A popular place for Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty residents to rekindle with natural surroundings, the Woodpecker Trail system that explores the shores of the Coralville Lake is a scenic destination. At times, surrounded by jagged rocks of the shoreline, it’s easy to forget you’re exploring an Iowa landscape that is often associated with cornfields and agriculture, and with the 3.5 miles of the Woodpecker Trail to explore, plus other trail systems that connect and wind through the Coralville Reservoir area, you can spend many days seeing all that this scenic Iowa trail system has to offer.
Located in the southeastern corner of the state of Iowa, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is situated along the Des Moines river and features not only a numerous amount of quality trails, but a plethora of flora and fauna found alongside them. For your first visit to Lacey-Keosauqua, the 2.1-mile Lake Trail is a good place to start exploring this celebrated state park. From there you can branch off to numerous other trails that explore the rich diversity of this usually quiet state park. With camping options available, it would be easy to spend a whole weekend getting lost in the woods at Lacey-Keosauqua.
Standing at 1,670 feet above sea level, Hawkeye Point is the highest piece of land in the entire state of Iowa. In proximity to the Minnesota border, Hawkeye Point is easy to access and the short trail leading up to this highpoint is easily manageable by every member of the family. While the hike up to the commemorative Hawkeye Point won’t test your physical strength too much, it’s worth your time at the top to appreciate that you are currently the tallest person in the state, and the views from that vantage point aren’t half-bad either!
The defining attraction of Rock Creek State Park in eastern Iowa is the massive Rock Creek Lake, of which can easily be explored via the multi-use, 7.8-mile Rock Creek Lake Trail. Circumnavigating the southern portion of the lake, the Rock Creek Lake Trail exposes users to the many ecosystems crafted by the surrounding water and forest. Because it’s a multi-use trail, hikers can expect to see mountain bikers and horse riders on the trail besides them, but with enough trail to explore, plus a few more branching from this main thoroughfare, there is plenty of explorable area to share.
Though most of the hiking trails featured in Iowa are comprised of dirt and many footsteps, the 11-mile, paved and looped Trout Run Trail in Decorah is worth putting on the list. Not only does it provide a great way to walk or ride throughout the stunning Decorah landscape, but as implied by the name, the Trout Run Trail also parallels the Decorah Trout Hatchery, Iowa’s second largest trout hatchery. The Trout Run Trail crosses the active trout stream numerous times, giving hikers and bikers the chance to check out all the trout action and scenic surroundings the entire way. Since the Trout Run Trail was constructed as a loop to return you back to your starting point, this celebrated Decorah pathway is the perfect spot in Iowa for a nice, long hike in some of Iowa’s most scenic surroundings.
]]>This charming park is full of majestic hardwood trees, and wildlife, offering a rustic outdoor experience for you and your pup. With dramatic bluffs and deep ravines, you and your dog can explore the Cedar River’s banks and discover all the park has to offer.
With 594 acres of flatlands and rugged trails, you and your pup can traverse the park at your own pace, and take advantage of the breathtaking views. Challenge yourself and your four legged friends or leisurely make your way through this Lehigh gem.
Set in Black Hawk County, this urban wildlife sanctuary offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. With various outdoor activities available in a natural setting, you and your pup can spend the day exploring the great outdoors together. You and your pet just found your paw-fect getaway.
Go forth, and discover over nine miles of singletrack, you and your pup can explore the lush woodlands of the trail and take breaks to cool off in the nearby creek. This dog friendly paradise awaits you!
This cross-country park provides a scenic view and a great place to get some exercise with your pup.Whether you’re after a game of fetch or challenging yourself, you and your pup can enjoy miles of trails and a variety of unique vegetation.
This is Iowa’s first state park, and is loved by local pet owners. Home to Iowa’s highest point in northeast Iowa, the Devil’s Backbone, you and your pup can explore the park and discover your favorite vista for admiring the state’s natural beauty.
This 486-acre forest has a canopy of oak and hickory trees, and with four miles of trails, you and your pup won’t be able to get enough of the rolling hills, small streams, and the hidden surprises this wildlife area has to offer.
This 748-acre park is home to a 165-acre lake, which is a great spot for fishing and picnicking. You and your pup can take advantage of the four-mile paved trail in the park, refresh lakeside or relax with a game of frisbee or fetch.
This park is considered one of the more geographically unique locations in Iowa. With rugged terrain and ravines, you and your pup can discover the hidden gems of the park, as well as its 21-mile multi-use trail system. Pick your pup’s next favorite trail.
Take your pup to explore the acres of forestry, streams and trails of this cozy little dog park. Nestled off the highway in a quiet neighborhood, this dog park is sure to provide your furry loved one with plenty of tail-wagging fun.
]]>Any good adventurous day needs to start off with the right fuel, and if you begin your off-road adventure in Solon at the Salt Fork Kitchen, you’ll be ready to tackle everything that comes your way. Not only are the omelets and other breakfast items enough to satisfy a king or queen, but every ingredient is raised locally among the Iowa agriculture. Top it all off with a cup of freshly-brewed coffee or three, and after you visit the Salt Fork Kitchen, you’ll be ready to go riding.
Located less than five miles from the Salt Fork Kitchen, the Lakeview OHV Park provides over 147 acres of off-road trails to explore. There is no fee to ride on the Lakeview OHV Park trails which is operated by the Iowa DNR, but registration stickers are needed on all motor vehicles. Open to ATVs, UTVs and motorcycles daily, the several miles of trails found at the Lakeview OHV Park wind through the forest environment with hill climbs, hard-pack trails, and plenty of opportunities to catch a little air.
If you want to let your engine’s rest for a moment during the day, the neighboring Sugar Bottom Recreation Area provides more than one way to sit back and enjoyably kill some time. While the sandy beach and access to the Iowa River is always appealing, as well as the non-motorized mountain bike trails that sprawl through the area, it’s the professional 18-hole disc golf course that is worth some of your play. Whether it’s your first time throwing a frisbee or you’re a seasoned pro, the Sugar Bottom Disc Golf Course is fun to explore.
After your full day, it’s worth rewarding yourself with some award-winning food and a well-deserved craft beverage (or two). If you want to treat your taste buds right, the Big Grove Brew Pub in Solon perfects the dining-out experience down to the last detail. Whether you go for the menu items like the bacon and butternut squash, or the seasonal craft beer selection, the one thing that keeps people in their seats at the Big Grove Brew Pub and coming back for more is the comfortable ambiance and atmosphere of this friendly, local neighborhood gastropub.
To finish your full-day off-roading adventure, it’s recommended to camp under the stars, and the nearby Lake Macbride State Park is the perfect place to do that. Featuring two different campgrounds and plenty of space to share, Lake Macbride is not only a great place to spend the night, but it’s the perfect home base for many more days of adventure. The campground in the northern unit of Lake Macbride features modern restroom facilities and full electrical hook-up. The southern unit campground is more primitive, with no electrical hook-ups and vault toilets, but provides perhaps some of the best campsite views in the state of Iowa.
]]>Located adjacent to the Coralville Lake in eastern Iowa, Lake Macbride State Park provides plenty of trails to explore and see the water. Trail runners at Lake Macbride can opt for beach to dam runs, jogs along the osprey trail or exploring the most-recommended route, the north shore trail which parallels the large lake for nearly five miles. Visitors to Lake Macbride can stay for the day, or utilize the two campgrounds located within the park boundaries to get a multi-day trail running adventure in.
The lush Loess Hills of western Iowa are one of the state’s most precious landscapes. Comprised of beautiful rolling hills and winding trails, the Loess Hills State Forest provides plenty of recreational activities throughout the bountiful environment. Trail runners and backpackers will want to head over to Preparation Canyon State Park within the Loess Hills State Forest, where miles of trails and backpack sites are theirs to explore.
Located just south of Des Moines, the city-owned Ewing Park provides many adventures to enjoy. Beyond the professional-level 18-hole disc golf course, and coinciding with the single track mountain biking trails, Ewing hosts some fun and challenging trail running circuits. There are a number of trails that runners can follow when visiting Ewing Park, and they all wind through the dense forest that comprises this municipal space. Truly ambitious runners can connect them all and figure out in no time that Ewing Park provides some trails worth coming back to.
Just six miles south of Des Moines, Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park provides a tranquil setting to lose yourself not far from the city. Surrounding the lakes, trail runners can find over five miles of pathways to follow. While all provide a good track and better scenery, a recommended route to check out is the Coal Miner’s Daughter Trail. Whichever way you head at Banner Lakes, you’ll be pleasantly inspired by the Iowa landscape.
Named after Iowa’s state rock, Geode State Park is one of the most popular natural spaces in the southeastern part of the state. In the middle of all the action at Geode State Park, including finding an elusive geode or two, is the Geode Lake which features great beaches to swim at, plenty of fish to catch, and a scenic trail that encircles the entire thing. For those trail runners out there looking for a great spot to stretch the legs, the 6.5-mile lake trail at Geode State Park should be on the top of your list.
]]>Consisting of over 5,000 acres to explore, Dewey’s Pasture Complex of northwest Iowa is a Bird Conservation Area recognized by the National Park Service as a Registered Natural Landmark. Highly representative of the avian wildlife found in this prairie pothole region of the state, Dewey’s Pasture Complex contains a dense collection of bird species ranging from green herons to swamp sparrows and kingfisher swans. With a few different trails to explore, and campsites nearby, Dewey’s Pasture is the perfect place for new and experienced birdwatchers.
Split between the states of Iowa and Nebraska, the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge not only protects native and migratory bird species, but it sets out to preserve an entire ecosystem that is fun to explore. Throughout the year, the different seasons of DeSoto paint a unique natural picture, and for those interested in the birds, the spring and fall attracts mallards, blue and green winged teal, American wigeon and wood ducks.
Located just north of Des Moines in Polk City, Big Creek State Park is a popular place for many outdoor lovers to visit. At the center of all the attention is the Big Creek State Lake, which besides water activities, provides a great backdrop for hiking and biking trails, as well as a prime habitat for local bird populations. Whether you spot them incidentally from the shore, or you travel the 26-mile trail around the lake looking for one certain species, any trip to Big Creek State Park will be good for birdwatching.
Formerly known as Walnut Creek, the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge of south central Iowa aims to protect the tallgrass prairies of the area that once defined nearly the entire state. Alongside its protection of the tallgrass prairie habitat, as well as a reintroduced bison population, the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is home to a healthy avian community. What type of birds you’ll encounter at Neal Smith depends on the season, and no matter the time of year, this national wildlife refuge always has something amazing to see.
Dedicated to preserving the unique landscape of the Loess Hills of western Iowa, the Hitchcock Nature Center displays over 1,000 acres of preserved beauty and plenty of wildlife. For the birdwatchers out there, the supple habitat of the wind-strewn prairie remnants at the Hitchcock Nature Center lend to plenty of bird species to spot. From late September to December, the Hitchcock Nature Center hosts a HawkWatch, where you can help count the number of migratory visitors the park receives in a season.
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Located on the western edge of Iowa, the River Valley OHV Park features 23 miles of off-road track that explores over 190 acres of rolling terrain next to the Missouri River. You can expect some sandy track at River Valley, as well as a few hills and manicured berms along the way. Whether your transportation of choice is an off-road motorcycle or an ATV, it’s easy to spend all day exploring what this OHV park has to offer. River Valley is open year-round, but the trails are subject to close due to inclement weather or poor conditions, and it’s best to check on the status of the trails through the Iowa DNR before heading out.
Located between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, near the small town of Solon and Lake Macbride State Park, Lakeview OHV Park is one of the top OHV destinations in the state of Iowa. Featuring multiple tracks to facilitate all levels of riders, the trails at Lakeview also feature a varying terrain including loose sand, hard-packed dirt and mud bogs to make your way out of. Lakeview is a popular place to play, but with over 160 acres to explore, there is plenty of room for everyone to explore. Camping is not allowed at the OHV trail system itself, but Lakeview is located within short distance to some of the best campgrounds in Iowa at the neighboring state park.
Located in the northwest section of Iowa, Nicholson-Ford OHV Park provides 20 miles of woodland trails that are free to explore year-round. In proximity to the Iowa River, the Nicholson-Ford trails tend to reflect the near-water environment it finds itself in, and can at times produce stagnant conditions and many dry and wet creek bed crossings to mix things up. Noted as a great place for beginners to ride, even expert OHV riders can find something they like in the large length of trails.
Located at what was once a working rock quarry, the Rathbun OHV Park features a unique set of trails that wind and loop through the land, crossing dirt, rock, and many different features. The 125 acres encompassing Rathbun OHV Park has something for every rider in your family to enjoy, including expert-only tracks to practice for competitions, a tot lot for the littler riders in your life, and roughly 20 miles of trail in total that covers everything in between. The entire facility is in proximity to Rathbun Lake, which provides plentiful views throughout your ride and a unique opportunity to cool off at the end of a hot summer day.
Noted around the state as one of the best places to find off-road trails, Gypsum City is located two miles southeast of Fort Dodge at what was once an active gypsum mine. Thanks to state and community support, Gypsum City has grown over the last two decades to include miles of trails designed specifically for off-road motorcycles and vehicles. Featuring rolling hills and perimeter trails, Gypsum City is welcoming for all levels and styles of riders. Despite this being a popular place during every weekend of warm weather, there is plenty and more to explore to let everyone enjoy the space.
Encompassing 300 acres and including a public camping area to stay the night, the Tama County OHV Park is one of the largest in Iowa, and provides some of the best hard-packed trails to really let the throttle out. The 15 miles of trails found at the Tama County OHV Park spend a lot of time exploring the woodlands surrounding the Iowa River, including a handful of scenic bridge crossings. Alongside the winding routes through the trees, the park also provides 15 miles of perimeter trails to explore, as well as a kid track and motocross specific trail. With a camping area connected to the trails and staging space, the Tama County OHV Park is the perfect place to stay the weekend and rev your engines from morning to night.
*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.
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Featuring over 350 acres of available riding, what is now the Bluff Creek OHV Park in Mahaska County was once an active coal mine. The location has been long since abandoned and transformed into a great place to rev up your off-road motorcycle. The 20 miles of trail that make up the Bluff Creek OHV Park consists of rolling hills, deep pits, a beginner’s route, and a notoriously difficult run sometimes called the “gravity cavity.” Whether it’s your first time riding or it’s your 100th time, all skill levels and riders will surely find something to enjoy at the Bluff Creek OHV Park.
Serving as one of the few urban OHV parks in Iowa, the Riverview Recreation Area of Waterloo is a popular place to ride on the weekend, but with 180 acres to explore in the scenic surroundings, there is plenty of room to share. Besides a lot of trucks and trailers to be found in the large parking lot every weekend, patrons to the Riverview Recreation Area can also expect to find all ages, skill levels and types of off-road riders at Riverview. To really ride your way into this community, it’s recommended that you check out the Trailblazers Off Road Club’s website and take part in all the action.
The Timber Ridge Ranch, located on the Western side of the state, has had a long history of recreation and fun in Iowa. Once operating as a fully functioning winery, Timber Ridge is now labeled exclusively as a member-only ranch that provides many outlets for excitement. If you fancy yourself an off-road motorcycle rider, or ATV rider, then a membership with Timber Ridge Ranch is right for you. Featuring flat tracks, jumps, and enough scenery to want to stop every half-mile, members to the ranch can also enjoy fishing, camping, and swimming.
Open to off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and off-road utility vehicles, the Gypsum City OHV Park provides some of the best dirt trails in the state. Not only does the area provide over 300 acres to explore, including 15 miles of trails that meanders up and down through a hilly forest, but with a designated 1.5-mile motocross track, you can really get your tires spinning at Gypsum City. With varying trail designations ranging from first-time rider routes to more technical climbs, there is enough to explore and achieve at Gypsum City to have you riding throughout the entire year.
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Featuring one of the most scenic backdrops for any off-road vehicle trail in Iowa, the Rathbun OHV Park takes riders close to the shore and always near the action with 125 acres to explore. Featuring a practice course, a tot lot for the young riders and wide enough tracks to fit most off-road vehicles of choice, Rathbun has a lot of the amenities that make riding even more enjoyable. While you are there, it’s worth checking out the surrounding Rathbun Lake and the corresponding Honey Creek State Resort complete with campsites, boat rentals, and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s pretty easy to spend the entire weekend exploring all that this scenic OHV park has to offer.
]]>Pinicon Ridge Park in Linn County is a popular place for many types of outdoor adventures including hiking and camping, but for those anglers out there, the one reason to check out this county park is the fishing. Featuring smallmouth bass, bigmouth buffalo, and northern pike, among many other fish species, fishermen and fisherwomen can cast out their bait into this river anytime of the year with a good chance to catch something. The Iowa DNR recognizes the Wapsipinicon River and the Pinicon Ridge Park access as some of the most premier fishing in the state of Iowa, so it’s no secret spot, but with plenty of fish to catch and plenty of room to cast out a line, you can see for yourself what makes this a great fishing location in Iowa.
Perhaps the only home to the prized Kentucky spotted bass in Iowa, Lake Macbride is an angler’s dream come true when it comes to high-quality fishing. Besides the Kentucky spotted bass, Lake Macbride also is home to walleye, catfish, and musky, and with seven boat ramps available, plus rentals on shore, the possibilities are endless for your next big catch. Lake Macbride is a popular spot not just for the anglers also, and within your fishing visit you can expect to see many other Iowa denizens playing on the shore, hiking the trails or staying at the campgrounds. Whatever activities you decide to add onto your fishing adventure at Lake Macbride State Park, you’ll be sure to catch a great time exploring the waters of this man-made reservoir.
Recognized as the first county conservation man-made lake in the state of Iowa, Hannen Lake within Hannen Park is a stocked-full fishing adventure waiting to happen. Featuring 45 acres of water to fish in and boat upon, there is good chance you’ll catch black crappie, bluegills or largemouth bass, making for an exciting moment every time you reel something in. The Iowa DNR also stocks this man-made lake with catfish throughout the year, giving every angler even more variety of what they can catch at Hannen Lake, and with an RV campground not far from the shore, this is one fishing hole in Iowa that can be easily explored for multiple days at a time.
The Iowa DNR operates eight different trout hatcheries throughout the state, and while all offer excellent places to cast a line, the Big Spring location in Elkader seems to stand out the most. Perhaps it’s the flow of the Turkey River of which Big Spring flows into, or maybe all the amenities including a trout pond, a kid’s fishing spot and primitive campgrounds, whatever it is, this Elkader fishing spot is one of the best in the state. Anglers need both a fishing permit and trout stamp to catch this magnificent fish, plus some patience and a good eye, but land yourself the big one and you’ll be permanently hooked on the trout fishing found at the Big Spring.
Comprising the main attraction for Lake Darling State Park, Lake Darling itself is a premier Iowa fishing destination featuring black crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Located four miles west of Brighton, Lake Darling draws many visitors throughout the year, and while you can expect to find a lot of fishing poles on the shore and in the water, with over 300 acres of lake to explore, including a 1.5-mile paved fishing trail, there is plenty of space to play. The Iowa DNR does stock the lake periodically throughout the year, but the lake provides enough habitat for many fish to flourish on their own. While it’s never a guarantee to catch anything on any fishing trip, with the scenic surroundings of Lake Darling, it is a guarantee to have a good time at this great fishing spot in Iowa.
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Located in the stunning northeast region of Iowa, and with over 20 miles of trail to explore, Backbone State Park is an Iowa hiker’s dream come true. There are a lot of energizing hikes when it comes to Backbone State Park, and for the best bang for your buck, the West and East Lake Trails really delivers on it all. Stretching out for three and 2.42-miles respectively, the West and East Lake Trails follow the shore of Backbone Lake, navigating through a dense Iowa ecosystem and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Iowa State Park system. The East Lake Trail also connects to the state-famous Backbone Trail, which will get your heart pumping based on the view alone.
Located in the luscious Loess Hills of western Iowa, if you really want to get the full dose of this unbelievably beautiful Iowa environment, the Sylvan-Runkel State Preserve takes you far and along this magnificent landscape. If you want to complete this 12.4-mile out-and-back trail however, you can only spend so much time smelling the wildflowers. This scenic state preserve trail will have you convinced that Iowa might be the most beautiful state in the country.
While there are plenty of hiking options when it comes to the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, if you want to find the one that will get your quads burning most, the Calcite Trail is right for you. Coming in at just over two miles, the Calcite Trail exposes the native rock that defines much of the recreation area. The steepest section of the Calcite Trail comes right out of the parking lot, which then leads to great views of the nearby Mississippi River. To continue the adventure from the Calcite Trail, users can connect to the Mesquakie or Horseshoe Bluff Trail, which can lead to many full days of adventure.
There are a few trails in Iowa containing so much scenic beauty that it’s easy to forget what state you’re exploring in. A great example of that can be found with the Squire Point and Woodpecker Trail Systems near the Coralville Lake. While navigating around the rocky banks of the Coralville Lake, trail users experience slight elevation changes, scenic stopping points, and a full dose of the natural Iowa scene. Whether you run them, walk them, or search for some abundant geocaches surrounding them, the Squire Point and Woodpecker Trail Systems will get you ready to tackle the rest of the week.
Situated in one of Iowa’s most popular state parks, the Crow’s Nest Trail in Ledges State Park will get those legs moving and blood pumping. The entire state park gives glimpse towards the rocky bluffs and deep pockets of forest that define Ledges, and many of the trails lend towards steep steps and fantastic overlooks, including most notably, the Crow’s Nest Trail. Make it to the top of this short, steep trail however, and not only will you feel a sense of accomplishment, but you’ll get a great view alongside it. While you are there, be sure to take advantage of all the trails and views offered by Ledges, and you’ll leave feeling refreshed and renewed.
]]>With over 90 years of providing Lake Okoboji excitement, the multi-generational Fillenwarth Beach Resort has long since perfected the Okoboji vacation. At this exciting beach resort, you can find everything you need to enjoy yourself, including spacious accommodations, perfect sunsets, and multiple docks and beaches to moor your jet ski. Lending access to all the waters of Lake Okoboji, the Fillenwarth Beach Resort is a perfect accompaniment to your jet ski outing. Once you are done making waves, this long-standing resort can provide supreme relaxation.
Serving as the premier gathering location on Saylorville Lake, the Saylorville Lake Marina provides plenty of places to moor your jet ski, a floating restaurant and even an opportunity to rent your own waverunner. Despite all these great amenities of the Saylorville Lake Marina, the lake is still the top attraction, and you’ll see why as you rev your jet ski across this beautiful, scenic lake.
While no overnight or all-day mooring is available at City Beach Park, it serves as the perfect place to either drop your jet ski into Clear Lake, or park it for a short while to grab lunch or stroll the shopping opportunities of the Clear Lake community. The waters of Clear Lake are perfect to explore and can fill the entire day with excitement. Whether it’s for a quick ride after work, or an entire day on the water, the water access from City Beach Park makes it an ideal place to bring your jet ski throughout the summer.
With over 15,000 acres of water, Lake Red Rock isn’t only Iowa’s biggest lake, it’s one of the top recreation destinations in the state. On any given weekend in the summer, you can find all sorts of activity happening inside and out of the water, including jet skis zipping, canoes paddling, and hikers exploring the trails. Suntex Watersports offers rentals at Red Rock Marina, in case you don’t have your own jet ski. If you want a lot of room to create some waves, Lake Red Rock is for you, and if you want to see some of the most stunning sunsets in the state of Iowa, you’ll be sure to find that there too.
State owned and operated, Honey Creek Resort State Park is situated alongside the shores of Rathbun Lake, providing the perfect opportunity to hop on your jet ski among the many other attractions of this first-class lake resort. Even if you don’t have your own, Honey Creek Resort has seasonal jet ski rentals, and even if you don’t want to ride, there is still plenty to check out on the lake and around. Water trampolines and paddle boats are all included with a stay at Honey Creek Resort, as is access to miles and miles of biking and hiking trails, making Honey Creek Resort the perfect spot for any recreationist in your family.
]]>While all seven miles of trails found throughout Waubonsie State Park are worth visiting, the Sunset Ridge Interpretive Trail provides perhaps one of the best viewing opportunities in Iowa. Overlooking the Loess Hills of eastern Iowa, as you may have guessed, the best time to see this rolling landscape occurs as the sun smolders off into the horizon. Covering 2.1 miles, the Sunset Ridge Interpretive Trail is the longest trail in Waubonsie, and if it’s still not enough, this popular trail is a great launching point to explore the rest of what Waubonsie has to offer.
Open to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, the summer hiking trails at Wapsipinicon can really take you places. Featuring over six named trails, popular attractions to check out while hiking at Wapsipinicon include the Horse Thief and Ice Cave, as well as the many rocky bluffs that comprise the area. For a tamer adventure, sticking to the 2.2-mile prairie trails exposes wide landscapes that are easy to lose yourself in. For a little more excitement, the Pine Trail plunges into the woods where you can find the Wapsipinicon caves among many other things.
Stretching for 50 miles and connecting the Linn County Metro to Waterloo, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail is a paved, multi-purpose path that is popular with bikers, runners and even hikers. While not all paved trails can be classified as hiking routes, with the scenery exposed by the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and adjacent Cedar River, it serves as excellent outlet to get into nature. Weaving throughout the floodplain, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail darts in and out of thick forests, teeming wetlands, and plenty of rolling acreage devoted to farmland. A great kaleidoscope of Iowa’s natural spaces, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail is an excellent place to take a hike.
Representing the largest state forest in Iowa, Stephens State Forest provides many acres to explore and lose yourself in nature. Following along one of the few overnight trails in Iowa, the Stephens backpack trail cuts through the heart of the state forest, exposing intrepid hikers to dense woodland surroundings and rolling prairie landscapes. There are plenty of scenic backpacking sites to choose from when trekking along the Stephens State Forest backpack trail, making this one scenic hike that could last multiple days.
Not nearly as menacing as it sounds, although including a steep incline, the Devil’s Backbone isn’t just the quintessential hike in Backbone, it’s a must-do scenic hike in all of Iowa. Featuring rocky terrain and a well-worn path, Devil’s Backbone takes you to the top of the state park and exposes a view that spans for miles. Overlooking Backbone Lake, the view from the top of Devil’s Backbone also includes the rolling hillsides of northeast Iowa, which are particularly picture worthy during the fall.
]]>Relaxation waits for you at Rathbun Lake with the wide selection of domiciles made available through Foxtail Cabins. Featuring a range of rental properties, spanning from one-bedroom cozy cabins to rustic homes that can sleep up to 10 people, every cabin option at Foxtail comes with modern amenities and a great place to stretch out and play. While visiting Foxtail Cabins, be sure to take the time to check out Rathbun Lake and the amenities accessed at the shore.
Set near the largest lake in the state of Iowa, Lake Red Rock, Horn’s Ferry Hideaway provides two luxury cabins to rent for the weekend or season. Horn’s Ferry Hideaway is squarely set between a wooded eagle and prairie and savannah refuge, providing quite the quiet and beautiful scenery to relax in. Each cabin at Horn’s Ferry Hideaway comes stocked with a king-size, comfortable bed, a living room with sofas and a fireplace, and a hot tub made for two to really top off the night.
Featuring a baker’s dozen of beautiful, Amish-made cabins and rentals, all with great views of the Mississippi River plain in northeast Iowa, Iowa Cabin Rentals provides perhaps the coziest cabins of all. The different cabins vary in size from one another, with large group accommodations available, and each cabin comes equipped with all the modern amenities you need to enjoy your vacation. The real appeal of Iowa Cabin Rentals comes from the front porch though, and the view it provides as the day passes by.
Located just over an hour northeast of Des Moines, Pine Lake State Park offers the perfect getaway with four cabins available throughout the year. With an ability to sleep six people, and easy access points for those who are handicapped, the cabins at Pine Lake State Park are perfect for every member of the family. Featuring bedroom areas, a kitchen, and a roaring fireplace for the winter, no matter the season, you can find a great rustic retreat within the cabins at Pine Lake State Park.
This Waterloo KOA will be a paradise for kids as it has an island theme. So even in the winter time, you can pretend that the weather is a little warmer. There are several cabins available to rent, but make sure you book yours early! Their range of deluxe cabins can sleep anywhere from four to eight people and feature amenities such as full bathrooms, full kitchens, and more.
Situated on 10 acres, the Sherburne House at Springbrook State Park in Guthrie Center can be reserved year round. The cabin features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living rooms, and a full kitchen. It sleeps 12 comfortably and makes for a great escape if you have a family or college reunion coming up. Tucked away into bucolic wilderness, you’ll love this getaway.
]]>Located off highway 6 in Iowa City, Fin & Feather is THE great outdoors store, providing equipment and expertise for hunting, fishing, and overnight camping. Within their camping department, Fin & Feather dedicates plenty of store space to try out some tents, slip into some sleeping bags, and lug around some weight in the many backpacks lining the walls. Featuring top of the name brands like Marmot, the North Face and Sierra Designs, if Fin & Feather doesn’t have what you are looking for, you may be lost in your backpacking endeavors, because they truly have it all.
Located in West Des Moines, Active Endeavors lives up to its name and provides all the essential equipment you could need for backpacking and camping. Featuring technical clothing from name brands like Patagonia, and top of the line technical equipment from brands like Black Diamond, whether you are looking to climb a distant mountain or try camping for the first time, Active Endeavors of West Des Moines can get you there.
Located in proximity to the Iowa State University campus, Jax Outdoor Store is a popular place for students and Ames community members alike. Covering camping and hiking, fishing and hunting, sports and fitness and optical and photography, Jax is a real treasure trove when it comes to adventurous activity. For the backpackers out there, Jax carries trusted equipment from a lot of big-name retailers, including Western Mountaineering, Therm-a-Rest and MSR.
Located in the adventure rich community of Waverly, CrawDaddy Outdoors is your one-stop shop for all outdoor gear. While CrawDaddy is a great place to grab some overnight camping basics, this local specialty shop specializes in kayak trips and touring. Carrying such coveted brands as Jackson Kayak, Werner Paddles and Grizzly Coolers, CrawDaddy Outdoors can get you out on the water AND spending the night comfortably.
Located in uptown Ankeny near Des Moines, Pingora Outdoors sells gear for a lifetime. Featuring top-name brands in outdoor equipment like Nalgene, Petzl and Gregory Mountain Products, alongside the fantastic selection of outdoor gear, Pingora’s knowledgeable and helpful staff are there to help find what’s best for you. With Pingora’s online ordering system, you can shop locally from wherever you happen to be.
With locations in Coralville, Cedar Falls, Sioux City, and Wes Des Moines, SCHEELS is a one-stop shop for a wide variety of outdoor gear and accessories. Ranging from fishing, hunting, paddling, golfing and camping, SCHEELS has everything under one room you’ll need to have a fun and comfortable time outdoors. For their backpacking and camping arsenal, SCHEELS carries celebrated brands including Coleman, Kelty and Big Agnes.
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Serving as one of Iowa’s most popular state parks, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that Ledges State Park also boasts an impressive campground area. Featuring a collection of electric and non-electric campsites, as well as 12 hike-in campsites, Ledges has a total of 95 places to pitch a tent or park the RV to stay the night. All the conveniences of a modern campsite can be found at Ledges, including a bathroom and shower area, running water and even a playground. The real excitement for the campground at Ledges State Park isn’t the facilities though, it’s the wondrous natural environment that surrounds it. Featuring four miles of hiking trails, plus road biking options and enough canyons and bluffs to snap a few pictures, staying the night at this celebrated park is only one small part of the whole wonderful experience.
Sugar Bottom sits on the shores of Coralville Lake and offers several different recreation options set amongst beautiful Iowa scenery, with plenty of spots to stay the night. With over 232 single sites available, ranging from hike-in sites to full hook-up, there’s still almost not enough space to hold the big crowds that flock to this recreation destination of the Midwest! Once you secure your camping spot in Sugar Bottom, you have your choice between boating, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, disc golf and much more, with the only limit on the things to do at Sugar Bottom being the time you have to do them in.
For a truly unique camping and exploring vacation, Maquoketa Caves State Park can show you a different look at the world beneath your feet. Serving as some of the most accessible and densely concentrated cave systems in Iowa, Maquoketa Caves can interest everyone in the whole family. For the timid cave explorers, the large Dancehall Cave features electric lights and a walkway to help guide your steps. If you are a feeling a little more adventurous, Maquoketa Caves also features a variety of caves to explore ranging from tight squeezes to sprawling corridors. With so much to see and explore at Maquoketa Caves, it is always wise to use one of their 29 campgrounds situated in a quiet grove of mature pine trees in the western edge of the park.
The city of Decorah is one of Iowa’s biggest adventure destinations, and between the rolling hills of generous scenery and the many paths to explore them on, a great way to experience all the natural splendor is by grabbing a campsite at the Pulpit Rock Campground. With over 130 campsites to choose from, ranging from RV-accessible to tents only, it’s not so much which campsite you pick at Pulpit Rock, it’s what you decide to do from there that will define your experience. Canoeing the Upper Iowa River at Pulpit Rock is easy enough with their dedicated boat landing, and the state-famous Trout Run Trail is accessed nearby, giving the perfect opportunity to see some big fish and explore the scenic surroundings.
The Iowa Great Lakes region in the northwest side of the state is the perfect place for a family adventure away from home. Whether it’s boating on the water, building sand castles on the shore or taking part in any one of the many cultural happenings of this area, it all adds up to a worthy vacation. To add a little camping into the mix for your next Iowa Great Lakes adventure, the Marble Beach State Recreation Area in Spirit Lake not only offers the most campsites out of any other campgrounds in the area (224 campsites to be exact), but because it’s in the heart of all the Great Lake action, you never even have to leave this recreation spot to have a great time.
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The Deer Run Resort in Elkader is one of the premier spots for RV camping in the state of Iowa, and it’s not just the 80 different sites to choose from that makes it such a popular place. Featuring first-class showers and picnic tables, Deer Run Resort really tops the charts with immediate access to the great surrounding attractions. The adjacent five-acre Three Sisters lake is a great place to cast a line. Plenty of hiking trails can be found not far away, plus the nearby Elkader downtown district looks like it was ripped right from a postcard image. With plenty of places to stay, Deer Run Resort should be your first option when it comes to RV camping in Iowa.
Miners Creek of Guttenberg covers all the camping needs. There are two cabins available to rent and plenty of tent and primitive camping spaces to choose from, but the most popular way to spend the night here is by parking your RV and plugging in. From the campsite, campers can enjoy the spring-fed, cold water stream that dissects the area, and with the many hiking options springing from the Miners Creek Hideaway, it’s easy to lose yourself in the nature of the area.
Head on down to the Harvest Farm Campground to have yourself more than a few good nights of fun. Featuring 32 sites of full electric and water hook-up, what really draws the crowds to Harvest Farm Campgrounds is all the recreation options found all around. Whether you like billiards or lawn darts, hiking or biking, volleyball or canoeing, even day spa options, Harvest Farm Campground has it all. Fun for the whole family and capable of keeping anyone’s interest for weeks at a time, if you are looking for a full-service RV resort, look no further than Harvest Farm Campground in Cresco.
For fast access to the waters of Lake Okoboji, the Ranch RV Park doesn’t get any closer. This isn’t any ordinary RV park that caters towards the occasional customers though, and to spend any time parked at this acclaimed RV destination, a year-long lease is needed. That means whether the Ranch RV Park serves as your permanent home away from home, or your full-time residence, with a year-long lease you’ll have guaranteed access to Lake Okoboji and the many recreation opportunities that surround it.
Located in the southwest corner of Linn County, Morgan Creek Park paints a pretty picture of the hilly woodlands defined by the moving water of Morgan Creek. To really get the most out of the scenic surroundings of Morgan Creek, it’s worth staying a few nights, and thanks to the adjacent and accommodating RV park that’s part of the park, it’s easy to do so. Featuring plenty of RV spots with full electrical hook-up, all RV sites at Morgan Park are obtained on a first-come, first-serve basis. With all that there is to do, see and experience at this first-class RV resort, Morgan Creek is a very inviting place that encourages you to park and stay awhile.
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