Iowa
Nature|National & State Parks

The One-Of-A-Kind Stone State Park In Iowa Is Absolutely Heaven On Earth

Stone State Park in Iowa offers a blend of natural beauty, comfortable accommodations, and family-friendly attractions.

Published Jun 23, 2022

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Iowa's state parks are always amazing, but it can be hard to find the right one for the whole family. Do you want a peaceful natural destination? Do other people want some fun attractions and a more exciting atmosphere? Finding all of those in one place can be tricky - unless you're in Stone State Park near Sioux City. This all-in-one destination boasts natural beauty, comfortable accommodations, and even a little museum - making it the closest thing Iowa has to Heaven on Earth.

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Stone State Park is one of Iowa's most peaceful destinations, a state park established in 18935 as a nature preserve.

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CraftBeers/TripAdvisor

Located in the Loess Hills, it's full of beautiful and peaceful natural destinations. Walking under the high green trees will help your worries melt away.

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Yoe S/TripAdvisor

The hiking trails are well-maintained and any tricky areas have convenient steps to guide your path. And trust us - the hike is worth the effort.

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Nicole C/TripAdvisor

Stone State Park has some of the best views in Iowa, letting you see the natural wonder of the Loess Hills from one of the best vantage points available.

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Lindsey/TripAdvisor

When you're ready for a break from the great outdoors, head over to the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, a small museum and visitor's center in the park.

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Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center/Facebook

If you're excited for more than one day at Stone State Park, the park has three camping cabins that can be rented out for a reasonable fee and fit the whole family.

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TravelIowa

Inside, you'll find a fully furnished cabin with everything you need for a comfortable night's rest. It's not exactly roughing it, but it'll give you all the energy you need for another day of exploring.

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TravelIowa

Summer is the most popular time to visit Stone State Park, but the scenery takes on a unique new beauty during the less-crowded winter season.

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TravelIowa

No matter the time of year, you can expect to see wildlife up close and personal in this thriving nature preserve.

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HobbsBuh1/TripAdvisor

Have you dropped into Stone State Park in Iowa? Let us know all about your trip to this little slice of Hawkeye State Heaven in the comments section. The park is open all seasons of the year, but amenities vary, so make sure to visit the Facebook page of the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center to find what you can expect.

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Nature|National & State Parks

Tiny But Mighty, The Smallest State Park In Iowa Is A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring

Pillsbury Point State Park in Arnolds Park, Iowa, offers a peaceful retreat with historical significance and scenic views.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

A summer trip to Arnolds Park is a rite of passage for many Iowans, but as wonderful as the lakeside resort is, it can be a lot! Sometimes after a full day of amusement parks, waterparks, and beachside fun, you need a little peaceful rest and recreation. A perfect haven for cooling off and catching your breath is located right around the corner - Pillsbury Point State Park. Where are they hiding a full state park in Arnolds Park, you ask? This is the smallest state park in Iowa and it's only six and a half acres, but it's so charming that we named it as one of our picks for the best state parks in Iowa. It's also a significant site in Iowa history, so why not take a bit out of your busy day and explore this hidden gem?

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Welcome to Pillsbury Point State Park, a tiny haven in the middle of bustling Arnolds Park, located not far from a row of summer homes.

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TheCatalyst31/Wikipedia

How tiny is this park? It's little more than a bucolic strip of land, marked by tiny boundary stones across the property.

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TheCatalyst31/Wikipedia

It's a charming and usually private place to enjoy a picnic and some cool lake air - but it's also a major site in Iowa history.

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Erik R/Foursquare

This was the location of the infamous Spirit Lake massacre, and the cabin of survivor Abbie Garner now stands as a museum and memorial.

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C.H. Carroll/Wikipedia

A towering memorial can also be seen on the grounds, paying tribute to the 35-40 victims.

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Erik R/Foursquare

A humble pioneer cemetery has graves of some of those who lost their lives in the massacre, as well as others buried here.

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Erik R/Foursquare

After this brief sojourn into Iowa's early history, you'll want to explore the beautiful overlook which is a hidden secret within this hidden secret.

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How daring are you? The mounted swing by the overlook will send you soaring over the lake for one of the best views in Arnolds Park.

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Have you been to Pillsbury Point State Park and explored its grounds and history? Let us know your thoughts about Iowa's smallest state park in the comments. If you want to know more about Arnolds Park's vacation offerings, make sure to check the website of Arnolds Park for more details on the town and its surrounding attractions. If you're looking to learn more about a much more high-energy outing in Arnolds Park, read up on Bridges Bay Resort, a massive resort and dining destination. It's an amazing home base for adventures on the Iowa Great Lakes, so book your getaway - you can choose between resort rooms or spacious and private cabins.

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Nature|National & State Parks

The Iowa Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa features 16 unique caves and the spectacular Ridge Trail, making it a must-visit destination.

Updated Jul 19, 2024

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

So many people think Iowa is just flat farmland and cornfields when in reality, we have some of the most unique topography in the country right here in our midwestern wonder. The internationally famous Maquoketa Caves State Park is one perfect example - this 111-acre park features 16 different caves along just a few miles of trail! The best trail in the park has to be the Ridge Trail, and you will love the adventure it takes you on. Come along as we tell you all about the Ridge Trail in Iowa, a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

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Maquoketa Caves State Park is a world-famous destination where you'll hike through absolutely breathtaking caves.

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Flickr / Phil Roeder

The park was closed throughout most of 2018 for construction and rehabilitation, but it opened back up at the end of August, and now is the perfect time to visit!

While there are miles of trails throughout the park, the Ridge Trail is perhaps the most spectacular trail in the entire midwest.

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Flickr / Tom Gill

This 1.7 mile loop trail is on the north side of the park. There are picnic areas at the trail head, so pack a lunch! And here is the park map.

At the trail head, make a left, and do the loop this way. This trail takes you to EIGHT different caves.

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Flickr / Tom Gill

Hiek Wide Mouth Cave, Dugout Cave, Twin Arch Cave, Hernando's Hideaway, Up N Down Cave, Window Cave, and Match Cave, all on your way to the highlight of your trip.

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As you approach the farthest point of the trail, you'll see a beautiful natural bridge that's perfect for photos, climbing, and exploring.

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Flickr / Tom Gill

The most famous cave in the park - Upper Dancehall Cave - is at the last stop along the Ridge Trail.

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Flickr / Phil Roeder

This 1,000 foot cave features lighting and a walkway system! Talk about technology in the middle of nowhere!

A visit to Maquoketa State Park, a hike along the Ridge Trail, and a walk through each breathtaking cave along the way is an experience you will never forget.

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Flickr / Tom Gill

You'll find this beautiful state park at 10970 98th St., Maquoketa, IA 52060, in Jackson County, Iowa.

What's your favorite cave at Maquoketa? If you've never been, you'll soon have a favorite after just one trip! Fall is the perfect time to visit this serene state park, and you'll love hiking through the caves in the crisp autumn air. For some Ridge Trail reviews, be sure to check out the AllTrails website page for the park.

If you've hiked it, to you have some Ridge Trail photos to share? What was your favorite part? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

While you're in town, make plans to stop at the area's most famous restaurant! Bluff Lake Catfish Farm is truly a local legend.

Thinking about taking an Iowa vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.

If you’re still in the mood for more Iowa adventures, take a look at this video:

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