The Outdoor Discovery Park In Iowa That’s Perfect For A Family Day Trip

This amazing urban environment is an 85-acre park with 2 stocked fishing ponds, two picnic shelters, 1.5 miles of hard-surfaced trails, 2 miles of primitive trails, and a historical cemetery.

This park was once the site of the Muscatine County Farm. Muscatine residents used to help work the farm and they also shared the food produced by the farm. Now, this is a popular outdoor discovery park for families with geocaching, public nature programs, picnicking, nature study, walking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

It offers seating for 80-100 people and is available for rental through the park's reservation system. It has electricity, but no overhead lighting. There's a modern restroom where water is available, access to the park's trail system, green play space, and adjacent parking.

There are also a couple of really nice fishing docks here, one of which is fully handicapped accessible. Discovery Park is next door to the Old Barn and the Muscatine Arboretum. It's also across the street from the city's Fuller Park, which features a 13-hole disc golf course. There's more than enough to keep a busy family happy and engaged for the day, here.

The facility is 10,500 square feet and is home to the Muscatine County Conservation Board offices. It's also a natural history exhibit space and has a large area for meetings and classes. Two 1200-gallon aquariums offer a fun way to see native fish. The natural history exhibits have over 100 mounted animals and show wildlife in Iowa and how the habitats change. There are also live turtles and snakes on display, here. The center is open Monday through Friday between 8am and 4:30pm; Saturday and Sunday from noon until 4pm. This 10,500 sq. foot facility located in Discovery Park in Muscatine houses the Muscatine County Conservation Board offices, natural history exhibit space, and a large classroom/meeting space. During your visit, be sure to stop by the outdoor live raptor enclosure and enjoy the landscaping with native plants.

Many people bike or walk the trails, here. The arboretum is a permanent collection of plants and trees including linden, maple, dwarf conifers, oak, crab apples, and more. There's a gazebo, brick labyrinth in a medieval style, and plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view. Baby strollers, dog walkers, runners, wheelchairs, and skate boarders are welcome at this amazing park.

The course is designed to accommodate all skill levels. It has wide open shots as well as more difficult holes. It's free to play, here. Signage, benches, restrooms, and ample parking make this a super family-friendly place to visit.