Best 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Lake Manawa with 3.2 million visitors in 2021.
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.
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.
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.