Nature

Nature
National & State Parks

The Small-Town State Park in Iowa Locals Want To Keep to Themselves

Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Iowa where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.

by Trent Jonas
on May 29
Young trees with fresh spring buds grow in an open field at Volga River State Recreation Area, Iowa.
Nature

The Rail Trail in Iowa That’s Better Than Most Hikes

by Stephanie Frias
on May 14
A family with bikes enjoying the views of the Cedar River along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, an Iowa rail trail in Cedar Rapids.
Nature

6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Iowa for a Spring Hike

by Trent Jonas
on Apr 7
A narrow dirt path curves through a vibrant green forest in Iowa during a spring hike.
Nature

One Trail, Two States: Why This Iowa Hike Is So Unique

by Stephanie Frias
on Mar 5
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge from below, where you can hike two states at once in Iowa and Nebraska
Nature

This One Hike In Iowa Proves It’s Not as Flat as You Think

by Stephanie Frias
on Jan 22
Two kids hiking in Iowa's Loess Hills near Council Bluffs at the Folsom Point Preserve.

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Nature

3 Breathtaking Iowa Views Anyone Can Reach (No Expert Hiking Needed)

These Iowa trails offer big rewards: short, easy hikes in the state's most scenic areas. Enjoy views of the Loess Hills, the Driftless Area, and the Iowa River.

by Stephanie Frias
on Dec 8
Views of a stunning, calm, blue river winding along verdant green banks, views next to an old stone mill.
Nature
Hiking

This Scenic Iowa Trail Is Even Better in the Winter

Discover the winter beauty of Iowa at Pine Lake State Park. Hike the snowy Recreation Trail for stunning views of frozen lakes, frosted pines, and stone bridges.

by Trent Jonas
on Dec 1
The sun sets over a snowy woodland trail during a peaceful winter hike, with a dog walking ahead and fresh footprints marking the path.
Nature
Hiking

This Is the Most Claustrophobic Hike in Iowa—Would You Try It?

Are you willing to get into tight spaces? Majestic views and adventurous trails await at Iowa's Maquoketa Caves State Park.

by Jessica Mlinaric
on Nov 25
Light pours into a cave through an opening.
Nature
Hiking

Hike This Surprising 2-Mile Trail in an Iowa Wildlife Refuge for the Bison

This wide-open Iowa hiking trail will lead you to wild bison and elk roaming in a federally protected native tall-grass prairie.

by Stephanie Frias
on Oct 17
A wild bison with golden fur and two horns, lying in golden prairie grass.
Nature
Caves & Rock Formations

Uncover the Mysterious Underground World Hiding in Iowa’s Maquoketa Caves State Park

Are you looking for the best underground attractions in Iowa? This Iowa state park is the first place you should go.

by Stephanie Frias
on Oct 8
The view from inside an expansive cave opening up to a dense, green forest
Nature
National & State Parks

These Are the Best State Parks To See Autumn Foliage From Every Corner of Iowa

The best time to see Iowa’s peak fall colors is just around the corner, and trust me, this is a list you’ll want to save!

by Stephanie Frias
on Sep 26
Fall colors at Iowa state parks
Nature
National & State Parks

Pikes Peak Is an Underrated Iowa Park That Will Astonish You This Fall

If you’re searching for the perfect fall trip, check out Iowa’s Pikes Peak State Park for great sights, fantastic colors, and plenty of history.

by Noah Morriss
on Sep 22
The trees along the Mississippi River have changed to beautiful reds and yellows.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

This Iowa Hidden Gem Has Breathtaking Rock Formations

If you’re looking for the best parks in Iowa, don’t overlook county parks like Pictured Rocks Canyon in the Driftless Area.

by Stephanie Frias
on Sep 22
A child playing below the rocky bluffs at Pictured Rocks County Park, Iowa
Nature
Hiking

4 Underrated Hikes in Iowa That Rival Those of a National Forest

These four state forest hikes in Iowa rival those you might find in a national forest. You'll find deep woods, rugged terrain, and beautiful views of the Hawkeye State on these trails.

by Trent Jonas
on Sep 16
Loess Hills Forest Overlook along the Preparation Loop of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, just outside of Preparation Canyon State Park in Monona County, Iowa.
Nature
Hiking

The Biggest Surprise I Came Across While Hiking This Incredible Trail in Iowa

The historic CCC structures along Ledges Park's trails in Iowa were a surprising treat. Their endurance is a testament to the craftsmanship of the workers who built them.

by Trent Jonas
on Aug 11
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