The Best of Iowa's State & County Parks

 

There are as over 300 state parks and recreation areas, so there's no shortage of options for enjoying nature. Here are our favorite spots for camping, hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, biking, horseback riding, and much more.
In brief, here is what makes each one special:

Best places for camping in Iowa Park System are:

Fort Des Moines U.S. State Historic Site

Fort Des Moines was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1855 to protect Iowa from Native American attacks. It was named after Iowa's first territorial governor, Jonathan D. Dolliver. The fort was abandoned in 1858, but was rebuilt in 1859. The fort was decommissioned in 1877. Today, the fort is operated by the state of Iowa as a historic site.

Lake Manawa State Park

This state park has a beautiful lake with a sandy beach and plenty of picnic tables. It also offers hiking trails through the woods and along the shoreline.

Cedar Valley State Park

This park has a lot of great things to offer. It has a beautiful lake, hiking trails, camping sites, and even a small zoo. There are also many different types of wildlife that can be seen here. If you want to see some of these animals, you should definitely check out this state park.

Best place for fishing: Big Creek Reservoir near Glenwood City

The lake has been stocked with many different types of fish, including largemouth bass, walleye, catfish, and bullhead. There are multiple jetties and a pier at the lake, providing plenty of shoreline fishing opportunities. Fishing tournaments are held at the lake.

Best place for hiking/biking trails: Devil’s Backbone Trail System

Best place for hiking/biking trails: Devil’s Backbone Trail System. The park has caves that are accessible through a series of wooden walkways. You will need to crawl through some of the caves. There are also fields and woods where you can hike.

Best place for wildlife viewing: Prairie Ridge Nature Center

Prairie Ridge Nature Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people about nature through hands-on activities and programs. It is located at 614 E. Main St., Prairie Ridge, WI 53548.

Best place for swimming: The new pool at Dodge Recreation Complex

Best place for water sports: Devils Elbow Waterway

Best place for winter recreation: Ice skating rink at the Fort Dodge Recplex

Best place for bird watching: Prairie Ridge Nature Center

The Fossil and Prairie Park & Nature Center is a great place to visit if you're looking for a fun family visit or want to learn about the history of the area.

Our take on:

What is the most popular state park in Iowa?

Lake Manawa with 3.2 million visitors in 2021.

Why do I have to pay admission fees when visiting state parks?

State parks charge entrance fees because they rely on revenue from visitors' use of facilities and services. Fees help cover maintenance costs such as road repairs, utilities, security systems, groundskeeping, and other resources. They also provide funding for programs like interpretive education, environmental stewardship projects, and cultural preservation activities.

How often should I check my vehicle before entering a state park?

Check your tires every time you enter a state park. If it rains while you're driving, make sure all windows are closed and windshield wipers are working properly. Check fluids and tire pressure once a month. Make sure headlights work well; turn them off during daylight hours.

What is the most beautiful state park in Iowa?

The most beautiful state park in the state of Iowa is the Cedar Valley State Park. This park has a lot of natural beauty, such as lakes, rivers, and forests. There are also some historical sites, such as the old downtown district, and the old schoolhouse.