Here are 13 Iowa Parks You've Never Heard Of But Will Want To Visit

Big Woods Lake Recreation Area is a county park with campsites, cabins, a no-wake 80-acre lake, handicapped accessible trails around the lake, and a beautiful pedestrian bridge. It's also part of the extensive Cedar Valley bike trail system. Locals know about it, but even if you don't live in this area of Iowa, it's worth a trip.

This 20-acre park offers amazing views of the Mississippi River, a biking or walking path, picnic areas, and electric-only camping spots. Check with park management before making plans, though. If the river is too high they close the park until it's safe to camp there, again.

Stay an hour or enjoy a few leisurely days at this beautiful park. This is one of Iowa's first state parks, dedicated in 1928. This park covers 350 acres and features yurt camping, a historic picnic lodge made from oak logs harvested from the park, and a rural chapel converted to an environmental education and nature center. Harmon tunnel is the only highway tunnel in Iowa, and is at the entrance to the park.

This popular recreational area is relatively new and consists of paved walking trails, a small lake that fills an old quarry, restored natural prairie, and a seasonal walk-up place to get refreshments. There is also a boat rental place here where you can rent stand-up paddle-boards, kayaks, and canoes by the hour.

You'll want to spend at least a couple of hours taking in the amazing views at this state park. It's across the river from the well-known Mississippi River Palisades Park and is a less crowded option with equally incredible scenery.

This small city park offers a great view of the Mississippi River and the Illinois shoreline. Stop by with a picnic lunch or a photo opportunity. This quiet park is well-kept and neat. FYI, it's named, "Mosquito Park" because of its tiny size.

This park can handle a picnic lunch for 100 in either of its beautiful lodges. Or just grab a table and enjoy a quiet meal for two. There's places to camp, a golf course, bike paths, two dog parks, hiking trails, and many geocaches.

This park is maintained by the City of Keokuk and they have many community events there, like fireworks, outdoor concerts, and even a Christmas light display. Stop by in the summer to see the handiwork of the local gardening club and the stunning Mississippi River views.

Old MacDonald's Farm is a petting zoo that you can wander through at no charge April through October from 10am to 7pm, daily, to see Iowa farm animals. It's especially fun in the springtime when there are a lot of babies on site. The park also has picnic facilities, several playgrounds, and a large swimming pool with two waterslides.

Live Elk and Bison pens, picnic shelters, cabins, fishing, boating, hiking, and a unique playscape playground make this park worthy of a visit that lasts at least an afternoon.

Locals call this the best park in the area. The small lake is stocked each year, so the fishing is great. A three-mile trail winds around the lakes. A fenced dog park and a facility for get-togethers and parties are wonderful additions to this beautiful park.