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| Sharon Bluffs State Park |
ABOUT THE PARK
 Located east of Centerville, Sharon Bluffs Park is comprised of 144 acres of diverse terrain, woodland plants, and wildlife. The movement to establish a park along the Chariton River in Appanoose county began in 1926 when Dr. L.H. Pammel, head of the botany department of Iowa State University, urged the State Board of Conservation to protect the natural splendors of the area. Acting on Dr. Pammel's advice, the State Board passed a resolution for the purchase of Sharon Bluffs on December 9, 1930.
The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the limestone shelterhouse and latrines which are still in use today. The CCC also cleared and constructed the trails and footpaths which traverse the park.
In 1981 the Iowa Conservation Commission (currently the Iowa Department of Natural Resources) and the Appanoose County Conservation Board entered into a management agreement. The ACCB would take over management of the park from the state, and Sharon Bluffs would serve as the headquarters for the Board.
Under the guidance of the ACCB, Sharon Bluffs is managed for a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, picnicking, camping, nature study and more.
 WILDSIDE EXHIBIT
This 8 acre area was constructed in 1988 and has been expanded several times. The exhibit houses several Rocky Mountain elk and whitetail deer. The display is open to the public year-round and provides a unique opportunity to view wildlife up close.
In addition to the elk and deer, the Wildside Exhibit also includes outdoor aviaries which house permanently disabled birds of prey. Unable to be released back to the wild, these birds are used in the ACCB's environmental education program. Residents include a red-tailed hawk, great horned owl, and barred owl.
TRAILS
Over three miles of hiking trails cross Sharon Bluffs, taking hikers along upland ridges and lowland river bottoms. Traveling through the variety of habitats allows hikers to view the diverse plant and animal life of the park. A dazzling array of woodland wildflowers blanket the ridges and valleys in the spring.
CAMPING
Sharon Bluffs offers six modern and two nonmodern campsites, which are available for use throughout the year. All sites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, nearby water source and vault-type restrooms.
BOAT RAMP
A parking lot and concrete boat ramp is available on the east side of the Chariton River. This ramp allows anglers and recreational boaters a convenient access point. The ramp is a popular starting and stopping point for canoe float trips.
 PICNIC SHELTER
Located on a bluff overlooking the Chariton River, the shelterhouse is a popular place for family reuniouns, cookouts and other gatherings. Nearby wooden play structure, sand volleyball court and horseshoe courts provide recreational opportunities for visitors. The shelter is available on a first-come, first-served basis or may be reserved up to one year in advance. For reservation information, contact the ACCB headquarters at 641-856-8528.
PARK OFFICE AND NATURE CENTER
Visitors to the office and nature center at Sharon Bluffs have the opportunity to view one of the area's most extensive fur and mounted wildlife collections. The center is open at posted times throughout the year or by appointment. For more information on the nature click the Center 2000 link on the left side of this page.
25069 520th Street
Centerville, IA 52544
641-856-8528
mmuir@iowatelecom.net
Nature Center Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-Noon, Saturday & Sunday 12:30PM - 4:30 PM
"To create a balance between man and his environment by educating, providing, and protecting the natural resources of Appanoose County"
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