Palisades-Kepler State Park is home to the oldest trees in Iowa, the gorgeous and tenacious Eastern Red Cedar. This wonder of nature can be found clinging to the limestone bluffs above Cedar River. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day among these old beauties!

If you want to spend the day looking at some of Iowa’s most fascinating natural history, check out the gorgeous Eastern Red Cedar.
Ashleigh Sloan / Google Maps
Located in Palisades-Kepler State Park, you can enjoy a day in one of Iowa’s prettiest state parks and see some of the oldest living trees in the state.
The trees in this area are estimated to be well over 400 years old.
Luciana Miller / AllTrails
Core samples taken in the 1960’s indicated that one tree in particular had over 438 rings, making its birth date in 1523!
This is not uncommon, as there is a red cedar in Virginia reputed to be over 940 years old.
Allen Scott / AllTrails
These trees are an important part of the ecosystem in the area, providing habitat and food for many bird species. These lovely species of trees are hardy and tolerant, thriving in Canada all the way down to Florida.

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There are two great walking trails in this area that will take you by these amazing trees.
Rusty Tawney / AllTrails
There is the Cedar Cliff Trail, which is a moderately easy 2.1 mile trail. This follows the limestone bluffs with great views of the river below.
There is also the Palisade Observatory to Cedar River Trail.
David Collogan / Google Maps
This easy trail is also 2.1 miles, and takes you all the way to the Cedar River. You’ll be able to easily spot these persevering trees on the limestone bluffs when you’re down by the river.
Palisades-Kepler State Park has 840 acres of gorgeous area to explore while you’re checking out these mature trees.
Emily Wadle / Google Maps
There are wonderful picnic areas, cabins, a campground, and plenty of river activities. Float down the Cedar River and fish while you take in the majestic sites around you.
If you’re fascinated by the natural past and love the great outdoors, a trip to check out the Eastern Red Cedar should be on your to do list this summer.
glen gardner / Google Maps
Spend a day exploring this wonderful park and all of its natural specimens, or pack up the whole family and camp on their lovely campgrounds for the weekend. You’ll love this lovely area filled with living history!

Have you ever walked among the Eastern Red Cedar at Palisades-Kepler State Park? What did you think? Will you be exploring this area this summer? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re interested in exploring Iowa’s other lovely parks, read more about how These 13 State Parks In Iowa Are Breathtakingly Beautiful.

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Palisades-Kepler State Park, 700 Kepler Dr, Mt Vernon, IA 52314, USA