Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Echo Valley State Park

Tucked into the scenic valleys of the Driftless Area is one of Iowa's smallest and least-visited state parks. It’s less than 3 miles from a charming small town best known for a fascinating sustainability project, and one of my favorite Iowa eateries, too. That small town near Echo Valley State Park is West Union. I stumbled in for lunch one afternoon while in the area, trout fishing with my family. We heard about the Barrel Drive-In, a classic 1960s diner, from another fisherman. While munching on fries and slurping on milkshakes, I was fascinated to hear locals talking about the effectiveness of their permeable streets after a recent rainstorm. Ultimately, the combination of abundant nature, a historic eatery, and a very modern, sustainable urban project quickly made West Union one of my favorite small towns in Iowa. 

Why This Town Is the Perfect Base Camp for Echo Valley State Park

After you learn about West Union’s Green Pilot program, it will make perfect sense why it was always meant to cradle Echo Valley State Park. The project is an urban design project that spans six blocks of sustainable streetscapes, essentially the heart of the town with around 2,500 residents. The people here really care about preserving nature and protecting natural resources like water and energy. Taking the time to visit and support the small businesses in sustainable West Union, just 8 miles from the entrance to Echo Valley State Park, is a no-brainer.

What To Do in West Union

 West Union is a classic hidden gem town with quiet streets and friendly places. And while there are a few things to do in West Union, most of it centers on grabbing a bite to eat and getting back to the outdoor adventures. There are several nearby natural attractions, and we typically spend the whole day alternating between hiking and fishing. The towering golden bluffs above pristine trout streams at Echo Valley State Park are one of our favorite places to cast a line in the whole state. The Volga River State Recreation Area is also nearby, offering exceptional boat and shore fishing. Additionally, you can’t miss a quick hike to Dutton Cave, one of Iowa’s best-kept secrets, and the Gilbertson Nature Center, where they have a Junior Park Ranger program. 

Where To Stay Nearby and What To Know Before You Go

Most visitors coming through West Union will stay at a nearby campground in RVs or tents. None of the campgrounds currently offer cabins or motel lodging, but if you need to know where to stay near Echo Valley State Park, you can find RV sites and traditional campsites at Echo Valley State Park, Volga River State Recreation Area, and Gilbertson Park in Elgin. 

Echo Valley State Park is a tiny park, only about 100 acres, with just one hiking trail that’s less than 3 miles long and only a few primitive campsites. Despite its state park name, it doesn't function like most state parks. It's more like a natural area, which is run by the county conservation group, and offers fewer amenities and services than a state park run by the Department of Natural Resources. Unless you are fishing or picnicking, you can explore the entire park in two hours or less. A visit is best combined with a road trip that includes small towns near Echo Valley State Park, such as West Union, Clermont, Elgin, Elkader, Osborne, and Strawberry Point. All of the parks are open year-round, but camping is typically limited to mid-April to mid-October. My family finds the best times to go trout fishing are in early May and late September.

West Union is one of the best towns near state parks in Iowa, and Echo Valley State Park is a perfect pairing because you can visit one of Iowa’s quietest (and prettiest) state parks and one of our most iconic eateries on the same day. Plus, the two are great launch points or bases for exploring the nearby small town and the surrounding nature parks in Iowa’s Driftless Area.