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.
]]>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.
]]>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.
]]>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.
]]>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.
]]>Featuring ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, watercrafts, and so much more, Hicklin Powersports of Grimes provides sales, service, and guaranteed satisfaction. Hicklin Powersports is a locally owned off-road retailer with the most trusted brands of vehicles and parts, including Yamaha and Polaris. If they can’t get you riding right throughout the season, no one can.
Struthers Bros. is the top spot in the Des Moines metro area to find off-road vehicles, motorcycles, and anything related to powersports. Featuring top-name brands for ATVs and off-road vehicles including Kawasaki and Suzuki, Struthers also specializes in road motorcycles that can get you really going places fast.
Featuring new, used, and pre-owned vehicles, K Motorsports of Maquoketa covers all your powersport needs. Sales, service, and plenty of recommendations on where to ride, if you want a great experience picking out your next off-road vehicle, K Motorsports is happy to help. Featuring freshly minted lines of Polaris and Kawasaki ATVs, K Motorsports can have you riding happy in no time.
Featuring a wide variety of Polaris ATVs, side-by-sides, rangers, and RZRs, the U.S.S. Polaris in Toledo is your top dealer of this top name brand. Outside of the many new and pre-owned Polaris vehicles, the U.S.S Polaris also carries professional mower brands including Ariens and Gravely.
R/J Performance of Ottumwa is the place to find some fun and excitement, and throughout their extensive inventory of Yamaha and Polaris off-road vehicles, no natural element can stop your travels outside of R/J Performance. With a new and used inventory, as well as service and parts departments, whether you are looking for a new off-road vehicle, or some repairs on your current model, R/J Performance has your travels covered.
Serving as a Honda Powerhouse Dealer, Hawkeye Motorworks of Davenport always has the latest selection of Honda powersport vehicles and power equipment before any else in the state. Featuring ATVs, off-road motorcycles, and utility vehicles, Hawkeye Motorworks has a large inventory of new and used vehicles to ride. On top of the sales, Hawkeye Motorworks is also well known for their service department, and secure financing that get you riding in no time.
Serving as one of the largest motorcycle, scooter, and off-road vehicle dealers in both Iowa and Illinois, it should come as no surprise that Brenny’s Motorcycle Clinic of Bettendorf also has one of the largest selection of top-name brands. Featuring ATVs and other off-road vehicles from Polaris, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki, Brenny’s has even more brands to choose from when purchasing a road bike.
]]>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.
]]>From art museums to historic homesteads, here’s how to make the most of your time in and around Stone State Park.
Situated in the magnificent bluffs and ravines near the Big Sioux River, Stone State Park spans 1,069 acres and boasts lush forested spaces. With many miles of hiking trails, camping areas (including cabins), and prime wildlife viewing opportunities, Stone State Park is a sight to see.
Lined with a long row of late-19th-century buildings, all with a distinct Romanesque Revival flare, the Historic Fourth Street of downtown Sioux City could be a great accompaniment for your Stone State Park adventure. Filled with restaurants, nightlife and a handful of boutiques, half of the fun of visiting Historic Fourth Street is just catching the vibe of this preserved and pretty part of town.
Celebrating the time spent in Sioux City by the Corps of Discovery, the Sioux City Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center adds a little contextual history to enhance your visit to Stone State Park. See for yourself the trials and tribulations faced by the team led by Lewis and Clark, and specifically the time in 1804 when Sergeant Charles Floyd, the first U.S. soldier to die west of the Mississippi, perished near this side of town. Full of interesting and hands-on exhibits, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center can add a little education to your visit.
Because you are inevitably going to build up an appetite while exploring Stone State Park, a great place to top of your adventure with a delicious meal is Main + Abbey in Sioux City. Situated at the Hard Rock Casino, Main + Abbey is a gastropub with a London flair, and offers plenty of food and libations to find your fill. With a plethora of first-class American inspired entrees, and over 30 craft beers on tap, if you end your adventure at Stone State Park with dinner at Main + Abbey, you’ll be ending your day on a high note.
To find some extra educational value with your time spent at Stone State Park, it’s worth checking out the Sioux City Public Museum in downtown Sioux City. Featuring a rotating selection of local and regional artworks, spanning all sorts of forms and traditions, with every visit you can find something new at the Sioux City Public Museum. Also featuring hands-on and interactive displays, the Sioux City Public Museum is a great way to round out the day for all members of the family.
Operated by the National Park Service and located on the National Register of Historic Places, the Sergeant Floyd Monument in Sioux City commemorates the passing of the first U.S. soldier to die west of the Mississippi in 1804, and the only soldier in the Corps of Discovery who died along the journey. Upon your visit to this towering obelisk, you can learn more about the conditions of Sergeant Floyd’s passing, and further understand your knowledge of the Lewis and Clark expedition and the role the surrounding Sioux City environment played in it.
Nothing pairs better with the nature you’ll find at Stone State Park than the art you’ll find at the Sioux City Art Center. Featuring a rotating collection of regional, local, national and international art, ranging from water colors to immense lawn sculptures, there is something to catch everyone’s eye at the Sioux City Art Center. Best yet, much like Stone State Park, admission is free to enjoy the Sioux City Art Center, making for an affordable day full of adventure.
If you are looking for some overnight accommodations that aren’t the campgrounds at Stone State Park, one of the most luxurious options you can opt for in Sioux City is the Stoney Creek Hotel. Standing proudly as one of the nicest overnight stays in Sioux City, Stoney Creek Hotel offers comfortable rooms, a friendly staff and a beautiful courtyard that lends easy access to the sights and things to do in downtown Sioux City.
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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.
]]>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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Fall in Iowa is the perfect time to target aggressive fish species (largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike) as they voraciously feed, packing on calories to keep their metabolisms functioning in the colder water. One of the best places to chase the fall bite is Pool 9 of the Upper Mississippi River, which extends from New Albin southward to the dam above Harper’s Ferry. If you’re looking for some backwater secrets, get in touch with Ted Peck who can take you out and put you on the fish.
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Trout Run Trail, named for the trout stream that it tracks for part of its course, is an 11-mile loop around the scenic town of Decorah. The loop includes views of the Upper Iowa River, the historic downtown district and the Internet-famous Decorah Eagles, which you can spy from the fish hatchery. Cool down and quench your thirst at Pulpit Rock Brewing on Decorah’s West Side.
For more than 40 years, the village of Remsen has celebrated the town’s German and Luxembourg heritage—as well as the end of the harvest—on the last Saturday of October. The annual Oktoberfest celebration offers food, beer (including one free keg, while it lasts), polka, performances and fun for the entire family.
Remnants of the Big Woods—a deciduous forest that covered much of Northeast Iowa—can be found in Effigy Mounds National Monument. Hike the trails on the bluffs above the Mississippi River for sweeping views of the valley and gorgeous fall foliage. Explore the monument’s namesake burial mounds, many shaped in animal effigies, and learn about the native peoples who made the area their home. Staying in the area? Set up your basecamp at the Cobblestone Inn and Suites in nearby Marquette.
Some of the state’s best MTB trails are along the Iowa River, at the Coralville Reservoir, between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. The trails are located on Army Corps of Engineers land, but they are maintained by the Iowa Coalition of Off-Road Riders (ICORR), which posts events and trail conditions on its website. Fall is an awesome time for a ride, when the valley’s maples and oaks are bursting with color. If you need a rental, hit up Sugar Bottom Bikes in North Liberty.
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Step on board and loose the lines, as you step back into the 1800s on an authentic Mississippi riverboat. Riverboat Twilight will show you the splendors of fall in the tree-lined Upper Mississippi River valley. Backwaters, islands and bluffs, from the riverbanks to the horizons, will be clothed in the oranges, golds and crimsons of autumn hardwoods.
Capped at 7,500 runners, the annual Living History Farms Road-O-Cross is the biggest cross-country race in the United States. Held each November, the race challenges runners to wade through creeks, dodge farm animals in pastures, and traverse ravines and gullies over the seven-mile, off-road course. Many wear costumes for the race. Since you’re already in the area, stop by Foundry Distilling Company for a bottle of local whiskey (or make your own!) to enjoy after the race.
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If you’re looking for a way to get up close and personal with autumn in Iowa, head to the Pumpkin Ranch and walk into a cornfield like the ghostly ballplayers in “Field of Dreams”—except their field has a gigantic maze carved into it: Iowa’s Mega Corn Maze. Play one of the games inside the maze or simply spend a crisp, fall afternoon wandering among the corn.
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In Iowa, the northeast part of the state is trout central. Trout anglers—whether conventional or fly—will relish the many opportunities to hook rainbow, brown or native brook trout in the region’s many streams. Be sure you have a trout stamp for your fishing license before you go. Decorah is a great place to use as your regional HQ. Check out Trout River or Pine Creek. Stay at the Hotel Winneshiek and drink at Toppling Goliath Brewery’s taproom.
]]>Walleyes aren’t so picky, and all the traditional waters such as the Mississippi River, Big Saint Germain Lake in Wisconsin, Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota and Great Lakes feeder streams give up tons of ’eyes in the fall.
One Last Salmon Fling
The big attraction nowadays is king (chinook) salmon that make their fall spawning runs up rivers and creeks. Whether fishing from a small boat or a Great Lakes charter boat, latching on to a 20- or 30-pound king can quickly warm up an otherwise chilly fall day.
Hot Spots To Fish: Michigan’s Grand River, which empties into the eastern side of Michigan, is a prime destination for salmon. Getting Bit Guide Service (616-570-2946, gettingbitguideservice.com) in Grand Rapids is a good starting point. In fact, any port of call along Lake Michigan on either the east or west sides is likely to have plenty of knowledgeable salmon guides or charters. Fishing from jetties or piers – such as the famed McKinley Pier in Milwaukee – is also productive during the fall salmon runs.
In northwestern New York, the Salmon River lives up to its name through mid-October, but the run might linger into November in the Lake Ontario feeder, depending on the weather. Coho and steelheads also are in the mix too.
The Yankee Angler (315-963-2065, yankeeangler.com) in Pulaski, N.Y. keeps tabs on the fishing. In the big waters of Lake Ontario’s southern shore at Rochester, N.Y., give Reel Em In Sportfishing Charters (585-317-5325, reeleminsportfishing.com) a call.
Farther to the northwest, the waters and feeders of Lake Superior near Sault Ste. Marie are teeming with big salmon. One of the benefits here is that you can always slip in to the St. Mary’s River System to get away from those rough autumn nor’ westers. Live To Fish Charters (906-440-7797) can help make it happen.
Tackle You’ll Need: Salmon tackle and striped bass tackle (see above) are practically interchangeable. Fish might range from a few pounds to well over 20 pounds, and rods and reels should be in the medium- to-heavy range. A light- to-medium spinning outfit capable of holding a couple of hundred yards of 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament or 30- to 50-pound-test braid should do for most applications, especially when casting lures. Try the Okuma Epixor XT-20 with a matching rod.
Quick Tip: Just to hedge your bets, tie a foot-long section of 2x mono to your streamer hook and add a beadhead Prince nymph or similar pattern to the other end. When salmon are finicky, they might flash at a streamer, but not take it. Sometimes, a smaller mouthful such as a nymph trailer will seal the deal.
Best Lures/Bait: For the most part, spawn-run salmon hit spoons, crankbaits or roe bags out of reaction rather than hunger. Shiny lures, such as the Luhr-Jensen Twinky Rig behind a flasher, the Acme Kastmaster Spoon and a variety of soft-plastic swimbaits or hard crankbaits, will elicit strikes. Fly fishermen favor Dahlberg Divers, Wooly Buggers, Hex Nymphs and Glo Bugs.
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Walleyes Are Hungry and Willing
In similar fashion to bass, walleyes follow baitfish from the bigger lakes to feeder creeks and rivers with current.
Hot Spots To Fish: The Van Hook Arm of Lake Sakakawea (701-421-0360, vanhookguideservice.com) in North Dakota is a prime walleye destination, as is Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago (920-598-0586, walleyepatrol.com)
Tackle You’ll Need: Power fishing it’s not. Though walleyes might fatten up to well over 10 pounds, 2- to 4-pound fish are more the rule. Depending on the average size of the fish, 4- to 10-pound-test monofilament or fluorocarbon will do.
For spinning enthusiasts, the Quantum Vapor PT with matching rod will work. If you prefer trolling to casting, or bouncing a weight and natural bait on the bottom, try a baitcasting outfit such as a Fenwick/Pflueger Night Hawk or Iron Hawk combo.
Quick tip: Trolling at night with diving jerkbaits, such as the Storm Original ThunderStick or Lucky Craft Pointer 110, is a great way to catch walleyes. Troll in patterns from deep to shallow and back again, as the fish tend to relocate up and down drop-offs and channel runs depending on bait movement.
Best Lures/Bait: Leeches, nightcrawlers, minnows and everything from crankbaits to spinners will find favor with hungry fall walleyes. Top picks include: Rapala’s Shad Rap, Berkley’s Flicker Shad, Mepps’ Black Fury, Rapala’s Husky Jerk and Northland Fishing Tackle’s Forage Minnow Jigging Spoon.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
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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Backbone State Park is not only one of Iowa’s most popular and scenic state parks, but it’s also home to some of the best rock climbing opportunities in Iowa. Featuring limestone dolomite that lends towards the backbone of Devil’s Backbone, the rock climbing at this scenic state park can keep any vertical seeker busy throughout the day. Climbers must register at the park office before gaining their elevation, and proper experience is needed to hang from the harness, but gain the necessary knowledge and tools, and Backbone State Park will stand tall as the best rock climbing spot in Iowa.
Located a stone’s throw away from Indian Bluffs Recreation Area, Pictured Rocks of Monticello offers the perfect landscape for some of Iowa’s best climbing. Steep limestone bluffs define the natural scene surrounding the Maquoketa River, lending towards plenty of vertical options to explore. With over 60 routes to conquer, Pictured Rocks is home to Iowa’s densest collection of rock climbing routes, making it one of the most popular climbing spots in the state. With so many routes to share, plus plenty of beautiful scenery to admire while waiting between climbs, even on a busy weekend for the wall, Pictured Rocks provides for a very memorable experience.
Featuring mainly top-rope routes that require proper anchor building, Palisades Kepler State Park is a fun place to visit for a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking, camping, and river recreation are just a few of the other activities recommended to tack onto your rock climbing experience at Palisades Kepler. The rock climbing routes at Palisades Kepler lend towards all skill levels of climbers, though a base knowledge is needed to proceed with safety. Palisades Kepler can provide a very memorable Iowa climbing experience.
Accessed from the town of Monticello, Indian Bluffs provides some great sport routes for anyone to enjoy. Featuring over 20 named limestone routes to choose from, the vertical at Indian Bluffs overlooks the Maquoketa River and caters towards all abilities of rock climbing. It’s a small hike to the base of the climbs, but the scenery surrounding this rock climbing spot in Iowa is worth exploring for a while.
Also located alongside the Maquoketa River in Eastern Iowa, Joinerville Park is a popular place for bouldering, and has very limited if not non-existent opportunities to tie into a harness. Despite the lack of vertical, the bouldering at Joinerville is some of the best in the state, and alongside a couple of crash pads and some chalk, Joinerville Park can provide a fun-filled day to remember. There are over 60 named bouldering routes to explore in Joinerville, spanning a wide variety of skill levels, and plenty of variations to discover yourself. Whether it’s your intro to rock climbing, or you’re looking for some hard problems to solve, Joinerville Park stands a tall chance for being your new favorite climbing spot in Iowa.
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