GET OUT & EXPLORE

Fresh air. Unforgettable days.

From Beeds Lake to the fairgrounds and three area golf courses, discover the best of outdoor life in Franklin County.

Beeds Lake State Park — real park photograph

Beeds Lake is known for its 99-acre reservoir, two-mile shoreline trail, fishing and historic Civilian Conservation Corps architecture. Park details and alerts ↗

GOLF IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

Three courses. Plenty of reasons to play.

Hampton · 9 HOLES

Hampton Country Club

Tree-lined nine-hole course, tighter fairways and challenging greens.

1620 Country Club Lane, Hampton · 641-456-3256

Course details ↗

Sheffield · 9 HOLES

Ridge Stone Golf Club

Public par-36 links-style course (2,437–3,374 yards by tee), plus a separate nine-hole par-3 short course. See the golf page for descriptions of signature holes 4 and 7.

7 Brickyard Rd, Sheffield · 641-892-8040

Course details ↗

Latimer · 9 HOLES

Latimer Golf Club

Open-to-public nine-hole executive-style course; no tee time required.

Latimer, Iowa · 641-530-2839

Course details ↗

Hampton · 9-hole main course

Hampton Country Club

Tree-lined nine-hole course, tighter fairways and challenging greens.

Green fees / pricing: Published rates: out-of-county green fee $50/day + tax; with member $30/day + tax; cart $25/day + tax. Local guest rules apply.

Where to pay: Contact the clubhouse for guest play, membership and payment arrangements.

Questions: 641-456-3256 · 1620 Country Club Lane, Hampton

Official course information & layouts ↗

Sheffield · 9-hole main course

Ridge Stone Golf Club

Public par-36 links-style course (2,437–3,374 yards by tee), plus a separate nine-hole par-3 short course. See the golf page for descriptions of signature holes 4 and 7.

Green fees / pricing: Published daily green fees (cart included): 9 holes $20 Monday, $30 Tue–Thu, $35 Fri–Sun/holidays; 18 holes $25/$40/$50 respectively.

Where to pay: Call to schedule tee time or pay at the clubhouse. Memberships can be arranged via club.

Questions: 641-892-8040 · 7 Brickyard Rd, Sheffield

Official course information & layouts ↗

Latimer · 9-hole main course

Latimer Golf Club

Open-to-public nine-hole executive-style course; no tee time required.

Green fees / pricing: Website lists 18-hole green fees $10 and cart rental $10 per rider; check for changes.

Where to pay: Pay in the honor box attached to the clubhouse.

Questions: 641-530-2839 · Latimer, Iowa

Official course information & layouts ↗

PARKS & OPEN SPACE

Experience Beeds Lake.

Limestone spillway. Shoreline trails. Summer memories.

Beeds Lake State Park's 99-acre reservoir features a two-mile shore trail, boating at no-wake speeds, fishing, picnic shelters and reservable campsites. The historic limestone dam is a signature Franklin County landmark.

1422 165th St, Hampton · 641-456-2047

Check seasonal DNR park alerts. As of October 15, 2026 the park's water facilities are shut off for winter; the lodge is scheduled to be closed May 15–June 30, 2027.

Iowa DNR park details & maps ↗Reserve a campsite ↗

Every park, playground, conservation area & trail

Browse city parks in Hampton, Sheffield and Latimer; county and state parks; trails; wildlife areas and golf courses. Each destination has its own information page.

Featured park

Beeds Lake State Park

99-acre reservoir, historic limestone spillway, hiking, fishing, camping and boat access.