Best State Parks in Iowa: In the interior of the country, United States you will definitely be introduced with a number of fabulous sights as well as the state parks also encompassed there. If you are thinking of discovering the best-known state parks in the midwestern region of the country then you have a great chance, called Iowa which is home to a number of affectionate attractions.
In the midwestern region of the country, there is a well-known U.S state nestled is called Iowa which is a landlocked state in the province and is suitably bounded with several stunning locations such as the Mississippi River, Nebraska, Missouri, Big Sioux River and Wisconsin etc. According to the area, it is considered to be the 26th largest state and has been renowned as the 31st most populous state in the country.
In addition, it has been considered as one of the safest states in the United States and is blessed for its tremendous landmarks by which visitors are attracted towards the destination from the different regions of the country. The state has kept a number of top sights to explore like museum, sculpture museum, state park, elevator service, baseball field and historical landmark etc.
Let’s see an article which is related to the best state parks in Iowa and the above paragraphs are just a glimpse of information about the state. To gain more knowledge about the state of Iowa, you have to observe the following article, mentioned below.
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1. Lake Macbride State Park
Encompassing an area of 2,180 acres, Lake Macbride State Park is considered to be the biggest state park in the province which has a beautiful location in Johnson County, near to the city of Solon. It is the most beautiful nature-preserved attraction which has been listed among the best state parks in Iowa and is completely surrounded by the beauty of nature.
With the surrounding lush greenery areas, the state park has gained much more popularity in the terrain and is an ideal spot to have several recreational activities.
In the interior of the park, you will get to see a mesmerizing walk trail that provides an opportunity to discover all the stunning sights around the place and is a prodigious picnic spot in the province that draws a number of people to enjoy all the significance of the site. In the province, it is the most popular fishing site and is home to channel catfish, muskellunge and walleye etc.
2. Pikes Peak State Park
Another most elegant destination in the province is called Pikes Peak State Park which has been renowned for its picturesque surroundings and lies along the border with Wisconsin, in northeastern Iowa. Inside the park, you will definitely be introduced with a number of features, offered to the visitors and you can consider the place for things to do in Iowa.
It is able to draw the attention of every nature lover by its tremendous scenic view and the surrounding natural bluffs are the main attraction in the park. In addition, in the park, there are a number of campsites available, including electric and non-electric sites.
Mainly the state park is widely famous for its epic view of the Mississippi River and is also called the premier nature attraction in the region. In Clayton County, Pikes Peak State Park has an elegant location, including a 500-foot bluff and is operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
3. Waubonsie State Park
In southwest Iowa, there is a prodigious natural attraction called Waubonsie State Park which has a privileged location in the Loess Hills and spanning an area of 2,000 acres. It is an ideal destination for those who especially adore to interact with the untouched beauty of nature and is home to an abundance of outdoor activities.
That’s why most nature seekers like to visit the place in the interior of the state of Iowa. Among the several features, Sunset Ridge Nature Trail is considered to be one of the best hiking trails in the middle of the park and offers a satisfactory environment to enjoy the site.
There are a number of facilities available for the walkers, horse riders and bikers where they can experience all the significant features of the park and for adventure enthusiasts, it is the best-known destination in all over the state. These are the reasons, the state park is considered as one of the best state parks in Iowa and is home to almost two campgrounds with electric and non electric campsites.
4. Backbone State Park
The first state park in the state of Iowa is considered to be Backbone State Park which is the vibrant attraction in the region, dating back to 1920 and for the geographical formations, it is being reputed throughout the state, Iowa. Inside the park, you can check out several affectionate attractions, explored by the visitors and is home to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum that portrays the history of the park.
In the province, there is the highest point seen that’s known as a narrow bedrock, formed by the Maquoketa River and is affectionately called “Devil’s Backbone”.
In addition, you will get to see 21 miles of multi-use trails around the museum which is ideal for several activities like trailing, walking, hiking and running etc. The park is also home to a number of notable attractions where a lake is nestled here that gives an opportunity for paddle boats, kayaks and canoes etc.
5. Wildcat Den State Park
For hiking, Wildcat Den State Park is the best known destination in the province which is located along the Iowa-Illinois border in eastern Iowa and here you are allowed to enjoy the geological formations, featured by sandstone bluffs. It is said that the state park is 47 miles southeast of Iowa city and is a remarkable place to get interesting outdoor activities along the site.
Due to its miraculous features, it is listed among the best state parks in Iowa and offers a memorable hike through woodlands. In addition, it is also possible to check out the history of the park through Pine Creek Grist Mill, dating back to 1848 and this oldest mill is placed between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River.
It is obvious that the park is featured by the delighted attractions like rock formations, several historic structures and 75 foot cliffs etc. Not only this but also is encompassed by unique trails and natural beauties.
6. Ambrose A. Call State Park
Lies on the east fork of the Des Moines River, in northern Iowa, it is a remarkable state park which is popularly called Ambrose A. Call State Park and is a lively tourist spot in the province. To access the park, you have to access Kossuth County and it is an ideal place to picnic with friends.
It is a peaceful destination that offers a tranquil environment to explore the park thoroughly and has preserved a 138-acre oasis of rugged hills. In the year of 1925, the park was established and is home to a campground, featured with 16 campsites.
It is said that the park has a two miles of trail, goes through the forest and camping is also possible here. To explore a natural sight in the province, Ambrose A. Call State Park is a great option for nature lovers and is also ideal to visit with friends or family.
7. McIntosh Woods State Park
Dating back to 1944, McIntosh Woods State Park is the best-known destination in the region which is listed among the best state parks in Iowa and is located on the northwest shores of Clear Lake. In northern Iowa, it is the most popular tourist attraction and is an ideal destination to have several outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, kayaking and boating etc.
In addition, it is also considered to be a perfect attraction to visit in winter and the most popular events during that time are ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing etc.
In Ventura, it is an incredible tourist spot that covers an area of a 63-acre in Cerro Gordo County and can be found near to the second largest lake, called Clear Lake. In the interior of the park, numerous natural sightseeing spots are located. That’s why nature seekers and adventurous enthusiasts adore visiting the state of Iowa.
8. Nine Eagles State Park
If you are looking for a tranquil environment to explore in the province then Nine Eagles State Park will be a perfect option for you, situated in southern Iowa and is renowned for plant species and wildlife. It is said that the park is featured by so many amenities for the tourists where you can enjoy all the stunning facilities of the park and is the greatest option to discover the wildlife in the terrain.
Among the several features, it offers nine miles of hiking trails and a six miles of bridle trail. The state park encompasses an area of 1,100-acre and within a hilly area of the state, it has gained much more popularity among nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. In addition, in the interior of the park you will definitely get to see a lake which is an ideal for both fishing and boating.
9. Lewis and Clark State Park
Another wonderful location in the interior of the state is called Lewis and Clark State Park that’s named after Captain Meriwether Lewis and is completely surrounded by the native vegetation. If you are exploring the destination with your friends or family then it must be a worthwhile tourist attraction for you and is featured by a number of amenities for the tourists.
That’s why most people adore to visit the site in the state and is always beloved by nature seekers. It is one of the best state parks in Iowa which is home to a blue Lake and it offers a chance for fishing here.
In addition, the most popular among them are bass, panfish, channel catfish and northern Pike etc. It is also possible to discover a sandy beach along the park that offers a boat ramp to launch the non motorized boats.
10. Union Grove State Park
In Tama County, there is a well known attraction called Union Grove State Park which is a great destination to explore in Summer and offers an experienced hike around the park. If you are searching for the outdoor activities in the state then the park will be a perfect attraction for you and is featured by the large Union Grove Lake.
In addition, inside the park you will definitely get to see an elegant lake that’s known for launching your boat and swimming is also possible along the lake.
In the heart of the woodland of the park, you are offered the man made waterfall for hiking and most people come to visit the destination from the different regions of the country, United States. It is confirmed that the state park was established in the year of 1938 and is featured by 24 hour fish sites, two boat ramps and a beach etc.
11. Gull Point State Park
In Wahpeton, Gull Point State Park is a prodigious destination which has a privileged location on West Okoboji Lake and is considered to be the primary state park in the Iowa Great Lakes region. It covers an area of 380 acres and was established in the year of 1933. Mainly, the state park is renowned for its Rustic architectural style and offers a number of recreational activities for visitors.
In the province, you will definitely get to see a shaded campground which is home to almost 112 sites and the campground has facilities of showers, a playground, modern restrooms and a holding tank dump station etc.
It is considered as one of the best state parks in Iowa and is an ideal place for cross-country skiing during the winter. If you are interested to know more about the culture and history of the area then the 1.5-mile trail is a perfect option for you in the park.
12. Preparation Canyon State Park
In the interior of the state of Iowa, there is a prestigious state park situated which is popularly known as Preparation Canyon State Park and is nestled in the heart of the Loess Hills in western Iowa. In the province, the state park has covered an area of 344-acre that gives an opportunity for things to do in Iowa and is widely famous for camping, hiking and picnicking etc.
It is said that the state park was established in the year of 1934 and you will definitely get to see dramatic ridges, located on the north, west and south sides of the park. In addition, inside the park, there are almost 10 campsites and is home to a number of affectionate natural sights to visit. Besides it, you are allowed for various kinds of trails such as Ridge, flat, hilly and Valley etc.
Best time to visit Iowa
There are different kinds of weather experienced in the state of Iowa with the different climates. If you are much more interested in enjoying the best state parks in Iowa then you should have to gain sufficient knowledge about the seasons of the year in the state. In the following article, we have researched the best time to visit Iowa by which you can easily explore the state thoroughly.
Summer (June through August)
To enjoy all the significant features of the state, the season of summer will be a perfect time for your exploration which is considered as the best time to visit Iowa and provides a very comfortable weather to explore the sights in the state. Most people prefer the time for their worthwhile trip and to enjoy the season, you have to come to the destination in the months of June through August where the temperature ranges from 67° fahrenheit – 94° fahrenheit.
Spring (March through May)
The season of spring is popularly known as the second busiest season of the year which is an ideal time for the state exploration and offers a moderate climate to enjoy the sights in the state. If you are looking for things to do in Iowa then the season is the best time for you and a number of tourists also come to visit the state during the season. The season can be experienced between the months of March through May and the temperature stays 0.7° Celsius – 25.9° Celsius.
Winter (December through February)
The cold weather is an enjoyable time to enjoy the state and the travelers can feel the cool climate while having a journey towards the state of Iowa but during the season, it is fairly slow with the tourists. So that the accommodations can be obtained at affordable prices. The season comes to the state in the months of December through February and the temperature ranges from -1.5° Celsius – 1.7° Celsius.
Conclusion: Best State Parks in Iowa
After observing the article, it has been concluded that Iowa is a remarkable U.S state in the midwestern region of the country that boasts an abundance of tourist sights and the state parks are encompassed here. Mainly, the article is meant to provide information about the best state parks in Iowa which is very good for those who like to visit the state and its captivating sights.
There are a massive number of state parks nestled in the state but we have mentioned the best places. Before making any trip towards the state, you should have read the article mentioned in the above paragraphs with full explanations. Thank you.
FAQs: Best State Parks in Iowa
Q. Where is Iowa located?
A: The state of Iowa is located in the midwestern region of the country which is a landlocked state and is home to a number of splendid sights.
Q. Is it possible to explore the best-known state parks inside the state?
A: Yes, it is possible to explore the best-known state parks inside the state and to explore the sights, you should have sufficient knowledge about the state.
Q. Which is the largest state park in the state of Iowa?
A: It is said that Lake Macbride State Park is the largest state park in the state, Iowa and is an ideal spot to have outdoor activities.
Q. Which is considered to be the oldest state park in the state?
A: Among the numerous state parks, Backbone State Park is the oldest and is the first state park in the state of Iowa.
Q. Why is the state of Iowa renowned all over the United States?
A: The state of Iowa has gained a much more reputation due to its miraculous sights such as museums, sculpture museums, state parks, elevator services, baseball fields and historical landmarks etc.
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