Union Grove State Park is a popular place to visit in any season. There's a swimming beach, a campground, cabins for rent, and a small lake filled with fish. In the winter, there's one more beautiful reason to visit this tranquil park - a frozen waterfall that offers the perfect excuse for a winter hike on the park's scenic trails. Come along as we show you why we think this is perhaps the best frozen waterfall in Iowa!
Union Grove State Park offers incredible winter scenery.
It's located in central Iowa, about three miles south of the city of Gladbrook. The park is about 70 miles west of Cedar Rapids and 60 miles east of Ames.
The park is anchored by 110-acre Union Grove Lake.
The lake is popular with anglers who fish for crappies, bluegills, catfish, bass, and bullheads. It's a tranquil place during the cold Iowa winter.
The park has about three miles of hiking trails that will take you through a pine plantation...
... over a few hills, and past hardwoods frosted with snow.
The trails are well marked so you'll have no trouble finding the waterfall.
The trails can be filled with Iowa hikers on busy summer weekends but on some winter days, you may have the trail to yourself.
The park is quiet in the winter and there are a lot of good places to take a scenic photo.
Keep an eye open for wildlife - the park is home to deer and many bird species which makes this a great place for birding.
A trail will take you to the edge of the park's waterfall, which is formed by the lake's spillway.
The cascading water then creates a delicate wall of ice.
Allow about 45 minutes to hike to the waterfall and take in the view. And be sure to wear a good pair of winter boots, as there may be snow and ice on the trail. For more information, check out the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.
Do you know of any other mystical frozen waterfalls in Iowa? How do you like to spend winter in Iowa? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!
Looking for more beautiful Iowa waterfalls? Check out this ultimate Iowa waterfall road trip and these nine hidden Iowa waterfalls that will take your breath away.
To explore other winter hikes in and around the area, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.
If you’re still in the mood for more Iowa adventures, take a look at this video:
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