Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
Iowa is a wide-open state, and if you talk to outsiders, they might just tell you they think it’s prairie from beginning to end. We know better, though – Iowa is an incredibly diverse state in terms of environments, with many of those environments being carved out eons before humans walked the earth. From Council Bluffs to Davenport, every corner of Iowa is unique, and there’s no better way to see it than through a visit to the best state parks in our great state. There’s no question there are a few state parks in the Hawkeye State that are world-famous, but there are many more that people might have never heard of – after all, there are a grand total of 83 state parks, state forests, and recreation areas across the Hawkeye State. It can seem overwhelming at first to decide where to start – and that’s where Only In Your State comes in. We’ve put together a list of the eighteen best state parks in Iowa that should be on any bucket list.
Wow Factor: One of Iowa’s most historic state parks, this one is dedicated to the famous voyage that helped map the United States. A visitor’s center, museum, and boat tours on keelboats allow visitors a unique way to step back in time and trace the footsteps of the famous explorers.
Need To Know: There are a lot of things to do in Lewis and Clark State Park year-round, but the tours are only given during the warmer seasons. Still, the park in Winter is stunningly beautiful, especially when Blue Lake is frozen over.
2. Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park, 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
Wow Factor: If you're looking for things to do in Maquoketa Caves, you'll be spoiled for choice. This is possibly the most famous state park in Iowa and one of the most beautiful, thanks to its unique rock formations, scenic views, and a large cave network. This park often feels like exploring an alien world, but it’s well-designed with staircases and trails that make it easy to see without difficult hiking.
Need To Know: If you’re planning to explore the caves, there are several large cave areas that can simply be walked into by hikers. However, this is the largest cave network in Iowa and some of the areas are a tight squeeze. Proceed with caution when spelunking.
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3. Lake MacBride State Park
Lake Macbride State Park, 3525 Hwy 382 NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA
Wow Factor: The largest state park in Iowa, Lake MacBride State Park is over 2,100 acres with a massive lake at its center. There’s something for everyone here - fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and sightseeing are all popular activities, and it’s also a popular spot for camping. .
Need To Know: The trails are just one of the many things to do in Lake MacBride State Park, and many are easy, but some take you over rougher terrain. There are several hidden waterfalls around the park, so keep an eye out for beautiful secrets as you hike!
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4. Pikes Peak State Park
Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Wow Factor: Another one of Iowa’s incredibly popular state parks, at the top of any list ofthings to do in Pikes Peak State Park is its stunning overlook at one of the highest points in Iowa, giving it the nickname of “The Grand Canyon of Iowa”. But that’s just scratching the surface here - this park has miles of trails, and is also home to one of Iowa’s most photographed waterfalls, Bridal Veil Falls.
Need To Know: Both camping and RV spots are available, as this park is often chosen as a multi-day destination by visitors. The park has one of the largest collections of trails in the state, as much of the land has been left untouched.
5. Effigy Mounds National Monument
Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
Wow Factor: No state park in Iowa goes back further into human history than Effigy Mounds National Monument. When talking about things to do in Effigy Mounds, it's all about exploring the collection of massive earthworks scattered through the park. Built into the shape of animals and other symbols by pre-Columbian Native Americans, this park has over 200 mounds. It’s believed they were built in the first millennium, and they can be seen through a large collection of trails.
Need To Know: This is one of the only federally recognized parks in Iowa, so regulations are different from Iowa’s state parks. The mounds are considered sacred by 20 tribes associated with the movement.
Best State Parks In Iowa To Camp
6. Backbone State Park
Backbone State Park, 1347 129th St, Dundee, IA 52038, USA
Wow Factor: One of the state’s most popular recreation destinations, there are so many things to do in Backbone State Park. The park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is best known for what might be the best beach in Iowa. Popular for swimming and fishing, it often feels like you’ve disappeared to a tropical getaway during the summer.
Need To Know: Backbone State Park is a top camping destination, and if you don’t feel like roughing it, the year-round cabins offer a taste of luxury in the middle of nature and are perfect for families.
7. Honey Creek State Park
Honey Creek State Park, 12194 Honey Creek Pl, Moravia, IA 52571, USA
Wow Factor: The star attraction when looking for things to do in Honey Creek State Park is Lake Rathburn, the most crystal-clear lake in Iowa. The park also has a very rich Native history, which can be followed on the Woodland Interpretive Trail in the area. The state campground has several cabins as well as affordable campsites, and is open year-round.
Need To Know: The state park is right next to Honey Creek Resort, a massive complex featuring a luxury hotel packed with recreation options and comfortable lodging, with easy access to the natural area nearby.
8. McIntosh Woods State Park
McIntosh Woods State Park, 1200 E Lake St, Ventura, IA 50482, USA
Wow Factor: There are a lot of things to do in McIntosh Woods, even though it is a smaller state park at only 60 acres, and it’s rarely very crowded. The main reason to make a trip out here is for the unique lodging option - Yurts! There are two fully furnished Yurts on the campground which can be rented for comparable prices to cabins at other state parks.
Need To Know: This is a popular spot for fishing, located on the banks of Clear Lake. If you’re hoping to rent one of the Yurts, try to book in advance - with only two spots, they can be a hot ticket..
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Best State Parks In Iowa To RV
9. Elk Rock State Park
Elk Rock State Park, 811 146th Ave, Knoxville, IA 50138, USA
Wow Factor: A laid-back gem of a rural state park, outdoor lovers will find plenty of things to do in Elk Rock State Park. It's best-known for being one of the best spots for fall foliage in Iowa. For those looking to camp here, there are options for everything from simply pitching a tent to driving in a massive RV and parking at the park under the stars.
Need To Know: As a park that caters to RV campers, hookups of different power levels are available at the parking lot. One-fourth of campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Wow Factor: For those looking for things to do in Ledges State Park, it's a perfect time to visit. The park just turned 100 years old in 2024, and this is one of the Iowa state parks with the most unique geographical features. Massive sandstone cliffs line the park, creating a truly stunning view as you explore the trails and cross the historic stone bridge.
Need To Know: The large campground has RV hookups and is under a canopy of trees for protection from the elements. For those looking for a more rustic experience, the woods have well-spaced primitive camping sites.
Best State Parks In Iowa For Hiking
11. Waubonsie State Park
Waubonsie State Park, 2585 Waubonsie Park Rd, Hamburg, IA 51640, USA
Wow Factor: The Loess Hills may just be the most beautiful site in all of Iowa, a rolling landscape of prairie filled with ancient grasslands. The best things to do in Waubonsie State Park involve exploring the unique and beautiful area, thanks to a collection of seven short trails that are easy to navigate. This includes one of the best overlooks in the Loess Hills.
Need To Know: Waubonsie State Park is one of the few Iowa state parks with a dedicated equestrian trail system. It also features two campgrounds, one specifically geared towards equestrians.
12. Wildcat Den State Park
Wildcat Den State Park, 1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA
Wow Factor: When people look for things to do in Wildcat Den State Park, it often involves a camera. This is one of the most photographed state parks in Iowa, and it’s mostly thanks to one amazing feature - a majestic tunnel of trees that feels like you’re stepping into a fantasy world. The sandstone cliffs also make an incredible backdrop to a hike.
Need To Know: There are four miles of trails on the park grounds, with a historic grist mill and school being located on the eastern side. A small campground makes it easy to make this a multi-day adventure.
13. Beeds Lake State Park
Beeds Lake State Park, 1422 165th St, Hampton, IA 50441, USA
Wow Factor: One of the less well-known state parks in Iowa, there are a lot of ththings to do in Beeds Lake State Park. The park is full of small trails that are easy to hike - and most take you right up to the water. A sandy beach, crystal-clear water, and a small spillway make for some of the most beautiful views in the whole state.
Need To Know: If you want a unique look at the Beeds Lake Spillway, a hidden trail will get you up-close and personal with the moss-covered man-made waterfall for some amazing photo opportunities.
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14. Palisades-Kepler State Park
Palisades-Kepler State Park, 700 Kepler Dr, Mt Vernon, IA 52314, USA
Wow Factor: Located on the banks of the Cedar River, this park features some of the best stargazing in all of Iowa. There are five miles of trails to explore, and the park is located far away from most sources of light pollution. Make sure to keep an eye out for some of the historic earthen mounds that pre-date the founding of Iowa.
Need To Know: Looking for unique things to do in Palisades-Kepler State Park? The park is is home to one of Iowa’s only observatories, which is an amazing place to be when meteor showers are in the area.
Little-Known State Parks In Iowa
15. Dolliver Memorial State Park
Dolliver Memorial State Park, 2757 Dolliver Park Ave, Lehigh, IA 50557, USA
Wow Factor: One of the quietest state parks in Iowa, there are plenty of things to do in Dolliver Memorial is best known for relaxing trails over rustic wooden bridges, as well as high canyons worn away by erosion over millions of years. The park is especially beautiful during the fall, when a small overlook provides an incredible view of the foliage.
Need To Know: Keep an eye on the sandstone cliffs - geology buffs will be able to identify the countless layers of sediment that formed this park.
16. Nine Eagles State Park
Nine Eagles State Park, 23678 Dale Miller Rd, Davis City, IA 50065, USA
Wow Factor: This is one of the most isolated and rustic state parks in the whole Hawkeye State, and that makes it an amazing spot for visiting when you want to go stargazing. The lake at its center has an old-fashioned fishing pier, and and a small playground will keep the kids occupied. The entire park can be seen on a 5.8-mile loop trail, so it’s very easy to navigate..
Need To Know: Did you know this is the closest park Iowa has to a true Dark Sky park? Scoring a 2 on the Bortle Scale, one of the best things to do in Nine Eagles State Park is to stake out a perfect spot to see shooting stars and other astronomical phenomena.
17. Stone State Park
Stone State Park, 5001 Talbot Rd, Sioux City, IA 51103, USA
Wow Factor: This is another little-known park located in the Loess Hills, on the very western edge of Iowa. Despite the remote location, it’s a well-maintained state park that features an amazing small overlook. While the park is most popular in the summer, we recommend a winter visit as well for the incredibly peaceful views.
Need To Know: Looking for more things to do in Stone State Park? The park is also home to the Dorothy Pecault Nature Center, a small museum that’s invaluable if you want to know more about the region’s flora and fauna.
18. Pillsbury Point State Park
Pillsbury Point State Park, 23 Prairie Ln, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, USA
Wow Factor: The biggest “Wow” here is when you realize how small this park is! Located in the packed tourist area of Arnolds Park in the Iowa Great Lakes region, this is less a park than a tiny urban enclave. But wow, is it beautiful. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic or relaxing during a hot summer day.
Need To Know: There are a surprising number of things to do in Pillsbury Point State Park, as the park doubles as a historical site. It’s the location of the Abbie Garner cabin, where the Spirit Lake massacre took place and a memorial can be found today. For daring types, look for the mounted swing over the water for a stunning view.
There is quite a debate over the best state parks in the state of Iowa – so we want to hear from you! Which of these have you visited, and which are at the top of your list? If you want to see more of the most majestic spots in Iowa, check out our list of the best natural wonders in Iowa. And if you’re interested in digging deep into the trails and hikes in Iowa’s best state parks, make sure to subscribe to AllTrails + before you go – with hundreds of downloadable trail maps, you’ll be in good shape no matter where you explore.
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