Stroll Then Swim on This Beach Hike in Iowa That’s Perfect for Summer

The Hawkeye State is home to hundreds of miles of beautiful trails, some exploring the broad valleys of Iowa's wide rivers, from the Mississippi to the Missouri, others traversing its rolling prairies, and many crisscrossing its deep forests—and we love to get out and hike them. Hiking, in fact, is a year-round passion in Iowa. We'll strap on snowshoes or traction devices in the winter and lace up trail runners or hiking boots the rest of the year. Summer, of course, is one of the best times to get out and hike, as everything is green and lush, the birds and other animals are active, and you don't have to worry about layering up with anything but sunscreen and bug spray. One of the downsides about hiking in Iowa during the summer, though, is that it can get downright hot (and humid!); but there is a way to turn this to your advantage: Just combine your hike with a swim. Many of Iowa's trails trace the banks or shorelines of our waterways, and with a little preplanning, you can cool off right at the end of your hike. I think one of the best places for the classic combination of of hiking and swimming in Iowa is Lake MacBride State Park, just outside of Solon, on the Beach to Dam Trail.

The name pretty much says it all: This easy, 3.2-mile, out-and-back hike starts and ends at Lake MacBride Beach. When you arrive, you can leave all your swimming gear and beach toys at the trailhead, grab your water bottle, and start hiking. The trail is fairly level, gaining only a little more than 100 feet over the entire 3-mile course.

From the beach, the trail skirts the forested shore of Lake MacBride, which is the impoundment of Mill Creek at its confluence with the Iowa River. On a hot summer day, you'll enjoy the shade along this section of the trail. Ultimately, it opens up at the mouth of Mill Creek, where an earthen dam separates Lake MacBride from the Iowa River. The trail continues across the top of the dam to its semi-natural spillway. This sweet little waterfall in the shade is your reward for making it to the hike's halfway point.

After you've had some time to enjoy this spot and maybe kick your feet around in the water, head back the way you came. When you reach the beach, grab what you need from your car and hit the water. Modern restrooms are located nearby, as well as a concession where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards or grab a snack and a cool drink.

Can you think of a better way to spend a summer day in Iowa than hiking and swimming at Lake MacBride State Park? I can't! Visit the state park's web page for more information and beach rules. Where are some other places that you can hike and swim in Iowa? Let us know your favorites on our nomination page.