Nature

National & State Parks

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

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

by Stephanie Frias
on Sep 26
Fall colors at Iowa state parks
Nature

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

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

Adventure’s Calling: This Park Is Ideal for Discovering Rockhouding in Iowa

by Jacki Mick
on Jul 12
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Nature

These Are the Least Visited Parts of This National Monument in Iowa

by Trent Jonas
on Jun 20
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Latest National & State Parks

Nature
National & State Parks

We Love Our National Parks, but This Iowa Park Is Just as Fun

From historic structures to criminal hideaways, Wapsipinicon State Park in Iowa is worth a visit.

by Cait Kontalis
on May 13
The sun is shining on a walking path in the forest.
Nature
Hiking
National & State Parks

The Iconic Trail in Iowa Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

The Backbone Trail at Backbone State Park, near Dundee, IA, may be the most iconic Iowa hiking trail.

by Trent Jonas
on Oct 10
A rocky ledge overlooks a winding river surrounded by lush green trees and a gray sky.
Nature
Hiking
National & State Parks

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.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Sep 16
Sunlight shines through two mature trees growing next to a paved trail.
Nature
National & State Parks

Explore 366 Acres Of Trails, Waterfront, Flora, and Fauna At Iowa’s Otherworldly Lake Keomah State Park

by Raymond Goldfield
on May 13
Sign for Lake Keomah State Park, featuring stone base and wooden top, surrounded by grass and trees.
Nature
National & State Parks

Your Ultimate Guide to State Parks in Iowa

Iowa parks boast everything from caves to lakes to rolling hills. The best state parks in Iowa offer a variety of stunning environments across the Hawkeye State.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jul 10
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Nature
National & State Parks

Ledges State Park Is Turning 100 Years Old And It’s The Perfect Spot For A Day Trip

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jan 4
Sign for Ledges State Park, featuring a stone pillar and green landscape with trees and cloudy skies in the background.
Nature
National & State Parks

Iowa’s Bald Eagle Population Is Bouncing Back After A Few Concerning Years – Here’s Where To See Them

by Raymond Goldfield
on Dec 26
A majestic bald eagle soaring gracefully with outstretched wings over a calm body of water.
Nature
National & State Parks

Enjoy A Long Walk At This Underrated State Park In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Dec 23
A scenic view of a river surrounded by colorful autumn foliage and a winding dirt path.
Nature
National & State Parks

Enjoy An Unexpectedly Magical Hike On This Little-Known Trail In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Dec 14
A rocky outcrop surrounded by trees with autumn leaves, overlooking a serene river in a wooded area.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Little-Known Natural Wonder In Iowa That Becomes Even More Enchanting In The Wintertime

by Raymond Goldfield
on Dec 11
A snowy path winds through a landscape at sunset, with a dog walking along the trail.
Nature
National & State Parks

This Little-Known Lake Is Perfect For Easy Fishing And Bird Watching In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Nov 22
A group of ducks takes off from a calm lake, creating ripples in the water as they fly away.
Nature
National & State Parks

Wander Off The Beaten Path And Explore This Little-Known Wildlife Area In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Nov 21
A colorful pheasant displaying its feathers against a blurred green background.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Newest Wildlife Refuge In Iowa Is Still A Hidden Gem… But Not For Long

by Raymond Goldfield
on Oct 30
A wild turkey in mid-flight, showcasing its large, fanned-out tail feathers against a clear blue sky.
Nature
National & State Parks

Witness Avian Autumn Migration In Iowa At The Boone Forks Conservation Area

by Raymond Goldfield
on Oct 25
A close-up of a spotted sandpiper standing on the ground, showcasing its brown and white plumage and orange bill.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Small State Park Where You Can View The Best Fall Foliage In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Oct 24
Sign for Elk Rock State Park, surrounded by greenery, with a clear blue sky and a road in the background.
Nature
National & State Parks

The 4.1-Mile Shimek Forest Trail Leads Hikers To The Most Spectacular Fall Foliage In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Oct 20
A serene forest path lined with trees showcasing vibrant autumn foliage in shades of orange, yellow, and green.
Nature
National & State Parks

This Amazing Wildlife Area In Iowa Was Born From Severely Flood-Damaged Land

by Raymond Goldfield
on Oct 19
A close-up of a pheasant foraging on the ground, showcasing its intricate feather patterns and colors.
Nature
National & State Parks

Fall Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Harmon Lake Wildlife Area In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Oct 11
Two elegant swans gracefully swim in calm blue water, one with wings partially spread.
Nature
National & State Parks

Explore This Secret Trail Around The Only National Monument In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Oct 11
A wooden boardwalk winding through a lush green forest with trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Nature
National & State Parks

The 5.7-Mile Hanging Rock Trail Might Just Be The Most Enchanting Hike In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Sep 5
A scenic view of a wide river winding through lush green hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Most Remote State Park In Iowa Is The Perfect Place To Escape

Viking Lake State Park in Iowa offers a remote and relaxing getaway with hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Apr 19
Sign for Viking Lake State Park, surrounded by grass and trees, indicating the Department of Natural Resources.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Rugged And Remote Hiking Trail In Iowa That Is Well-Worth The Effort

by Raymond Goldfield
on Aug 10
Lush green landscape with rolling hills and a winding river under a clear blue sky.
Nature
National & State Parks

Iowa’s Upper Wapsi Wildlife Area Is Now The Perfect Place To Observe Wildlife

Upper Waspi Wildlife Area in Iowa is a restored natural haven perfect for birdwatching and observing diverse wildlife.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jun 29
A serene landscape of trees with colorful leaves reflected in calm water, creating a peaceful autumn scene.
Nature
National & State Parks

Now In Its 4th Year, The Iowa State Park Passport Is Back For 2023 (And You Can Earn Prizes)

Iowa's State Park Passport offers a fun, free way to explore state parks, earn points, and win prizes.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jun 27
A rustic log cabin with a wooden door and a shingled roof, surrounded by trees in a wooded area.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Small Town Lake In Iowa That’s An Idyllic Summer Day Trip

Swan Lake State Park in Carroll, Iowa, offers a serene summer getaway with fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jun 23
Two people in a canoe fishing on a calm lake, with other boats and greenery in the background under a clear blue sky.