Backbone State Forest is adjacent to the northeast corner of Backbone State Park, 4 miles south of Strawberry Point. Access to these 186 acres of pine plantations and upland hardwood forest is from a parking lot located just east of the north entrance to Backbone State Park. This parking lot is a convenient ........more >

Dedicated in 1920 as Iowa's first state park, Backbone State Park is one of the most geographically unique locations in Iowa. The steep and narrow ridge of bedrock from the Maquoketa River forms the highest point in northeast Iowa - The Devil's Backbone - giving the park its legendary name. Take a walk ........more >

A centerpiece of Franklin County, Beeds Lake State Park is a popular destination for anglers of all ages and contains one of the most photographed dams in the Midwest. The parks 99-acre reservoir is the primary focus, with ample fishing and hiking opportunities at the spillway and along the causeway. ........more >

Bixby State Preserve, located in northeastern Iowa near the town of Edgewood, is a scenic natural area known for its rugged limestone bluffs and rich biodiversity. Spanning approximately 184 acres, this preserve offers visitors an opportunity to explore unique geological formations such as caves and ........more >

Brush Creek Canyon State Park, located in Arlington, Iowa, is a picturesque natural area known for its rugged beauty and scenic vistas. Spanning approximately 150 acres of land along the banks of Brush Creek. Established as a state preserve in 1967 to protect the unique geological formations within ........more >

When Iowa businessman Lowell Walter died in August of 1981, he and his wife, Agnes, left their dream home, Cedar Rock, to the Iowa Conservation Commission and the people of Iowa. Designed by the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the residence lies on a limestone bluff overlooking the Wapsipinicon ........more >

Echo Valley State Park, located in northeastern Iowa near West Union, spans approximately 60 acres of picturesque wooded hills and valleys. Established in the mid-20th century, this state park offers a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. The main feature of Echo Valley is its scenic beauty accentuated ........more >

The mounds preserved here are considered sacred by many Americans, especially the Monument's 20 culturally associated American Indian tribes. A visit offers opportunities to contemplate the meanings of the mounds and the people who built them. The 200 plus American Indian mounds are located in one of ........more >

George Wyth State Park is located on the Cedar River within the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area. Its large expanse of woodland is abundant with many varieties of wildlife. Bird-watchers have observed more than 200 different species and white-tailed deer can be seen year-round. The park has been ........more >

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Idlewild State Park is a tranquil natural area offering outdoor enthusiasts an escape into the wilderness. Although not one of the largest state parks, its size still provides ample space for visitors to enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park's main feature ........more >

McIntosh Woods State Park is a serene 60-acre park located in north-central Iowa, on the northwest shore of Clear Lake. Established in 1943, it offers visitors picturesque views and recreational opportunities such as camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. The main feature of McIntosh Woods State ........more >

Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center, located in Dubuque County, Iowa, spans over 1,430 acres along the Mississippi River. This park is named after early lead mining that occurred there by French colonists it was designated as a National Historic Landmark for its association ........more >

Pikes Peak State Park is renowned for its breathtaking views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. Spanning approximately 964 acres, this natural haven offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in scenic beauty and outdoor activities. Established in 1935, Pikes Peak State ........more >

Pine Lake State Park provides a pleasing mix of woodland, river and lake in the midst of rolling farmland. The 585-acre park encompasses two lakes 50-acre Lower Pine Lake and 69-acre Upper Pine Lake. Of special appeal to nature enthusiasts are the ancient white pine, the white-barked birch trees and ........more >

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White Pine Hollow State Forest in Iowa is a picturesque and serene natural refuge teeming with diverse wildlife and verdant foliage. Stretching across acres of undulating terrain, this enchanting forest creates a tranquil atmosphere with its towering white pine trees, forming a majestic canopy that ........more >

The Yellow River State Forest, located in Iowa, is a nature lover's paradise encompassing over 8,500 acres of diverse landscapes. Nestled along the meandering Yellow River, this serene forest offers a picturesque haven with its rolling hills, flourishing forests, and sparkling streams. Within its boundaries, ........more >