Whether you like the fish aquariums, want to learn about recycling, or enjoy the shady outdoor park area, the DNR Building at the Iowa State Fair is always a favorite destination for fair goers. This year’s building will feature a sneak peek at Honey Creek Resort State Park, which opens this autumn.

“We’re excited to unveil some of the fun and beautiful features Honey Creek Resort will offer,” said Julie Sparks with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “The lodge will be a welcoming destination for visitors, and we are creating a simulated guestroom to give the look and feel of what you will find when you stay with us.”

In addition to a guestroom, the DNR has created a large beach in the outdoor courtyard for kids’ play, a treasure chest with toys promoting the resort’s Buccaneer Bay waterpark, and scratch cards for adults to win coupons and a potential weekend vacation at the resort.

“We invite fairgoers to come to the DNR building and learn more about the golf course, water recreation opportunities, restaurant and other great features of the new resort,” said Sparks. “We know people are going to love it.”

Also at the DNR fair building, visitors will find displays about wildlife, watershed protection and water quality, an outdoor semi trailer with green ideas, and the Iowa Nature Store, offering subscriptions to Iowa Outdoors magazine and nature-based merchandise. Staff from forestry, fisheries, law enforcement, wildlife, environmental protection and more will be on hand to give expert information and answer questions.

A popular feature of the DNR building is the outdoor courtyard. Visitors often take a break in the park-like setting, which provides a respite from the heat and hustle of the fairgrounds. The courtyard features a pond with live birds and turtles, prairie plantings, and park benches. Additionally, the DNR gives several daily programs on an outdoor stage area, with topics ranging from campfire cooking to live eagle demonstrations.

A complete schedule of fair courtyard programs can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/other/statefair.html

The Iowa State Fair runs Aug. 7-17. The DNR Building is located just inside the fair’s west entrance on the Grand Concourse and is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. the last Sunday of the fair.