9 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Iowa That Are 1 Mile And Under
Hiking in Iowa doesn’t have to be an all-day adventure under the hot summer sun. If you’re looking for some easy, scenic, short Iowa hikes, these kid-friendly trails will be your favorite new discovery! Head out for a quick stroll and pack a picnic lunch to get the most out of your time outdoors. They also happen to be some of the best hikes in Iowa.
The Wildcat Cave Trail is a unique 0.6-mile out and back trail near Eldora. Follow the river and explore the cave with your kids, who will love this exciting adventure. The Wildcat Cave Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Iowa.
Wildcat Cave Access, 31504 215th St, Eldora, IA 50627, USA
The Table Rock Loop is another 0.6-mile trail that takes you through the unique geological formations of Ledges State Park. In the spring and summer, this trail comes alive with beautiful wildflowers. Table Rock Loop is one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Iowa.
The Bridal Veil Trail takes you just about one mile out and back through Pikes Peak State Park. Enjoy a great overlook of the Mississippi River and a boardwalk descent towards a waterfall that you can walk behind. Bridal Veil Trail is one of the most scenic and easy hikes in Iowa.
Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
4. Hidden Prairie Nature Trail, Kuehn Conservation Area
This super short, 0.3-mile loop trail is a stunning wildflower paradise. You'll also be able to see birds and wildlife, and this beautiful conservation area is full of short gems like this. Kuehn Conservation Area in Iowa is an amazing park to explore.
The scenic George Wyth Mine Trail is a 0.6-mile out and back trail that brings you to beautiful views and perfect birding outposts. The wildflowers that line the well-manicured trails are breathtaking. You can even take a short hike to a beach at George Wyth State Park in Iowa.
3659 Wyth Rd, Waterloo, IA 50703, USA
6. Yellow Banks Backpacker Trail, Polk County Park
This 0.8-mile loop trail is a great place to spot wildlife, even though you're not far from the big city! Birding and nature walks are common here, and children love to find hidden gems along the trail. This is a great place to go geocaching, too! This is one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Iowa.
Picnic by the river on the Wildwood Loop! This secluded 0.7-mile trail is one of the most underrated in the state, and you're likely to have the whole place to yourself if you go early in the day. Learn more about Ashton-Wildwood County Park in Iowa on the My County Parks website.
The Savannah Trail is just over half a mile of scenic walking through Prairie at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge. The wildflowers and wildlife here are so fun to spot! The whole Wildlife Refuge is worth a visit, too, so plan to spend a bit of time checking it out. It's one of the most beautiful kid-friendly hikes in Iowa.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, 9981 Pacific St, Prairie City, IA 50228, USA
The Greenbelt Lake Loop is just under a mile and you'll be treated to pretty waterfront views the whole way around. This is a great, easy hike for anyone and the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. Visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website to learn more.
Greenbelt Lake, 900 Martin Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701, USA
These are some of the best hikes in Iowa you can take with kids. Each of these short Iowa trails is sure to make your day, and on a summer morning, you’ll enjoy the cool air. For more of the best easy trails in Iowa, check out our list of easy, breezy summer hikes in Iowa that will overwhelm you with natural beauty.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Iowa
July 15, 2022
Melissa M..
What are some kid-friendly attractions in Iowa?
The state of Iowa offers plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions. So much so that we put together a road trip with some of our favorites! Among the stops on this family-friendly road trip through Iowa are the state’s most popular theme park (Adventureland), a restaurant arcade called The Quarter Barrel, and the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium. This adventure is full of fun and excitement that the whole family can enjoy!
What are some of the best family-friendly state parks in Iowa?
Big Creek State Park in Polk City is considered a very family-friendly place offering a beach, easy hiking trails, a playground, and more. You’ll also find piers along the water that are perfect for fishing. If your family enjoys camping, try the campground at Rock Creek State Park. The park itself offers plenty of recreation from swimming to boating to SUP boarding. Best of all, you’ll experience some of the darkest skies in the state here so let the kids’ imaginations wander as you look up at the night sky and count the stars.
Are there any bike trails in Iowa?
Yes, there are! The multi-use Sauk Rail Trail follows some gorgeous scenery along former railroad tracks. It also connects two popular state parks, Blackhawk Lake State Park and Swan Lake State Park. You can make an entire weekend out of it by camping at one (or both) of the parks.
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Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
