Maquoketa Caves State Park
This beautiful state park is one of the most popular in the entire state. Located in Jackson County, sitting just Northwest of Maquoketa. The park rests on more then 360 acres of rough, hilly terrain. The trail system, offers a beautiful hike, that links together the caves, rock formations, and scenic overlooks. The park features 16 accessible caves, which offer great caving for experienced and inexperienced cavers alike. The hiking trails are just over 6 miles in length, and are a great way to see the park. There is also a campground with 29 campsites, 17 of which have electrical hookups. Maquoketa Caves State Park is located at 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060.
Wildcat Den State Park
Wildcat Den State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in all of Iowa. Combining preserved historical structures with natural beauty, and a wonderful trail system. The unique trail system winds through a variety of different terrain and covers more then 4 miles on 420 acres of rugged beauty. With 75 foot high cliffs and amazing rock formations scattered throughout, its easy to see why Wildcat Den is a favorite spot for hikers and outdoors lovers alike. Wildcat Den State Park is also a great location for your next camping and picnicking, the park has 28 campsites with non modern restrooms. Wildcat Den State Park is located at 1884 Wildcat Den Road, Muscatine.
Ledges State Park
It’s with good reason that Ledges State Park is one of Iowa’s most iconic spots it’s full of bridges, trails, waterways and more wildlife than you can imagine. While the park is mostly known as a great place for hiking, it’s also a fascinating place for history buffs, as the park is riddled with ancient ruins throughout. Ledges offers several campsites, including electrical hookups, non-electric hookups, and some hike-in. Modern restrooms, showers, a trailer dump station and a playground are also located in the campground. Ledges State Park is located at 1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA 50156.
Backbone State Park
Backbone State Park
This incredible State Park was one of the first in Iowa, dedicated all the way back in 1920. 100 years later Backbone State Park is still one of Iowa’s most popular. The well maintained hiking trails are rugged and winding, and cover more than 20 miles of Iowa’s most scenic country. The most popular is the Backkbone trail this loop trail follows a tall narrow ridge line along the inside bend of the river with several overlooks into the valley below. Backbone State Park is also one of the only parks in Iowa that allows rock climbing! With so much to see and do Backbone is a great vacation destination and has several overnight accommodation options, including campsites, within two campgrounds, and 16 different modern cabins to reserve. Backbone State Park is located at 1347 129th St, Dundee, IA 52038.
Pikes Peak State Park
Iowa’s state parks are truly the hidden treasures of the Midwest. Most visitors to Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor, Iowa, stop by to take in the view of the Mississippi River from a 500-foot-high cliff, but there’s more to see here! One of the best places to visit in Iowa’s state park network is the breathtaking Bridal Veil Falls in Pikes Peak State Park. In the fall, this trail is one of the states most popular places for fall foilage. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better view anywhere in the Midwest – it will truly take your breath away. Pikes Peak State Park is a great place to camp, too, if you want to take your time exploring the enormous park. Pikes Peak State Park is located at 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157.