1. The Lead Tablet that Made History

Discovered in 1912 by a family traveling in the Fort Dodge area, a single lead tablet played an important role in the foundation of Dolliver. A Latin inscription on the tablet stated that French explorer Father Hennepin had planted it in the park two centuries prior, but that was later found to be a lie. The curator of state archives at the time of the tablet’s discovery was fascinated with the area’s natural features and helped ignite the process of turning it into a state park. Now, 100 years later, Iowans still enjoy the beautiful and historical remnants today.

2. Becoming a Park

Founded in the 1930s to create jobs, the Civilian Conservation Corps — CCC — and Works Progress Administration — WPA — were core federal programs in constructing Dolliver into a state park. Some of the bridges and buildings in the park were built and occupied by the CCC that now form the park’s group camp, which can be rented today.

-Messenger file photo by Joe Sutter
A stone bridge carries the trail across the creek that flows through Boneyard Hollow

3. “Spooky” Remains

The box canyon known as Boneyard Hollow features rocky streams and beautiful cliff formations, but where does the chilling name “boneyard” come from? Local legends say when Native Americans from the Woodland era inhabited the area, they drove bison off the cliffs to hunt them. Deer and bison bones can still be found in the canyon today.

4. Picturesque Petroglyphs

Also found in Boneyard Hollow, it is believed that the Oneota people from the Woodland era drew animal petroglyphs on multiple rock formations in the canyon. Look closely to see a glyph of a bison hidden on the rock.

5. Copperas Bed

-Messenger file photo by Joe Sutter
The Des Moines River is swift this time of year as it flows through Dolliver Park.

Visitors can walk a trail to see this 100-foot sandstone bluff, which gets its name from the mineral deposits left behind from erosion of the stone. The rusty red mineral was likely used by Native Americans to make dyes and paints. The copperas deposits can be seen on logs, sticks and even in the sandstone itself.

6. Native American Mounds

Also from the Woodland era, Dolliver has three Native American mounds near the southeast end of the park. There are two dome-shaped conical mounds that are thought to have been used for burials years ago and one linear mound. Out of respect, park visitors who spot burial mounds should help preserve them by not treading on the mounds or disturbing them.

If you’re looking to spend time experiencing history or enjoy scenic views along the Des Moines River, check out Dolliver Memorial State Park soon.

— Submitted by Iowa Department of Natural Resources

-Messenger photo illustration by Joe Sutter
Cliffs surround the creek running through Boneyard Hollow at the north end of Dolliver Memorial State Park in this image made from multiple photos.

-Messenger file photo by Joe Sutter
Cliffs tower over the creek next to the playground and picnic areas in Dolliver Park

-Messenger file photo by Joe Sutter
Water spills over the road in the old crossing, as the newer bridge which makes it easier to cross the creek stands in the background.