Iowa
Nature|Hiking

Explore One Of Iowa’s Most Peaceful, Cleanest Lakes At Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

Published Aug 12, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Iowa's most famous lakes are amazing for swimming, boating, and fishing - and during the summer, everyone knows it. Places like Lake Red Rock and the Iowa Great Lakes get slammed with tourists, making it a little more challenging for those who want to find a peaceful natural retreat. That's why it was so great to find the most peaceful lake in Iowa hiding near the town of Lehigh. Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is one of those hidden gems that's less frequented than the state parks but popular with anglers and equestrians. It's full of quiet trails, as well as the beautiful Brushy Creek Lake, a clear and serene destination where you'll easily be able to while away the hours fishing for catfish and other species. It's ideal for those hot summer days when you don't want to be surrounded by others - you just want to bask in the beauty of nature.

Popular with equestrians, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is full of laid-back trails that should be easy to navigate.

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Beth Flick/AllTrails

This large, lightly visited park is full of incredible views of the state's featured destination...

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Iowa DNR

Brushy Creek Lake, a massive lake with a designated swimming beach and 21 miles of shoreline.

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Katy Knight/AllTrails

It's incredibly beautiful and a great spot for swimming and boating from the designated beaches and boat docks.

It shouldn't be hard at all to find a peaceful spot for some sunny, summer day fishing.

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Iowa DNR

The lake is regularly stocked, and catfish is the prize catch, along with largemouth bass.

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Public Domain/Wikipedia

This is a great, peaceful area for exploring - along with your dog! Fido is welcome but must be on a leash.

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Jake Fields/AllTrails

Have you visited Brushy Creek State Recreation Area? Do you think this is the most peaceful lake in Iowa? Let us know in the comments section, and head on over to the Brushy Creek State Recreation Area page on the Iowa DNR website to learn more about the area's amenities. If you're planning to go hiking in remote areas like this, we recommend a subscription to AllTrails Plus - no more worries about cell phone reception when you have the downloadable, step-by-step trail guides from the app. And if you want to explore another great natural destination in the area, check out the beautiful rock formations at Dolliver Memorial State Park.

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Nature|Hiking

The Most Iconic View in Iowa Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

For an incredible look back into the Hawkeye State's most famous expedition, head tot his gorgeous scenic overlook in Iowa

Published Sep 13, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

There is a lot of history in the Hawkeye State - including ties to one of the most famous expeditions the country has ever seen. That, of course, would be the Lewis and Clark expedition, which set out to map the western boundary of the territory acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase and laid the groundwork for the westward push that would eventually bring Iowa into the union in 1846. Iowa has plenty of monuments to the famous duo that led the mission, but only one comes with an incredible scenic overlook in Iowa. Head to the small Lewis and Clark Monument Park in Council Bluffs for an incredible 3.7-mile hike with an amazing finish.

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Diane Potter/AllTrails

Lewis and Clark Memorial Park is a small park in Council Bluffs that's home to a 3.7-mile trail that's well worth taking. This trail is considered a moderate route, so it's best attempted by those with some experience in hiking.

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Quinn Navarro/AllTrails

There is some uneven terrain as you explore the heavily wooded area, so make sure to wear good hiking boots. Dogs are welcome on the trail, as long as they're on a leash. It should take a little over an hour before you reach your final destination...

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Chuck Gowans/AllTrails

This is one of the least-known scenic overlooks in Iowa, but it offers an incredible look across the river to Nebraska - as well as being a fascinating site where some of the nation's most famous explorers stood more than 200 years ago.

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Diane Potter/AllTrails

As you explore the top of the monument, you'll come across a lot of informative placards explaining the role that this area played in the Lewis and Clark expedition.

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Diane Potter/AllTrails

But however long you spend up here, make sure to get a good look around - because there are stunning sights in every direction.

Have you hiked the Lewis and Clark Monument Loop in Council Bluffs before? Let us know about your visit to this scenic overlook in Iowa in the comments section! You can find out more about the park on the Council Bluffs website, and check out the official trail listing for more pictures. This hike can be challenging, so a subscription to AllTrails Plus might be helpful for the downloadable trail maps with step-by-step directions. While you're in the Council Bluffs area, make time for a visit to Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard, which is a great all-season family destination with amazing fresh produce.

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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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