Nature

Nature
National & State Parks

Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Echo Valley State Park

Discover a charming small town near Echo Valley State Park that’s perfect for your next getaway, with great stays and easy park access.

by Stephanie Frias
on Jun 14
Tall bluffs over a scenic river, just 3 miles from a Small town near Echo Valley State Park.
Nature

The Small-Town State Park in Iowa Locals Want To Keep to Themselves

by Trent Jonas
on May 29
Young trees with fresh spring buds grow in an open field at Volga River State Recreation Area, Iowa.
Nature

The Rail Trail in Iowa That’s Better Than Most Hikes

by Stephanie Frias
on May 14
A family with bikes enjoying the views of the Cedar River along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, an Iowa rail trail in Cedar Rapids.
Nature

6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Iowa for a Spring Hike

by Trent Jonas
on Apr 7
A narrow dirt path curves through a vibrant green forest in Iowa during a spring hike.
Nature

One Trail, Two States: Why This Iowa Hike Is So Unique

by Stephanie Frias
on Mar 5
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge from below, where you can hike two states at once in Iowa and Nebraska

Latest Nature

Nature
Hiking

This One Hike In Iowa Proves It’s Not as Flat as You Think

The most extreme hike in Iowa at Folsom Point has a ridgeline trail that proves Iowa is not as flat as you think.

by Stephanie Frias
on Jan 22
Two kids hiking in Iowa's Loess Hills near Council Bluffs at the Folsom Point Preserve.
Nature

3 Breathtaking Iowa Views Anyone Can Reach (No Expert Hiking Needed)

These Iowa trails offer big rewards: short, easy hikes in the state's most scenic areas. Enjoy views of the Loess Hills, the Driftless Area, and the Iowa River.

by Stephanie Frias
on Dec 8
Views of a stunning, calm, blue river winding along verdant green banks, views next to an old stone mill.
Nature
Hiking

This Scenic Iowa Trail Is Even Better in the Winter

Discover the winter beauty of Iowa at Pine Lake State Park. Hike the snowy Recreation Trail for stunning views of frozen lakes, frosted pines, and stone bridges.

by Trent Jonas
on Dec 1
The sun sets over a snowy woodland trail during a peaceful winter hike, with a dog walking ahead and fresh footprints marking the path.
Nature
Hiking

This Is the Most Claustrophobic Hike in Iowa—Would You Try It?

Are you willing to get into tight spaces? Majestic views and adventurous trails await at Iowa's Maquoketa Caves State Park.

by Jessica Mlinaric
on Nov 25
Light pours into a cave through an opening.
Nature
Hiking

Hike This Surprising 2-Mile Trail in an Iowa Wildlife Refuge for the Bison

This wide-open Iowa hiking trail will lead you to wild bison and elk roaming in a federally protected native tall-grass prairie.

by Stephanie Frias
on Oct 17
A wild bison with golden fur and two horns, lying in golden prairie grass.