Visit this picturesque picnic park just outside of the town of Macedonia, Iowa. Steeped in history, this small park is located at the site of a rare limestone bottom river crossing where Mormon settlers would cross the West Nishnabotna River on their way west.
This small park offers river access, restrooms, tent and RV campsites, a playground, picnic facilities, historical information, and beautiful views.
Park Features
Please note that all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To get an idea of how many sites are currently available, please call the park office. Campers do not need to pay park entry fees, but any visitors do unless they are a current Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation member.
- Tent Camping: Three primitive sites | $10 per night
- RV Camping: Eight sites available with electric | $20 per night | Water is accessible at four nearby water hydrants | Dump station accessible at nearby Botna Bend Park at 42926 Mahogany Road in Hancock, IA.
- Pit toilets and four water hydrants are available year-round.
Olde Town Park Map
West Nishnabotna River Water Trail
The West Nishnabnota River Water Trail has access points at the communities of Avoca, Hancock, Oakland, Carson, and Macedonia. As Nate Hoogeveen describes in Paddling Iowa, "Expect no dramatic bluffs or fast water on the West Nishnabotna - it is a very lazily meandering, tree-lined prairie stream, typically brown as cocoa for much of the season, with a sandy and occasionally muddy bottom."
To schedule a West Nishnabotna river journey, contact Rubber Duck Outfitters at (402) 201-6776, or visit their website. Please note that outfitting is dependent on water levels and may not be available.
Enjoy playground equipment located within walking distance of restrooms, picnic facilities, campsites, and the West Nishnabotna Water Trail.
River Level
More Information
Park Staff
Jon Fenner
Botna Bend Park Ranger
jon.fenner@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-741-5465
Read Bio
Jon Fenner
Botna Bend Park Ranger
jon.fenner@pottcounty-ia.gov
712-741-5465
Jon was born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa and attended Abraham Lincoln High School, graduating in 1993. He then attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa where he received a BA in Environmental Science/Biology Option. During college Jon worked two summers at Botna Bend Park as a seasonal intern. After graduating he worked at Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska and the following year was hired as Park Ranger at Botna Bend Park in March of 1998. He then attended the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and graduated in April of 1999, receiving a certification as a peace officer.
Jon is responsible for management of Botna Bend Park and Old Town Park and the overseas the two public wildlife areas in eastern Pottawattamie County, Farm Creek Public Wildlife Area and Wheeler Grove Conservation Area.
Jon enjoys family time with his wife and two children camping, hiking, canoeing, and traveling and never misses a school function or sporting event. He spends his free time woodworking, taking care of his animals at home, and toiling on his property.
Jon is acting treasurer and board member of Impact Hill, a community resource and recreation center located in the former Riverside High School in Oakland, Iowa.
Cory Thomas
Assistant Park Ranger
cory.thomas@pottcounty-ia.gov
402-676-4507
Read Bio
Cory Thomas
Assistant Park Ranger
cory.thomas@pottcounty-ia.gov
402-676-4507
Cory Thomas grew up in the Council Bluffs/Omaha area. He attended Thomas Jefferson high school, graduating with the most improved student award. Between attending Iowa Western community college for fire science, Cory worked several summers at Camp Foster where he learned many of the skills that he would use for his career.
Cory spent 2009 to 2012 as a wild land fire fighter, fighting fires in many western and Midwestern states. In 2013 Cory was hired as a full-time Assistant Park Ranger at Botna Bend Park.
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Olde Town Park
12515 385th Street
Macedonia, Iowa 51549
(712) 741-5465
Park Admission:
$3.00 per vehicle, payable with exact change or check at the park entrance.
Park Map
Become a Member
Join the Pottawattamie Conservation Foundation today and gain access to Pottawattamie County parks year-round.
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