Iowa State & National Parks + Forests

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State Parks

Ambrose A. Call State Park – Located in north-central Iowa, Ambrose A. Call State Park is a 138-acre park that offers camping, hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities. The park is named after Ambrose A. Call, a pioneer farmer who donated the land for the park in the early 1900s. Visitors can explore the park’s two lakes and hike along its trails, which offer scenic views of the surrounding area.
Backbone State Park – Known as Iowa’s first state park, Backbone State Park covers over 2,000 acres and is located in northeast Iowa. The park features a unique geological formation known as the “Devil’s Backbone,” as well as a 21-acre lake and numerous hiking trails. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and swimming in the park’s pool.
Badger Creek State Recreation Area – Located in south-central Iowa, Badger Creek State Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. The park covers over 1,200 acres and includes a 28-acre lake. Visitors can also explore the park’s prairies and woodlands, which are home to a variety of wildlife.
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park – This 2,400-acre park is located in central Iowa and offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. The park features four lakes, including the 260-acre Summerset Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and water sports. Visitors can also explore the park’s trails, which offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Beed’s Lake State Park – Beed’s Lake State Park is a 319-acre park located in north-central Iowa. The park features a 99-acre lake that is popular for fishing and boating, as well as a campground, picnic areas, and hiking trails. The park is also home to a historic stone shelter that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Bellevue State Park – Located in eastern Iowa, Bellevue State Park covers over 1,000 acres and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. The park is situated on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and features scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the park’s historic sites, including a restored 19th-century grist mill.
Big Creek State Park – Big Creek State Park is a 3,500-acre park located in central Iowa. The park features a 635-acre lake that is popular for fishing and boating, as well as camping facilities and hiking trails. Visitors can also explore the park’s prairies and woodlands, which are home to a variety of wildlife.
Black Hawk State Park – Located in western Iowa, Black Hawk State Park covers over 1,200 acres and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. The park features a 70-acre lake and numerous hiking trails, as well as a campground and picnic areas.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area – Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is a 6,000-acre park located in north-central Iowa. The park features a 690-acre lake that is popular for fishing and boating, as well as camping facilities, hiking trails, and a disc golf course. Visitors can also explore the park’s prairies and woodlands, which are home to a variety of wildlife.
Cedar Rock State Park – Cedar Rock State Park is a 187-acre park located in east-central Iowa. The park is home to a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house, which is open for tours during the summer months. Visitors can also explore the park’s trails, which offer scenic views of the surrounding area.
Clear Lake State Park – Clear Lake State Park is a 55-acre park located in north-central Iowa. The park is situated on the shore of Clear Lake, which is a popular spot for boating and fishing. Visitors can also explore the park’s trails, which offer scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Dolliver Memorial State Park – Dolliver Memorial State Park is a 594-acre park located in north-central Iowa. The park features a variety of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the park’s historic sites, which include a restored pioneer cabin and a Civilian Conservation Corps-built shelter.
Elinor Bedell State Park – Elinor Bedell State Park is a 50-acre park located in northeast Iowa. The park is situated on the shore of the Mississippi River and offers scenic views of the river and surrounding bluffs. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, and hiking in the park.
Elk Rock State Park – Elk Rock State Park is a 1,150-acre park located in central Iowa. The park features a 12-mile trail system that winds through prairies, woodlands, and along the shore of Lake Red Rock. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and boating in the park.
Emerson Bay State Recreation Area – Emerson Bay State Recreation Area is a 30-acre park located in northwest Iowa. The park is situated on the shore of West Okoboji Lake and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also explore the nearby town of Okoboji, which is known for its resorts and recreational activities.
Fairport State Recreation Area – Fairport State Recreation Area is a 370-acre park located in southeast Iowa. The park is situated on the shore of the Mississippi River and offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the park’s historic sites, which include a restored lock and dam.
Fort Atkinson State Preserve – Fort Atkinson State Preserve is a 200-acre park located in northeast Iowa. The park is home to the remains of Fort Atkinson, a military post that was established in the 1840s. Visitors can explore the historic site and learn about the fort’s history, as well as enjoy hiking and picnicking in the park.
Fort Defiance State Park – Fort Defiance State Park is a 191-acre park located in southeast Iowa. The park is home to a restored Civil War-era fort, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the nearby Des Moines River.
Geode State Park – Geode State Park is a 1,640-acre park located in southeast Iowa. The park is home to a large geode deposit and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the park’s trails, which offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
George Wyth Memorial State Park – George Wyth Memorial State Park is a 1,500-acre park located in northeast Iowa. The park is situated on the Cedar River and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy biking and cross-country skiing on the park’s trails.
Green Valley State Park – Green Valley State Park is a 1,068-acre park located in southwest Iowa. The park is home to a 390-acre lake that is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and camping in the park.
Gull Point State Park – Gull Point State Park is a 124-acre park located in northwest Iowa. The park is situated on the shore of West Okoboji Lake and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and boating in the lake.
Honey Creek State Park – Honey Creek State Park is a 828-acre park located in southwest Iowa. The park is home to a 28-acre lake that is popular for fishing and boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and camping in the park.
Honey Creek Resort State Park – Honey Creek Resort State Park is a 850-acre park located in south-central Iowa. The park is home to a resort and conference center, as well as a 150-acre lake that is popular for fishing and boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking on the park’s trails.
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park – Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is a 1,653-acre park located in southeast Iowa. The park is situated on the banks of the Des Moines River and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the park’s historic sites, which include a restored pioneer village and a Civil War cemetery.
Lake Ahquabi State Park – Lake Ahquabi State Park is a 770-acre park located in south-central Iowa. The park is home to a 115-acre lake that is popular for fishing and boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and camping in the park.
Lake Anita State Park – Lake Anita State Park is a 1,062-acre park located in southwest Iowa. The park is home to a 171-acre lake that is popular for fishing and boating. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking, and swimming in the park.
Lake Darling State Park – Lake Darling State Park is a 1,417-acre park located in southeast Iowa. The park is situated on the banks of the Iowa River and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and swimming in the lake.
Lake Keomah State Park – Lake Keomah State Park is a 366-acre park located in south-central Iowa. The park is home to a 83-acre lake that is popular for fishing and boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and camping in the park.
Lake Macbride State Park – Lake Macbride State Park is a 2,180-acre park located in east-central Iowa. The park is home to a 940-acre lake that is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and camping in the park.
Lake Manawa State Park – Lake Manawa State Park is a 1,529-acre park located in southwest Iowa. The park is situated on the shores of Lake Manawa and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and swimming in the lake.
Lake of Three Fires State Park – Lake of Three Fires State Park is a 1,667-acre park located in southwest Iowa. The park is home to a 85-acre lake that is popular for fishing and boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and camping in the park.
Lake Wapello State Park – Lake Wapello State Park is a 1,150-acre park located in southeast Iowa. The park is home to a 289-acre lake that is popular for fishing and boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and swimming in the park.
Ledges State Park – Ledges State Park is a 1,540-acre park located in central Iowa. The park is known for its unique geological formations and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and picnicking in the park.
Lewis and Clark State Park – Lewis and Clark State Park is a 176-acre park located in western Iowa. The park is situated on the shores of Blue Lake and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and boating in the lake.
Lower Gar State Recreation Area – Lower Gar State Recreation Area is a 72-acre park located in southwest Iowa. The park is situated on the banks of the West Nishnabotna River and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and bird watching in the park.
Maquoketa Caves State Park – Maquoketa Caves State Park is a 370-acre park located in east-central Iowa. The park is home to a network of caves that visitors can explore, along with hiking trails and picnic areas. The park is known for its unique geological formations and scenic beauty.
Marble Beach State Recreation Area – Marble Beach State Recreation Area is a 244-acre park located on the shores of Big Spirit Lake in northwest Iowa. The park is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming, and also features hiking trails and picnic areas.
McIntosh Woods State Park – McIntosh Woods State Park is a 60-acre park located on the shores of Clear Lake in north-central Iowa. The park offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and E. B. Lyons Nature Center – Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and E. B. Lyons Nature Center is a 1,400-acre park located in eastern Iowa. The park is home to a range of historical and cultural sites, along with hiking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and bird watching in the park.
Mini-Wakan State Park – Mini-Wakan State Park is a 19-acre park located in northwest Iowa. The park is situated on the shores of West Okoboji Lake and offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and hiking in the park.
Nine Eagles State Park – Nine Eagles State Park is a 1,100-acre park located in southern Iowa. The park is situated on the banks of the Decatur Lake and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and swimming in the lake.
Okamanpedan State Park – Okamanpedan State Park is a 1,052-acre park located in north-central Iowa. The park is situated on the shores of the Des Moines River and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and swimming in the river.
Palisades-Kepler State Park – Palisades-Kepler State Park is a 840-acre park located in east-central Iowa. The park is situated on the banks of the Cedar River and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and picnicking in the park.
Pikes Peak State Park – Pikes Peak State Park is a 1,391-acre park located in northeast Iowa. The park is known for its scenic beauty and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and picnicking in the park.
Pikes Point State Park – Pikes Point State Park is a 77-acre park located on the shores of West Okoboji Lake in northwest Iowa. The park is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming, and also features hiking trails and picnic areas.
Pilot Knob State Park – Pilot Knob State Park is a 700-acre park located in northeast Iowa. The park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites, and is known for its scenic views and geological formations.
Pine Lake State Park – Pine Lake State Park is a 640-acre park located in central Iowa. The park is situated on the shores of Pine Lake and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and swimming in the lake.
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area – Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is a 1,416-acre park located in eastern Iowa. The park is situated on the banks of the Wapsipinicon River and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and swimming in the river.
Prairie Rose State Park – Prairie Rose State Park is a 422-acre park located in western Iowa. The park is situated on the banks of the Little Sioux River and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and swimming in the river.
Preparation Canyon State Park – Preparation Canyon State Park is a 344-acre park located in western Iowa. The park is situated on the Loess Hills and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and picnicking in the park.
Red Haw State Park – Red Haw State Park is a 730-acre park located in south-central Iowa. The park is situated on the banks of the Des Moines River and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and swimming in the river.
Rice Lake State Park – Rice Lake State Park is a 970-acre park located in north-central Iowa. The park is situated on the shores of Rice Lake and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and swimming in the lake.
Rock Creek State Park – Rock Creek State Park is a 602-acre park located in central Iowa. The park is situated on the shores of Rock Creek Lake and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and swimming in the lake.
Springbrook State Park – Springbrook State Park is a 920-acre park located in eastern Iowa. The park is situated on the banks of the Springbrook Creek and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and picnicking in the park.
Stone State Park – Stone State Park is a 1,069-acre park located in northwest Iowa. The park is situated on the Loess Hills and offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking and picnicking. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and wildlife viewing in the park.
Templar State Recreation Area – Templar State Recreation Area is a 556-acre park located in western Iowa. The park is situated on the banks of the West Nishnabotna River and offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and swimming in the river.
Trapper’s Bay State Park – a small, peaceful park in north-central Iowa, located on the banks of the Des Moines River. It’s known for its excellent fishing, with anglers coming to catch a variety of fish including walleye, northern pike, and channel catfish. The park also has a campground with electric and non-electric sites, as well as picnic areas and hiking trails.
Twin Lakes State Park – a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, located in north-central Iowa. The park features two lakes, Black Hawk Lake and North Twin Lake, which are perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. There are also hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground with electric and non-electric sites.
Union Grove State Park – a peaceful, wooded park located in northeast Iowa. It’s known for its excellent hiking and mountain biking trails, which wind through a variety of terrain including wooded hillsides, prairies, and wetlands. The park also has a small lake for fishing and boating, as well as a campground with electric and non-electric sites.
Viking Lake State Park – a popular recreation area in southwest Iowa, known for its beautiful lake and sandy beach. The lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing, with a variety of fish including catfish, bass, and crappie. The park also has hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground with electric and non-electric sites.
Volga River State Recreation Area – a large park in northeast Iowa, centered around the Volga River. The park is known for its excellent fishing, with anglers coming to catch a variety of fish including trout, bass, and catfish. There are also hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground with electric and non-electric sites.
Walnut Woods State Park – a peaceful park located just outside of Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city. The park features a large wooded area with hiking trails, as well as a small lake for fishing and boating. There are also picnic areas and a campground with electric and non-electric sites.
Wapsipinicon State Park – a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, located in east-central Iowa. The park is known for its excellent fishing, with anglers coming to catch a variety of fish including trout, bass, and catfish. There are also hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground with electric and non-electric sites.
Waubonsie State Park – a unique park located in southwest Iowa, known for its rugged terrain and scenic views. The park features hiking trails that wind through rocky bluffs and forests, as well as a campground with electric and non-electric sites. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and picnicking in the park.
Wildcat Den State Park – a beautiful park located in southeast Iowa, known for its unique geological features and stunning views. The park features hiking trails that lead through rocky canyons, past waterfalls, and up to scenic overlooks. There are also picnic areas and a campground with electric and non-electric sites.
Wilson Island State Recreation Area – a popular outdoor recreation area located in western Iowa, surrounded by the Missouri River. The park is known for its excellent fishing, with anglers coming to catch a variety of fish including catfish, bass, and walleye. There are also hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground with electric and non-electric sites. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the river, and the park is also a popular spot for birdwatching.

National Parks

State & National Forests

National Natural Landmarks

Anderson Goose Lake: One of the few essentially natural glacial pothole lakes remaining in Iowa. 42.315556°N 93.623889°W
Cayler Prairie: An example of the increasingly rare virgin prairie grassland. 43.397222°N 95.243889°W
Cold Water Cave: An exceptional example of an extensive cave system well decorated with speleothems. 43.44111°N 91.96028°W
Dewey’s Pasture and Smith’s Slough: Pothole lakes created during the last glacial epoch.
Hayden Prairie State Preserve: A true prairie remnant. 43.4395°N 92.3831°W
Loess Hills: The best examples of loess topography in the Missouri River Bluffs region. 41.8013°N 95.995°W
White Pine Hollow State Forest: The only known remaining white pine tract in Iowa. 42.62971°N 91.11207°W