UNION COUNTY
Established in 1853, just prior to the civil war, Union County was named for the ‘union’ that people hoped to preserve. While the first permanent inhabitants began to arrive in 1849, it was the Mormons, on their way west, who created the first settlement village of Mt. Pisgah as a way station.
My visit to Union County was full of surprises. I know very little about the Mormon history and didn’t completely understand the whole Mormon trail thing beyond the road signs scattered across the state and what little I had retained from history class. I was heading to a completely different park when I saw the sign for Mt. Pisgah and made a last minute decision to take a few minutes to check it out.
In my search for the conservation board offices I happened across my second lovely surprise of the day…Three Mile Recreation Area! Arriving at the entrance to the park I found myself completely distracted by a full vista of the lake, campground and surrounding wooded areas. Sunset would be the perfect time to catch this view.
Mt. Pisgah
From 1846 to 1852 this area was a bustling settlement that gave refuge to Mormons traveling from Nauvoo, Illinois to Utah. Today, except for the neighboring farmers tractor, it is a peaceful little green space, perfect for a picnic or afternoon nap. I found myself taken in by the history and its beautiful views to the west, overlooking Iowa farmland and Grand River.
Mt. Pisgah Memorial
Shaded Green space
Parking
Three Mile Recreation Area
If you enjoy fishing, camping and beautiful views, then a visit here would not disappoint. With well over 2,500 acres, including an 880 acre lake, this might be one of the cleanest recreation areas I’ve ever seen. To my knowledge there are no designated walking trails but there is plenty of space to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Campground
Year-Round Cabins
Fishing
Beach
Wifi - at campground
Prairie
Boat Ramp
Newly built Lodge
Hunting
Open Air Shelters
Kelley Family Natural Wilderness Area
Only recently donated to the Union County Conservation Board, not a lot is known about this area just yet. The grassy mown trail takes you on a short hike through an evergreen wonderland that is beautiful after a Iowa snowfall.
Walking trail
Parking Lot
Woods and Prairie