I admit, Iowa is probably not the first place you think of when looking for the best places to enjoy nature. But I got to say you maybe a little surprised. Iowa’s parks may not be as big as parks in some other states, but they still pack a mighty punch. From scenic views, to outlandish rock formations, rugged trails, and flowing waterfalls, Iowa’s parks have a lot to offer.
Maquoketa Caves State Park
The park features 16 accessible caves, which offer great caving for experienced and inexperienced cavers alike. The hiking trails are just over 6 miles in length, and are a great way to see the park. There is also a campground with 29 campsites, 17 of which have electrical hookups. This beautiful state park is one of the most popular in the entire state. Located in Jackson County, sitting just Northwest of Maquoketa. The park rests on more then 360 acres of rough, hilly terrain. For more information, click here.
Wildcat Den State Park
Wildcat Den State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in all of Iowa. The unique trail system winds through a variety of different terrain and covers more then 4 miles on 420 acres of rugged beauty. With 75 foot high cliffs and amazing rock formations scattered throughout, its easy to see why Wildcat Den is a favorite spot for hikers and outdoors lovers alike. The park has 28 campsites with non modern restrooms. There is also two shelters and a wide variety of picnic settings throughout the park, many with picnic tables and mounted charcoal grills. For more information, click here.
Ledges State Park
This picture is owned by Kristin Michele
It’s with good reason that Ledges State Park is one of Iowa’s most iconic spots it’s full of bridges, trails, waterways and more wildlife than you can imagine. Ledges offers several campsites, including electrical hookups, non-electric hookups, and some hike-in. Modern restrooms, showers, a trailer dump station and a playground are also located in the campground. For more information, click here.
Mines Of Spain
The Mines of Spain has long been considered one of Iowa’s best kept secrets, but to hiking enthusiasts the park is a well known destination. There are more than 12 miles of trails within the Mines of Spain, that offer a multitude of scenic diversity. The trail system takes you along towering limestone bluffs, winding logging roads, prairie, forests, and breathtaking scenic overlooks. There is also a 15 acre section of the park that is classified as wetland, and even includes two floating trails. For more information, click here.
Pikes Peak State Park
Bridal Veil Falls at Pikes Peak State Park
Pikes Peak State Park is located in McGregor, Iowa. This park is famous for its beautiful views of the Mississippi River, in fact its one of the most photographed locations in the entire state. Pikes Peak is a sought out place for hikers, with over eleven miles of wooded trail. The trail system winds you through some of Iowas most beautiful scenery, including Bridal Veil Falls, wooded bluffs and valleys, sheer walls of Decorah limestone, and more then sixty effigy mounds. Most visitors to Pikes Peak State Park stop by to take in the view of the Mississippi River from a 500-foot-high cliff, You’ll be hard pressed to find a better view anywhere in the Midwest. For more information, click here.