Iowa State & National Parks

Ambrose A. Call State Park was established in 1925 to preserve the expanse of old-growth forest that can be found alongside the Des Moines River. The park is named after its first settler, Ambrose A. Call and his brother Asa who staked their claim there in 1854. Though the log cabin he originally built is no longer there, a similar structure was brought in from a nearby homestead and placed where the original cabin once stood. Not only can you visit and explore the log cabin, but you can also rent it out for event since it is now being used as a lodge.

Address: Call Park Rd, Algona, IA 50511, Phone: 641-581-4835

Dedicated in 1919, the 2,000-acre Backbone State Park is the oldest park in the state of Iowa. The park derives its name from a steep and narrow bedrock ridge beside the Maquoketa River that was originally known as the Devil’s Backbone. The park is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as a U.S. Historic District because of several different structures and aspects found within it. Some of the things that you’ll see are a stone lodge which is now used as a museum, two sets of stone trail steps, a stunning stone barn, and a bathhouse that was built in the 1930s.

Address: 1347 129th St, Dundee, IA 52038, Phone: 563-924-2527

Recognized as a U.S. Historic District and listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Beeds Lake State Park was established in 1934. The 319-acre park has several amenities such as a 99-acre reservoir which allows for boating, fishing, and swimming. Other recreational activities you can explore include hiking its many trails, picnicking in the designated areas, visiting the concessions stands, renting out lodging, or camping in their many semi-primitive campsites. Unique features which made it worthy of being listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places include a footbridge which was built in 1937 and a bathhouse which was built in 1936.

Address: 1422 165th St, Hampton, IA 50441, Phone: 641-456-2047

Cedar Rock State Park is one of the few places in Iowa where you will be able to explore and witness the stunning works of Frank Lloyd Wright, a famed American architect and interior designer. The Lowell Walter Residence, which is popularly known as Cedar Rock, is a Usonian-style house which can be found on the banks of the Wapsipinicon River. The home was donated to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources upon Walter’s death in 1981 and is now open to the public for tours. The house is a prime example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s signature designs and everything from the furniture to the accessories were picked out by him.

Address: 2611 Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd, Independence, IA 50644, Phone: 319-934-3572

Dolliver Memorial State Park is a 594-acre open space that was established in 1925. It has several striking features which have made it a popular sight with photographers; one of the most visited sites are the deep ravines and high bluffs you’ll see over the Des Moines River. There are two aspects of the park which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Dolliver Memorial State Park entrance area and the hiking and maintenance area. Because of its close proximity to the Des Moines River, several water activities are popular at the park such as boating.

Address: 2757 Dolliver Park Ave, Otho, IA 50569, Phone: 515-359-2539

Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge can be found in northeastern Iowa and is an IUCN category IV habitat and species management area. The refuge was established in 1989 as a way of preserving numerous species of flora and fauna, specifically the Northern Wild Monkshood plant and the Iowa Pleistocene Snail. In addition to snails and flowers, you will be able to see a number of other rare and endangered plants and animals. Popular activities include wildlife observation and photography, fishing in the Fern Ridge Unit, and seasonal hunting for white-tailed deer, turkeys, and other upland game.

Address: Elkader, IA 52043, Phone: 608-326-0515

Effigy Mounds National Monument is a 2,500+ acre land that was created in 1949 as a means of preserving over 200 prehistoric mounds which were built by Native Americans. These effigy mounds were mostly built in the first millennium by people of the Woodland Culture and are mostly shaped like animals such as birds and bears. Some of the tribes that are associated with the mounds are the Prairie Island Indian Community, the Santee Sioux, and the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska among many others. Start your adventure at the park’s visitor center, which is located in Harper’s Ferry and is filled with artifacts and information on the land and its rich history.

Address: 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, Phone: 563-873-3491

One of the new additions to Iowa’s collection of state parks, Elinor Bedell State Park is an 80-acre space which was established in 1998. As you walk through the park you’ll come across prairies, wetlands, and oak savannah, along with an array of Scots pine and sugar maple trees. The environment is absolutely beautiful no matter what time of the year you decide to visit. Recreational facilities include miles of trails for hiking, a wildlife viewing blind for those who want to see various species of wildlife and birds, fishing for white bass and northern pike, and a small campground which can accommodate tent and RV campers.

Address: 1619 260th Ave, Spirit Lake, IA 51360, Phone: 712-337-3211

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is a U.S. National Historic Landmark District and is recognized on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The 187-acre land was established in 1965 and has over 150,000 visitors annually. As you’ll have guessed by the name, the park is dedicated to commemorating the life of the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover. The historic site houses the birthplace cottage of Hoover and has been enhanced for visitors to get a better idea of his childhood years. Nearby, you’ll also find the first West Branch schoolhouse, the Quaker meetinghouse where the Hoover family worshiped, and a blacksmith shop similar to the one that was owned by his father. Visitors will also be able to pay their respects at the gravesite of Herbert Hoover and his wife, which can be found there.

Address: 110 Parkside Dr, West Branch, IA 52358, Phone: 319-643-2541

Honey Creek State Park is an 828-acre outdoor space that can be found in Appanoose County, Iowa. Long before it was a public recreation area, the park was home to Native Americans from the Woodland period. As you walk around the park, you’ll come across several earthen mounds which they created for religious and ceremonial reasons. Younger visitors enjoy visiting the fish hatchery which is located on the land; they have an observation walkway and visitor center filled with interactive displays and exhibits. Other activities you can participate in include hiking, boating, camping, snowmobiling, and seasonal hunting.

Address: 12194 Honey Creek Pl, Moravia, IA 52571, Phone: 641-724-3739