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Shelby Co. Conservation Board -www.shco.org/conservation/ - created in 1960, manages 700+ acres of parks and natural areas; including lakes, rivers, streams, prairies and woodlands for recreation, wildlife habitat and outdoor learning. Elk Horn Creek Recreational Area - a multiple use area, ideal for a family on an outing, or for a person looking for solitude. With it's groomed trails and unique wildlife, the adventures are never ending. The upper picnic area contains what is believed to be the original site of the pioneer village of Elk Horn. Features include: 7 electrical sites with full electrical hookup, grass pads, tent camping, picnic sites with grills, two areas with playground equipment, rural water and sanitary facilities.
Nishna Bend Recreation Area - Nature Learning Center - office of the Shelby County Conservation Board. This 80 acre area contains over 30 acres of wetland. The ponds contain various species of gamefish and the area also contains a hiking trail, river access, an arboretum and a Nature Learning Center.
Schimerowski Recreation Area - located on the edge of Earling, it serves as a park for group picnics with a picnic shelter, sanitary facilities, and picnic sites with grills and water are provided for park users. This area was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Schimerowski.
Rosenow Timber Area - 120 acres of mature oak, ash, hackberry, and other hardwoods. This truly natural spot, located northwest of Earling features sanitary facilities and a hiking trail for year round use (hunting is allowed). Oak Ridge Habitat Area - 95 acre wildlife management area, located east of Corley, with dense woodlands and open grass areas. Large patches of native grasses have been established to promote wildlife cover and holds a high population of song birds (hunting is allowed). Upper 'Nish' Habitat Area - four miles of railroad right-of-way and is best suited for those that enjoy hunting and hiking (hunting is allowed). Reinig River Access - located along the Nishnabotna River, its purpose is to allow for easy river access for canoe and flatboats. This area is accompanied by a seven acre section of riverine forest (hunting is allowed). State Parks
Wilmer & Vern Petersen Reserve - this 432-acre hunting reserve located 15 miles northwest of Harlan includes gentle rolling hills, a small lake, creek and an abundance of trees, shrubs and native grasses. Deer, pheasants, owls, rabbits and a multitude of other wildlife can be found on the reserve.
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The Lyle and Wava Petersen Nature Preserve - a
40 acre oak and meadow tract which borders the Elk Horn Creek Recreation Area. Donated in
1995, this area has been designated a nature preserve. A prairie has been planted
and a hiking trail has been mowed through the area with picnicking available.
Manteno Park- Six Bee Tree Nature Trail - set
in the hills of Grove Township, this multi-use area accommodates camping, fishing and
hiking. 
Dinesen Prairie - State Preserve - 40-acre
virgin prairie north of Harlan was donated by Derald Dinesen. 
Rosman Glendale Farm Recreation Area
- this
multiple use area, located north of Harlan, exists in combination with a nine hole golf
course and wildlife habitat, and was donated by the Rosman Family (hunting is allowed, but
not on golf course). 
Prairie Rose State Park - is one of the most attractive
outdoor recreation areas in western Iowa. The 422-acre park and 218-acre lake lie in a
region of scenic hills, six miles east and three miles south of Harlan. The park received
its name from a small town called Village of Prairie Rose, which was once located near the
present park location. Plans for Prairie Rose were initiated in the 1930's, but actual
construction of the dam started in 1958 with the park dedication taking place in 1962. See
the chart below for the list of services available.