Iowa
Nature|National & State Parks

There’s Fun Enough For A Whole Day At America’s Southernmost Glacial Lake, Black Hawk Lake In Iowa

Black Hawk Lake in Iowa is the southernmost glacial lake in the U.S., offering boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping.

Published Jan 14, 2022

Written by 

Cristy

Here's a fun fact about Iowa that you might not have realized: the Hawkeye State is home to the nation's southernmost glacial lake! It's Black Hawk Lake in Lake View, Iowa. A historic state park, this lake and its surrounding terrain is the perfect place to spend a fun-filled day in Sac County.

First, the lake. Black Hawk Lake in Iowa is a 957-acre natural lake that's good for boating, swimming, and fishing.

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juliet gudka / Google Maps

The lake boasts two swimming beaches, four boat ramps, and a fishing pier. It's extra notable as the southernmost glacial lake in the United States.

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Brock Johnson / Google Maps

Next, the hiking trails. The Stubb Severson Nature Trail is a 1.6 mile trail with 20 marked sites along the path that feature plant life from around the park. Hikers will also often spot wildlife as they take this stroll: deer, waterfowl, songbirds, and more.

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Chanchal / Google Maps

A second hiking trail in Black Hawk State Park is the Sauk Trail, a 33-mile hard-surfaced, multi-use trail good for hiking and biking in the spring, summer, and fall and snowmobiling and cross country skiing in the winter.

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Brock Johnson / Google Maps

On to Black Hawk's campgrounds. There are two of them, with a variety of options. Thirty Acres Campground is located by the south side of the lake; Camp Crescent Campground is near the city of Lake View.

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Brock Johnson / Google Maps

Both feature electric and non-electric sites, modern restrooms, showers, and a limited number of no-reservation-required campsites.

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Chanchal / Google Maps

Finally, in addition to all this, Black Hawk State Park offers universally accessible options, playgrounds, disc golf, mini golf, a family cabin, picnic shelters, a variety of picturesque structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, annual events (like the Lake View Water Carnival in July and the Arctic Open Golf Tournament in February), and so much more.

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juliet gudka / Google Maps

Have you ever visited Black Hawk State Park? To learn more or make a reservation, visit the Iowa State Parks website here. If you love that there are glacial lakes in Iowa, then you'll want to check out this park that hides a glacial erratic as well.

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Nature|Hiking

The Breathtaking Small-Town State Park in Iowa That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Located near the small town of Spirit Lake, Elinor Bedell State Park is a hidden-gem park in Iowa that even many dedicated explorers don't know about.

Published Sep 1, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

The Iowa Great Lakes are an amazing vacation area, filled with some of the best spots in the Hawkeye State for recreation on the water and touristy fun. But for those who want to get away from those busy-season crowds, the area is also home to some amazing hidden-gem parks in Iowa. Many of these hidden gems are located right on the shores of Spirit Lake. One of our favorites is Elinor Bedell State Park, which at only 80 acres, is one of the smallest in the state (but definitely not the smallest). This tiny park has a great trail to explore, and odds are, even during the summer, you'll be able to find some peace and quiet here.

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Denise Krebs/Flickr

Spirit Lake is a great spot in the northern part of Iowa. It's set slightly apart from the hustle and bustle of Arnolds Park but still offers all the features and natural beauty you'd want from a outdoor adventure in the Iowa Great Lakes.

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Ila Harskamp/AllTrails

While you're in the area, make sure you take the time to explore Elinor Bedell State Park. This small but peaceful state park is located on the shores of Spirit Lake and is rarely very crowded, so it's a great place to go for a quick hike.

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Cheyenne MacClain/AllTrails

There is only one trail in this park, but the 1.1-mile loop is an easy sunny-day adventure that should be suitable for any skill level. The trail is mostly paved and is welcoming to dogs, although your furry friend must be on a leash.

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Steven Koep/AllTrails

This is a particularly great spot to visit during the spring, when wildflowers are in full bloom, and during the fall when the entire area is covered with fall foliage.

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Le Cox/AllTrails

The park was dedicated by former Congressman Berkley Bedell and his wife and, today, stands as a peaceful little refuge amid the bustling Spirit Lake area. A shelter ideal for events and a small campground are available, although the campground will be closed for renovations during the 2025 season.

Have you visited Elinor Bedell State Park on the shores of Spirit Lake? Let us know about your visit to this hidden-gem park in Iowa in the comments section! You can read more about the amenities at this park on the Iowa DNR website. For those planning on more hiking adventures, we highly recommend AllTrails Plus - it's a great app that offers point-by-point hiking directions through downloadable trail guides, so you'll always be connected even when the reception is spotty. And if you're looking for a great, family-friendly place to stay in the area, check out this luxurious cabin rental.

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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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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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Erik R/Foursquare

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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