The weather is getting warm, and I don’t know about you, but that makes me want to get out there and explore! Summer is an amazing time to explore Iowa’s best state parks, forests, and natural wonders – and the coolest part is, the state’s Department of Natural Resources has a unique way to motivate us to cross some of those sites off our bucket list. The Iowa State Park Passport is a cool, free feature that can be downloaded onto your smartphone and earn points for visiting state parks. Each park has a different point value – either 100, 200, or 300 points – and those points can be redeemed for prizes. What’s more, each park this year has a “hidden gem” to discover. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has set up the state’s coolest scavenger hunt, and we can’t wait to get started!

This summer, get out your smart phone and get ready to make your mark on Iowa’s state parks! Check in, collect points, and you could win stickers, coffee mugs, and discounts on a camping stay. Those who earn 300 points also earn one entry into a raffle for a kayaking package.

This journey will take you to some of Iowa's most beloved sights, like the mystery of the Maquoketa Caves...
Maquoketa Caves State Park, 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
Jennifer Illingworth/Google Local
The beautiful shores of Lake MacBride will allow you to earn points while soaking up the summer sun.
Lake Macbride State Park, 3525 Hwy 382 NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA
Dheepak Guruswamy/Google Local
Some of the state's most educational sites are also on the list, like the historic cabin at Ambrose A. Call State Park...
Darrin Ochsner/Google Local

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Or the stunning architecture and heritage of the Mines of Spain and its associated museum, the EB Lyons Interpretive Center.
EB Lyons Interpretive Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003, USA
Brian Holzhausen/Google Local
Some lesser-known sites are on the list, like the "Little Switzerland" of Iowa - Volga River State Recreation Area.
Volga River State Recreation Area, 10225 Ivy Rd, Fayette, IA 52142, USA
Marty Hogan/Google Local
And of course, the most famous spot in all of Iowa, the stunning Loess Hills, are ready to welcome you as part of the passport challenge!
Loess Hills State Forest, Jackson Township, IA 51564, USA
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Are you planning to take the Iowa State Park Passport challenge this year? Tell us what’s on your adventure agenda in the comments section! You can find out more about this year’s challenge on the Iowa DNR, website and make sure to follow the Iowa DNR Facebook page for all the latest announcements. It’s not on this year’s challenge, but you might want to include a unique curiosity on your list – Iowa’s smallest state park. 

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