Frequently Asked Questions

No, we do not allow the use of these vehicles in our parks, trails, or campgrounds unless special permission has been given by certified staff.

Yes, dogs are welcome in all our parks and on the trails, but they must be on a leash at all times. The areas we do not let domestic animals in are the native animal exhibit and the Welcome Center at Osborne Park.

Yes, we will take meat that is unseasoned and non-smoked. It must still be good for human consumption, so nothing that has thawed to room temperature. or overly old.

Three of our county parks (Motor Mill, Buck Creek, & Pleasant Ridge) allow bow hunting, but first you must register during business hours at the Osborne Welcome Center. You will need to provide your driver's license and hunting license and fill out a short application form.

All reservations can now be made online by visiting the County Parks Website. Find Clayton County, and all our available facilities will be listed. Reservations need to be made at least three days in advance. 

You can call the Manchester Fish Hatchery at 563-927-3276 to be put in contact with a local DNR officer.

If you find a baby animal that appears to be on its own, don’t worry. Generally, one of its parents is nearby, watching. Many people “rescue” wildlife babies they believe to be abandoned. But when you take that “orphaned” rabbit out of the nest or that raccoon out of the tree, you’re taking that baby away from its parents, its natural setting, and a chance to live in the wild. Many times, taking an animal out of the wild greatly reduces its chances of survival.
If you know for a fact that the animal is injured and/or orphaned, it will need to be placed with a certified wildlife rehabilitator. For our area, we would have you contact Tracy Belle at Wildthunder 319-961-3352.
 

The nature center located within the Osborne Welcome Center is open:

April - October
Monday - Saturday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sundays: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

November - March
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed weekends

Primitive sites only have a fire pit and picnic table, and the park will have a latrine-type toilet with no running water. Osborne Campground is the only one with electric and running water located at each site, except for the primitive tent sites.  

Call the local FSA/NRCS at 563-245-1713.

The trout streams are stocked by the DNR hatcheries. You can contact the Big Springs Hatchery by calling 563-245-2446.