Iowa
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

Hike Easter Lake Park’s Newest Trail in Iowa for an Unforgettable Adventure

Easter Lake Park, one of the best urban parks in Iowa, also has the best lake trail in Des Moines. Embark on the Mark C. Ackelson Trail!

Published Sep 26, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Iowa's state parks and forests get a lot of deserved attention, but it's easy to forget that the county and urban parks have a lot to offer as well. The Hawkeye State has put a lot of effort into creating beautiful little oases in the middle of some of its biggest cities, and that even goes for the massive urban center of Des Moines. This is where you'll find Easter Lake Park, a popular urban park that recently opened the most accessible recreation area in Iowa. It's been under development for a long time, and around 10 years ago, it opened the Mark C. Ackelson Trail, a beautiful and accessible 4.1-mile trail that takes you around gorgeous Easter Lake. This is a fun, easy lake hike in Des Moines that offers some big surprises - as well as one of the best views in all of Iowa.

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Brynn Rucker/AllTrails

The Mark C. Ackelson Trail checks in at 4.1 miles, and this easy boardwalk and paved hike is a great way to get some stunning water views on a brisk day of hiking. Most of the trail is easy to navigate, and you'll encounter only 114 feet of elevation gain.

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Stephanie Suddarth/AllTrails

There are plenty of nice spots along the lake path to sit and have a picnic, with beautiful views and some great lake breezes. As the weather cools down, it's a perfect place to take in the fall air.

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Brad Johnston/AllTrails

There are several amazing surprises along the trail, like one of the smallest covered bridges in the state. It's a little touch of Winterset's charm without ever having to leave Des Moines!

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Nicholas Ma/AllTrails

As the leaves start to change, this becomes an amazing spot to catch some fall foliage before it's gone. The path is accessible enough that people with mobility impairments or with small children who need strollers should be able to take it with ease.

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Richard Boatman/AllTrails

It should take a little over an hour to hike the trail - but if you're still here when the sun starts to go down, prepare yourself for a truly amazing show of colors.

Have you hiked the Mark C. Ackelson Trail in Easter Lake Park? Let us know about your visit to this lake hike in Des Moines in the comments section! You can see more pictures of the hike on the AllTrails listing, and make sure to visit the website for Easter Lake Park to learn more about the local amenities. If you're new to hiking, AllTrails Plus is a great tool to have, offering point-by-point directions to help you make your way back to the trailhead, as well as a fun way to keep track of your hiking progress!

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Nature|Hiking

The 1.4-Mile Hiking Trail in Iowa That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

One of the best fall foliage hikes in Iowa isn't found in a state park, but in the charming suburb of North Liberty.

Published Sep 16, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

There's a cool breeze in the air and kids are back in school, and that means only one thing - fall has arrived. My favorite time of year is the perfect time to go on a fall foliage hike in Iowa, as the leaves start to change. Iowa's state parks are in full swing this time of year as leaf-peepers go to catch a glimpse - but surprisingly, one of the best hikes this time of year isn't in a state park at all, but in the town of North Liberty, only minutes from major cities. Squire Point is a 1.4-mile hike found in a mixed-use nature area on the banks of the Iowa River, not far from campgrounds and golf courses. It also contains some of the most stunning views in all of Iowa, so come with us and discover one of the best hidden-gem hikes in the Hawkeye State!

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Hugh Lamont/AllTrails

Squire Point is an easy and charming family-friendly hike that many people in the area might not know about. Taking around half an hour to complete, it's a perfect breather from a day full of activities.

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Douglas Rogers/AllTrails

You won't encounter any rough terrain on this hike, but given that it's not a state park trail, it may be a little more informal than some. Keep an eye out for some gorgeous small water features along the way.

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Cynthia Merulia/AllTrails

The trail is great to visit all times of the year, but especially during fall foliage season. The trees along the trail are truly gorgeous, and they take on many unique colors during the fall. It's also likely to be pretty quiet, so no big crowds to contend with.

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Cynthia Merulia/AllTrails

The leaves on the trees form a unique canopy, shading you as you walk and also giving you a show of colors everywhere you look.

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Cynthia Merulia/AllTrails

The trail is right up against the Iowa River, so make sure to keep your camera ready - the views of the whole area are genuinely stunning. It's hard to believe this little slice of natural bliss is only a few miles away from Iowa City!

Have you hiked Squire Point in North Liberty? Let us know about your visit to this underrated fall foliage hike in Iowa in the comments section! If you'd like to see more pictures, visit the official AllTrails trail listing. If this hike puts you in the mood for more fall fun in North Liberty, we highly recommend Colony Acres Family Farm for some old-fashioned pumpkin-picking and more! The nearby Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Coralville is only a few miles away and is a great, affordable place for a family to stay the night between activities.

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