Iowa has countless state parks, and each one is more beautiful than the last. If you enjoy hiking, walking, biking, rock climbing, swimming, picnicking, wildlife observing, or just getting some fresh air and enjoying a gorgeous view, then look no further, because here is your ultimate guide to the best state parks to visit in Iowa.

1. Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor
Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Jason Mrachina/Flickr
One of the best state parks in Iowa happens to be Pikes Peak State Park. With its very own canyon and 500-foot-tall bluff, it's awe-inspiring, to say the least.
2. Maquoketa Caves State Park in Maquoketa
Caves Road, Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
Phil Roeder/Flickr
As the name of this park suggests, there are caves found within Maquoketa Caves State Park. Take an otherworldly trail in Iowa through this state park for an adventure like no other in the state.
3. Bellevue State Park in Bellevue
Bellevue State Park - Nelson Unit, 24668 US-52, Bellevue, IA 52031, USA
Yinan Chen/Flickr
Take in views of the Mighty Mississippi River at an overlook along a trail found in this state park. It's one of the best hiking trails in Iowa.
4. Backbone State Park in Delaware County
Backbone State Park Beach, Iowa 52038, USA
Matthew Hoelscher/Flickr
Backbone State Park is considered one of the best state parks in Iowa. With its rugged landscape, caves, rivers, and a lake, there is plenty to explore here.
5. Ledges State Park near Boone
Ledges State Park, P Avenue, Madrid, IA, USA
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
The 1,200-acre Ledges State Park provides the perfect place to take a day trip in Iowa. With its gorgeous forests and trails to explore, you may not want to leave!
6. Wapsipinicon State Park in Anamosa
Wapsipinicon State Park, 21301 Co Rd E34, Anamosa, IA 52205, USA
jdurchen/Flickr
If you're looking for things to do outside in Iowa, a trip to Wapsipinicon State Park may be in order. With rivers and caves, there are no shortage of places to explore in this state park.

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7. Pine Lake State Park in Eldora
Pine Lake State Park, Iowa 50627, USA
josquin2000/Flickr
Some of the best hiking trails in Iowa can be found at Pine Lake State Park. Take the Pine Lake South Trail here for some of the most scenic views!
8. Lake MacBride State Park in Solon
3525 Hwy 382 NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA
Mike Willis/Flickr
The largest state park in Iowa happens to be Lake MacBride State Park in Solon. With 2,100 acres, you could spend days here and not be able to explore it all.
9. Effigy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Ferry.
Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa 76, Harpers Ferry, IA, USA
Yinan Chen/Flickr
If river views are what you're after, there's no better state park in Iowa than Effigy Mounds National Monument. It's one of the best state parks in Iowa for scenery.
10. Stone State Park in Sioux City
Stone State Park Drive, Stone State Park Dr, Sioux City, IA, USA
Ali Eminov/Flickr
Perfectly picturesque any time of the year, Stone State Park offers plenty of things to do outside in Iowa. Take a hike along one of the many trails, rent a cabin in the park, and more. It's a wonderful nature escape!
11. Preparation Canyon State Park in Moorhead
Preparation Canyon State Park, 340th St, Moorhead, IA 51558, USA
Christine Warner Hawks/Flickr
With stunning hiking trails in Iowa, Preparation Canyon State Park can be enjoyed any time of year. There's even a gorgeous overlook you can hike to here.
12. Palisades-Kepler State Park in Mount Vernon
Palisades-Kepler State Park, 700 Kepler Dr, Mt Vernon, IA 52314, USA
Phil Roeder/Flickr
Not only are some of the oldest trees in the state found here but Palisades-Kepler State Park is home to some of the darkest skies in Iowa. If you love stargazing, spend some time at night here.
13. Wildcat Den State Park in Muscatine
Wildcat Den State Park, 1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA
nome joy/Flickr
Wildcat Den State Park is one of the best state parks in Iowa with a tree tunnel. It's simply magical!

Are there any more state parks to visit in Iowa that should be added to this list? Share your favorites in the comments section!

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More to Explore

State Parks To Visit In Iowa

Melissa M. | August 09, 2022

What is the largest state park in Iowa?

At 2,180 acres, Lake MacBride State Park is the largest park in the state of Iowa.

What are some of the best parks in Iowa?

Some of the state’s best parks include Pikes Peak State Park, Backbone State Park, and Big Creek State Park. Each has its own unique attributes and it's worthwhile to spend some time at each one.

What are some of the best easy hiking trails in Iowa?

If you can’t trek along on a long, difficult trail, there are plenty of easy trails in Iowa you may consider taking. Best of all, they are great for kids as well!

 

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