 5 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 2 - 5 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 23 - 5 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 31 - 5 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 1 - 11 a.m.
Are you curious about the history of the Red Rock Dam and how it works? Join a park ranger to hear all about its very crucial fole along the Des Moines River. See historic photos of its construction and learn some great “gee-whiz” facts. Meet the ranger in the North Tailwater Recreatin Area. Follow the path leading from the parking lot to the base of the dam.
Bugs: The Good, the Bad and the Really Bad
Sunday, May 25 - 2 p.m. - Whitebreast Campground
Sunday, July 13 - 9 a.m. - North Overlook Campground
Don’t sqush that bug. It may have a special job to do! Go exploring for creepy crawlies with Park Ranger Junifer Kruse and learn about beneficial bugs and those that are truly pests.
Creatures of the Night Hike
Sunday, May 25 - 9 p.m. - Wallashuck Campground
Friday, Aug. 22 - 9 p.m. - Wallashuck Campground
Friday, Aug. 29 - 9 p.m. - Howell Station Campground
Hike along a woodland trail in search of the night shift. Follow the tracks left behind by the critters of the night and listen for owl calls and other lurking creatures. Don’t forget to bring your flashlight.
The Earth is a Peppercorn
Friday, May 30 - 7:30 p.m. - Whitebreast Campground
Saturday, May 31 - 7:30 p.m. - Howell Station Campground
If the Earth is a peppercorn, then the sun is a beachball. Join Ranger Junifer Kruse to explore the solar system right here on Earth.
Bike with a Ranger
Saturday, May 31 - 10 a.m. - Bike Trail/N. Overlook Picnic Area
Sunday, June 29 - 9 a.m. - Bike Trail/Wallashuck Camp.
Sunday, July 27 - 9 a.m. - Bike Trail bridge/Howell Station
Explore Red Rock’s trails and learn about the
lake area along the way.
Owls: Hunters of the Night
Friday, June 6 - 9 p.m. - North Overlook Amphitheater
Saturday, June 7 - 9 p.m. - Whitebreast Amphitheater
Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all? Some people call them “hoot owls,” but there’s more than one kind of owl keeping you up at night.
and provide other viewing tips. Don’t forget your binoculars, and
Micro-Monsters of Iowa’s Wetlands
Friday, June 20 - 9 p.m. - North Overlook Amphitheater
Friday, Aug. 1 - 9 p.m. - Howell Station Amphitheater
Saturday, Aug. 9 - 2 p.m. - Red Rock Visitor Center
Monsters DO exist......they’re just really tiny! Take a close look at some of the creepy crawlies that “lurk” in Iowa wetlands, and learn about their role as indicators of our water quality.
GeoCacheing
Saturday, June 14 - 10:30 p.m. - Howell Station Campground
You’re never too old for hide and seek: Have some fun and give GeoCacheing a try. This sport uses the technology of GPS (or Global Positioning Systems) to hunt for caches hidden in an area. Bring your own GPS or borrow one from us for the activity. Learn some of the basics, then try it on your own anywhere you travel.
Live Performance of “A MidSummer Night’s Dream,” by William Shakespeare (Abridged Version)
Performed by Pella Shakespeare Company
Saturday, June 14 - 5 p.m. Howell Station Ampitheater
Saturday, June 21 - 5 p.m. Howell Station Ampitheater
“A MidSummer Night’s Dream” follows the comedic pursuit of love through the night’s forest of dreams filled with meddling fairies and illusions. Just remember, “The course of true love never did run smooth.”
Live Performance of “Julius Caesar,” by William Shakespeare (Abridged Version)
Performed by Theater for a Change
Saturday, June 14 - 7 p.m. - Howell Station Ampitheater
The noble Brutus finds himself on the horns off a dilemma. Is he being swayed by the self-serving plots of political opportunists, or does Caesar, the man who has loved him as a son, really intend to see himself crowned an emperor? The heavens are troubled, nightmares portend war, and an air of impending doom pervades the Roman state. Does this sound like an election year? “Et tu, Brute?”
