4 Summer Activities You Can Drive to Near Manchester, IA

You don’t have to drive far from Delaware County to find seasonal fun before fall rolls around. These are our four favorite summer activities near Manchester, IA.

Baileys Ford Park

Enjoy a day of trout fishing and hiking at 170-acre Baileys Ford Park right here in Manchester. The park has both primitive campsites and sites with electric hookups. Other amenities include a kayak and canoe launch, playground, horseshoe court, volleyball court, and covered picnic shelters. You can stop by the Baileys Ford Park Nature Center to see fish, turtles, reptiles, and white-tailed deer and chat with the knowledgeable rangers.

Baileys Ford Park is located at 2379 Jefferson Rd. If you plan to visit the nature center, it’s open Monday through Friday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. You can also stop by on Saturdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. through Labor Day.

Manchester Whitewater Park

Cool off during the last days of August with a float along the Maquoketa River. Although the Manchester Whitewater Park is free and open to the public all year, summer is really the best time to experience this fun 800-foot river ride, which has several 18-inch drops. Bring your own tube and a group of friends for a memorable day in nature.

You can also swim, raft, canoe, or kayak in this portion of the river. Parking for Manchester Whitewater Park is located at 300 West Main St. near the first river access point.

Kramer Aquatic Center

This Manchester destination gives you another option to beat the summer heat. Kramer Aquatic Center features a heated pool with a diving board and three water slides, as well as a sprinkler area for little ones. When it’s time for a break, you can visit the concession stand and relax under the shade umbrellas. The center also has swim lessons and its own competitive swim team, the Manchester Marlins.

Kramer Aquatic Center has open swim daily in August from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission costs $5 for ages 8 and older, $3 for kids ages 3 to 7, and free for children 2 and younger. It’s located at 200 Stearns Dr.

Manchester Farmer’s Market

We’ll be shopping at the Manchester Farmer’s Market until it closes for the season in October. Held every Saturday morning from 7:30 to 11 a.m., the market features handmade items, baked goods, and locally grown fruits and vegetables. You’ll find the market along River Street behind Bushel and a Peck Market at 401 W Main St.

You can bring the whole family on your fun adventures with a new three-row Chevy Suburban. Experience this impressive full-size SUV in person today at Bob Stephen Motors.

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Tags: Iowa, Manchester, outdoor activities, Summer, tourism
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