5 National & State Parks In Iowa You Have To Visit
Looking for the best state parks to visit in Iowa? Then you've found the right place. With 63 state parks, Iowa is the perfect place for avid outdoor enthusiasts. Iowa is a midwestern state completely landlocked by other states. Just because there are no ocean views or a coastal walk, it doesn't mean that Iowa is lacking in nature or outdoor adventure. Framed by the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, Iowa is home to a diverse array of wildlife, freshwater lakes and ponds, and other unique landscapes, including caves and landforms unique to the state of Iowa. These can all be found within Iowa’s 63 state parks. Though Iowa does not have any national parks, there are still a ton of state parks with rich history and interesting geology worth exploring. To find out which state parks are worth a visit in Iowa, read on.
Ledges State Park
Located centrally in Iowa, with the Des Moines River running through the center of it, Ledges State Park is easily accessible, has activities for everyone, and boasts unique landscapes to admire. Throughout the park, visitors can find sandstone ledge towers that are over 100 feet tall. These towers can be seen by anyone visiting along the Lost Lake Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile path suitable for all skill levels. For visitors seeking a more challenging hike, Table Rock or Inspiration Point has more elevation and leads to views of the Des Moines River. In the winter months, Ledges State Park remains open with activities like cross-country skiing.
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Located in the East of the state, North of Davenport, Maquoketa Caves State Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a unique experience in Iowa. Maquoketa Caves State Park has more caves than any other state park in America. Connected with a 6-mile trail system, all visitors can explore caves big enough to walk into, like Dancehall Cave. Caution is advised for caves with smaller spaces, as some caves are only suited to be explored by skilled cavers. Since 1860, Maquoketa Caves has been a beloved state park in Iowa and is worth a visit. If you choose to visit, be advised that the park is closed from October 15 until April 15 as the caves are used by bats for hibernation.
Pikes Peak State Park
Pikes Peak State Park in Iowa offers breathtaking views from 500-foot bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy over 11 miles of hiking trails for all skill levels, with opportunities to spot fossils along the trails. Highlights include the half-mile trail to Bridal Veil Falls and the four-mile trail to Point Ann, the view the park is most known for, which overlooks the Mississippi River. Mountain bikes are also allowed on certain trails in the park; refer to signage before biking on a trail. Camping is available within the park at Pike’s Peak Campground. There are fully serviced sites open for reservations from March to November. Anyone in Northeast Iowa looking for a fun outdoor adventure should have Pikes Peak State Park on their list.
Backbone State Park
Iowa’s oldest state park, Backbone State Park, is a must-visit for both adventure seekers and history buffs. Whether you’re an Iowa local or an out-of-state visitor, Backbone State Park has a lot to offer. Named for the rugged limestone ridge known as the Devil’s Backbone, the park features dramatic bluffs, scenic woodlands, and over 21 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and winter activities. Along Backbone Trail, there are spots to rock climb unique limestone cliff faces. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy trout fishing in Richmond Springs or boating on Backbone Lake. History lovers will appreciate the park’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum and historic stone structures. With a mix of both natural beauty and Iowa history, Backbone State Park offers an interesting experience for anyone who chooses to visit.
Waubonsie State Park
Waubonsie State Park, deep in Iowa’s Southwest, is uniquely home to the rare Loess Hills. These hills are only found in two places in the world, China and Iowa, specifically in Waubonsie State Park. On top of that, Waubonise State Park offers views of the Missouri River Valley with over 16 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. There is also a dedicated horse campground complete with hitching rails and pens. The park’s rugged terrain, rich prairie grasses, and forested hills make it a scenic spot for wildlife, with visitors often reporting seeing white-tail deer and wild turkey. Waubonsie State Park’s unique geology sets it apart, making Waubonsie a standout state park for those seeking a kind of landscape rare to Iowa.
Although Iowa is not home to any national parks, that does not mean that there are no parks worth visiting. Iowa is home to 63 state parks that provide unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in America. These are just a few of the most unique, but Iowa is full of hidden gem state parks worth visiting. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, nature-wise, Iowa has a lot to see.
