Parks and Nature
Walking trails in the summer and ice skating in the winter. You can take a path to the recreation area from the patio area of the Big Grove Brewery in... Read More
Only 20 miles from DeMoines, you'll find tranquility and the beauty of nature in this pristine refuge. You can enter the area with your America the Be... Read More
This 200-acre preserve features three caves and an extensive trail system through mature woodlands along the limestone bluffs of the Flint River.
Two hundred six pre-European contact mounds are preserved here - of which 31 are effigies in the shape of bears and birds. Natural features in the mon... Read More
The rugged, wooded park offers two miles of trails winding through the forest and along a winding creek. Cross-country skiing is available in the w... Read More
This 737-acre preserve features over 10 miles of maintained trails, four fishing ponds and a bird observation blind.
Backbone has 21 miles of hiking and multi-use trails. Visitors can hike along trails winding through old twisted and windblown cedars and up rough, ro... Read More
Shoreline picknicking is available at numerous locations on the large lake and at the main parking lot near the park entrance. Fire grills and picnic ... Read More
A two-mile trail provides a unique hiking experience for visitors as it follows the shoreline around Beed's Lake. At the spillway, visitors can hik... Read More
In the Nelson Unit, three trails provide a variety of hiking experiences. Each offers a glimpse of something different; scenic views of the Mississip... Read More
A 26-mile paved multi-use trail allows bicyclists and pedestrians to travel from the beach south through the Saylorville Lake area all the way to Des ... Read More
The "Stubb" Severson Nature Trail offers visitors a chance to learn about many of the shrubs and trees found in the park. Along the trail, walkers oft... Read More
With approximately 45 miles of multi-use trails, there are trail activities for everyone including horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, cross count... Read More
Clear Lake State Park contains more than 10 acres of picnic grounds with tables and grills. The shady picnic areas provide a great place for a family ... Read More
A trail will take you out past the Copperas Beds which are unique sandstone formations towering 100 feet above Prairie Creek. The trail then continues... Read More
Several miles of trail will take you through wetlands, woodlands, and along the lakeshore. The park also has swimming, camping, and fishing.
The park's multi-use trails radiate outward from the equestrian campground areas. There are 13 miles of multi-use trails at Elk Rock. Mountain bike... Read More
Emerson Bay is located near many area recreational trails.
The Fairport Recreation Area provides excellent access and viewing of the Mississippi River. The large towboats, recreational boaters, river wildlife ... Read More
Several trails take you around the park and through the hills and woodlands that make up Fort Defiance. Equestrian use is allowed on three of the trai... Read More
Several hiking trails challenge the outdoor lover at Geode. The main trail starts at the north end of the lake and follows it all the way to the da... Read More
George Wyth has 5.5 miles of paved multi-purpose trails, which are great for biking, in-line skating and walking. These trails are linked to a 100+... Read More
A new 3.5 mile paved trail starts in the campground, bordering much of the east side of the lake, and finishes near the Green Valley Lake Dam. The pav... Read More
The western portion of Gull Point State Park is a hiker's delight, with a fine self-guided interpretative trail. On the 1.3 mile trail, visitors can i... Read More
Hikers enjoy miles of multi-use trails as well as the Woodland Interpretive Trail. Following the interpretive trail, visitors learn about the early... Read More
The park's hiking trails wind through valleys and cliffs along the Des Moines River. On the trails, keep an eye out for birds and wildlife.
Hikers, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers have access to almost 6 1/2 miles of trail, most of which is gravel surfaced. The Lake trail hugs t... Read More
A one/third mile self-guided nature trail is available, where park visitors can learn about a number of the shrubs and trees which abound in southwest... Read More
Hikers will find plenty of opportunity at Lake Darling State Park. Several trails are present and hikers will see a variety of plant, animal and bi... Read More
The park's wooded terrain provides great hiking year-round. There is a multi-use trail which runs along the lake shore.
Lake Manawa State Park provides ample opportunity for a hike or a leisurely walk or a bike ride along the shoreline. A nature trail with a paved surfa... Read More
The park contains eight miles of marked trails for hikers, horseback riders and snowmobiles. Lake of Three Fires is one of southwest Iowa's most sceni... Read More
Lake Wapello's 1,150 acres could easily be called the "country club" of Iowa's state parks. The beautiful wooded hillsides, shaded picnic areas and... Read More
Ledges, one of Iowa's most popular state parks, has attracted millions of visitors. Four miles of hiking trails lead up and down steep slopes to sceni... Read More
Lewis and Clark State Park is a fine place for a leisurely hike. On the trails, park visitors can see a variety of trees, shrubs, and, often, wildlife... Read More
Lower Gar State Recreation Area is a great place for a family picnic. There are several picnic tables located throughout this nicely shaded area with ... Read More
Hikers can enjoy the scenery along the 6 miles of trails. The trails in the eastern part of the park connect the park facilities and provide access to... Read More
Marble Beach has a paved trail that runs the length of the park and is connected with miles of area recreational trails.
McIntosh Woods State Park is a popular spot for picnickers. The grassy and shaded picnic areas are a fine place for a family cookout.
Hiking and cross-country ski trails are available at the Mines of Spain. Four miles of ski trails are maintained for classical and skate skiing and 4 ... Read More
There are nine miles of hiking trails that wind their way through the wooded hills and valleys of the park.
Okamanpedan has several picnic tables in a shaded lakeside area which provides an excellent setting for family picnics and cookouts.
Palisades-Kepler is a wonderful place to hike. On the six miles of trails, walkers can often see a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer an... Read More
Iowa's second state park, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park offers 13 miles of hiking trails and a lake for a variety of recreation activities.
Pikes Peak State Park is a hiker's delight with eleven and a half miles of trails.
The "lakes area" of northwest Iowa offers a tremendous array of outdoor recreation opportunities, year-round. The unique setting of beautiful and clea... Read More
The park has excellent trails for hikers and horseback riders.
Located along the Iowa River, 668-acre Pine Lake State Park offers a pleasing mix of woodland, river, and lakes in the midst of rolling Iowa farmland.
