With summer nearly half over, have you had the chance to soak up the sun yet? Before summer passes, take some time to go outside, relax in the grass and enjoy the bright blue skies.
Here are four outdoor things to do this weekend:
1. Fish and Swim
at Rock Creek State Park
Rock Creek is my favorite place in the county to go fishing, whether by land or by boat. The lake is full of bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. It has a 15-mile shoreline and its average depth is about nine feet.
Rock Creek is also a great place for a picnic, a walk or a break at the beach. The beach provides an ideal spot to get some sun and swim.
Its marina has boat rentals, bait and tackle and firewood. Pedal boats are a fun way to catch up with a friend and get exercise. They are $5 per half hour or $50 per day. Kayaks are $12 per hour or $70 per day, hydro-bikes are $5 per half hour and canoes are $10 per hour or $40 per day.
Rock Creek Marina is located at 12589 Hwy F-27 E. in Kellogg. Its weekend hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, call 641-236-3876.
2. Kayak and Canoe
at Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve is a more quiet and secluded retreat, and the Jasper County Conservation will host a kayaking and canoeing event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the preserve near Grinnell.
The public can rent a kayak or canoe to take out on the 25-acre lake surrounding by prairies, woodlands and wildlife plantings. There are also 7 miles of hiking trails within the preserve which offer a view of native wildlife species and habitats.
To participate, call 641-792-9780. Forms and $5 fees will be collect the day of the paddle. There will be another public paddle opportunity from noon to 3 p.m. July 29 at Jacob Krumm.
3. Hike and Bird Watch
at Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge
Neal Smith National Wildlife volunteer naturalists will host a Nature Discovery Walk at 10 a.m. Saturday along the half mile, paved Overlook Trail loop at the refuge.
The group will learn about wildlife, wildflowers and management of the refuge. See the prairie in bloom, watch for birds and butterflies and find out about our bison and elk herds.
This hike is recommended for adults and children ages 12 and older. It is free and open to the public.
4. Balloon Fest and Concert
at Lake Red Rock
The sixth annual Lake Red Rock Balloon Fest will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the lake.
Saturday events include morning balloon launch, a pancake breakfast and paddle boating with evening events including evening balloon launch, Rock Bottom Band concert and the beautiful Night Glow at North Overlook Beach.
The festival will continue with an early morning balloon launch and the kickoff of the Junior Duck Stamp Artwork on Display from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Red Rock Visitor Center.
For more information, call 641-828-7522.