F.W. Kent Park - Oxford, IA
F.W. Kent Park: A Scenic Dog-Friendly Destination in Oxford, Iowa
Enjoy the natural beauty of Eastern Iowa at F.W. Kent Park, a highly-rated family and dog-friendly escape located just outside Oxford, IA. Renowned for its spacious trails, pretty lake, and well-maintained picnic areas, this park offers an array of recreational opportunities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and nature viewing. Dog owners will love the pet-friendly trails, accessible paths around the lake, and a welcoming atmosphere for leashed dogs. With wheelchair accessible entrances and parking, restrooms, barbecue grills, and picnic tables, it’s a convenient spot for dog walks, gatherings, and relaxed afternoons.
Families appreciate amenities like playgrounds, swings, slides, and kid-friendly hikes, while nature lovers rave about the well-kept grounds, wildflowers, interpretive displays, and birdwatching opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a place to stroll with your pup or planning a full day adventure, F.W. Kent Park is a top choice for pets and people alike, making it a stand-out destination for those searching for a beautiful, well-kept dog park in Oxford, Iowa.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed at F.W. Kent Park? Yes, dogs are allowed at the park, especially on the trails and pet-friendly areas. Please keep them leashed unless otherwise posted.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park features playgrounds with slides and swings as well as a storybook walk for children.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms are available at the park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, F.W. Kent Park offers wheelchair accessible entrances and parking lots, as well as level walking paths around the lake.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, picnics and barbecues are encouraged, and barbecue grills and picnic tables are provided throughout the park.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park boasts a variety of hiking trails, including a trail that circles the lake and nature-centered walking paths.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, visitors and reviews consistently note that the park is very well maintained by staff.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is a lake where water-related activities (like kayaking and swimming) are mentioned, but it is not specified if there is a designated swim area for dogs.
Reviews
A favorite location. This park is so pretty all seasons of the year. Plenty of picnic locations, hiking, a level walk around the lake, fishing, you name it. Everything is well maintained.
You can tell this is a well-kept park and that the staff takes pride in it. I was making my first visit here and brought a kayak along. Water was nice and clear. I also took some time for nature photography and birdwatching. Wish I lived closer to enjoy this park more often !!
A visit to FW Kent Park is the highlight of a drive in Eastern Iowa. I would give this park more stars if possible. This is a very large and magnificently maintained state park that contains trails, interpretive displays, the Johnson County conservation center, a lake, fishing and swimming opportunities, and many varied picnic spots. There is a campground I must admit I’ve not seen. This forested and prairie meadow nature experience is the essence of the beauty of Iowa. Wild flowers are in abundance at this peak time of year, July through August. On the trail we walked, there was an engaging children’s storybook walk along the path with posted pages of beautifully illustrated and touching story of a sweet woman who cares for seeds throughout the year. We loved the story along with our walk despite not having children with us. What a clever idea it was. On the same trail, there are bagged and marked moth catepillars/chrysalis, each explaining the stages and the moths that will hopefully emerge. We have been to this heart lifting park many times and look forward to the next visit soon as it is a lovely place to tour in the fall.
A wonderful park. Small lake to put your kayak in. A trail around the lake that you can run or walk. Lots of hiking trails to explore. Many interesting repurposed bridges with plaques to explain about them.
Very family oriented and is a beautiful place to spend the day and a well groomed hiking trail all the way around the lake or camp for however long you wish in a wonderful campground