In 1884-85, a group of Mormons established a campsite about four miles downstream from the present recreation area, prompting local settlers to name this locale, Mormon Island. This same area also hosts a spectacular gathering each spring, as hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes stop to rest and pursue their courtship rituals. The world's largest concentration of these magnificent birds draws thousands of visitors to the region every year. Mormon Island lies on the eastern edge of this migration route.
Mormon Island SRA offers modern camping facilities, restrooms, electrical hookups, a shower building and a laundromat. A trailer dump station and abundant picnic tables and firegrates are also available.
