Henderson County Conservation Area

Henderson County Conservation Area, which includes Gladstone Lake, offers a variety of recreational facilities. The 27-acre lake has a shoreline of 1.5 miles and a maximum depth of 25 feet. The area, about 20 miles southwest of Monmouth and five miles east of the Mississippi River, has a total of 87 acres.

Area
Henderson County Conservation Area, which includes Gladstone Lake, offers a variety of recreational facilities. The 27-acre lake has a shoreline of 1.5 miles and a maximum depth of 25 feet. The area, about 20 miles southwest of Monmouth and five miles east of the Mississippi River, has a total of 87 acres.
 
History
Henderson County Conservation Area was purchased by the state in 1961 from the C. B. & Q. Railroad. The railroad used the area to dredge sand and gravel for use in its railroad maintenance. The lake water was used for filling the train’s steam engine.

Activities

Camping
Tent and trailer sites are available. All campers must obtain a camping permit from the park personnel. Group camping is permitted; all groups of more than 25 persons need advance permission to enter the area.
 
Fishing and Boating
The lake contains bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, bullhead, carp and sauger. A boat launch is on the east side of the lake. Motors are not allowed; electric trolling only.
 
Picnicking
There is one area on a hill with tables and toilets.
 
Winter Sports
Ice skating and ice fishing are permitted on the lake when the ice is thick enough