One of Iowa’s most famous state parks showcases some of the Hawkeye State’s most remarkable history. You’ll find remnants of the Mormon Trail in Iowa, along with miles of trails that bring you to stunning views, and sacred ancient burial mounds.

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is a sprawling Iowa wilderness that showcases the stunning hilly scenery of the Hawkeye State.
Google Local / Alisa McCombs
The park was originally called Big Bend State Park, due to its location on a bend in the Des Moines River. It's Iowa's second oldest state park and it was dedicated in 1921!
The park is known for its breathtaking views of the river, along with the historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.
Google Local / Jesuz Sanchez
Enjoy a three-mile loop trail of the park that showcases the cabins and bridges built by the CCC, as well as panoramic vistas. Iowans come from all around to fish, camp, bike, hike, and relax out here.

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For almost one hundred years, nature lovers have been enjoying the trails that wind through the park's 1,653 acres — but the true history of the area goes back much, much farther in history.
Google Local / Heather Christensen
Throughout the park, 19 burial mounds overlook the river and have been preserved. These burial mounds were built by the Woodland people and remain a sacred tribute to those who first lived in Iowa.
There's a little known historic monument here, on the banks of the mighty river, that tells a tale of the Mormon Trail in Iowa.
Google Local / William Carson
In the 1800s, thousands of Mormons began to make their way west, looking for their promised land (and ended up in Salt Lake City). The Mormon Pioneer Trail is a national series of landmarks that were significant to this journey, and you'll find one of them here in Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. Ely Ford was a challenging river crossing and a significant site along the way.
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is the perfect place for a picnic, primitive or cabin camping, fishing, hiking, and more. Plus, you'll be walking along some of Iowa's most fascinating history.
Google Local / Richard Wildhirt
Plan your visit to see this historic state park for yourself and you'll be impressed with all that it showcases.

Learn more about the offerings of Lacey-Keosauqua State Park on the Iowa DNR website, here.

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Lacey Keosauqua State Park, 22895 Lacey Trail, Keosauqua, IA 52565, USA