Iowa’s State Parks

Iowa’s State Parks

By Ryan Graden

In the last 25 years of technological advancements, I have watched our culture advance at a tremendous pace that, I worry, will never slow down. Phones, computers, iPods, iPads, GPS, electric cars, automatic vacuums, auto lawnmowers, and more! We are certainly making things easier for our lifestyles, but we are also creating another problem. We have forgotten how to “retreat”! How do you get away from all that? Why is it so important?

I believe that a body should work hard to earn what they deserve. “No hand-outs” is my mantra when I talk to my children! However, when you work hard, it is also important to take time to rest. It’s good for your body, mind, and soul. Rest will keep depression, stress, and anxiety at bay. If you do it right, life will be much more bearable and joyful.

I truly believe that God has given us an incredible “playground” in nature. The beauty of the outdoors, the adventure that it offers, and the recuperation that happens to us is priceless. However, it takes a conscious decision on our part to actively pursue a retreat or vacation. Will you? What’s keeping you from this?

Our great state of Iowa has some incredible natural resources that have been developed into state parks for the public’s use. These state parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, facilities, and guides to help you create an amazing getaway! It’s also incredibly affordable! Who wouldn’t want a cheaper vacation?

In this article, I would like to highlight a few of Iowa’s public state parks. I’ll let you know where they are and what they have to offer. It will then be your job to plan to get there. Trust me, it will be well worth your efforts!

Ledges State Park
Let’s start in central Iowa with Ledges State Park located just outside of Boone, Iowa. The 4,000 acre park became official in 1924 as one of Iowa’s first state parks. If you ever visit the park, you will quickly understand why thousands of people make their way to the Ledges every season. The canyon setting, large sandstone cliffs, thick hardwoods, and great camping facilities are accommodating to any adventurer.

The park will accommodate any type of “camping” that you might desire. They have some full electrical hookup, some non-electric, and primitive sites. They also have a few remote locations that you could hike to in order to camp at. It truly depends on what type of camper you are. Do you enjoy certain comforts? Or, would you rather rough it? The beauty of this park is that it will accommodate both. However, remember, it is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservation can be made online, or you can just arrive and pick your spot.

Ledges is known for it’s incredible trails that lead through the park. They wind in and out of the timber, and up and down the canyon. These trails will pop out to some incredible views of the canyon and the Des Moines River which passes close by. You need to make sure that you have a good pair of tennis shoes or hiking boots to take these trails. In addition, don’t forget some water! I promise you that you will need it!

Part of the state park also offers some incredible public hunting opportunities. This is the park where I was introduced to hunting by my father and uncles! Ledges is full of small game such as squirrels, rabbits, and some upland birds in their CRP grasses. Deeper in the timber a hunter could chase whitetail deer and turkeys. Regardless of what you like to hunt, the scenery while hunting will not disappoint!

Backbone State Park
Let’s move next to Eastern Iowa and a visit to Backbone State Park near Strawberry Point, Iowa. If you have never been to this state park, you need to put this on your list to visit! Even if you’re crossing the state to get there, you won’t be disappointed with the miles you add to your car. This state park has some incredible scenery and opportunities for its guests. You could easily spend an extended amount of time here and not be bored!

Backbone was dedicated as a State Park of Iowa in 1920. It’s 2,001 acres of property include a thick Iowa timber of mainly oaks and maples. Along with the rich landscape of timber, an excellent trout stream flows through the park pushing 2,000 gallons per minute from Richmond Springs. The water is cold, clear, and stocked with trout from the local trout hatchery on a regular basis.

Most of the facilities at the park were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This was an effort by President Roosevelt to employ the unemployed after the Great Depression happened. The trail systems, campsites, shelter houses, stone steps, and more were all put in by the CCC and they have stood the test of time!

Backbone actually has two different campsites on its property. The South Lake campground offers electric, non-electric, and primitive campsites. It has some modern shower facilities for the guests at those grounds. The Six Pine campground is non-electric with pit latrines for guests. Again, depending on what kind of adventurer you are, you have a choice of comforts.

Backbone also has built some cabins that are available for bookings. There are a few two-bedroom cabins and single-bedroom cabins on the grounds that can be reserved online. For both, guests need to provide their own bedding as well as dinnerware.
When you are at backbone, there is plenty to do. You could fish their lake system for bluegill, crappie, bass, and catfish. You could do some trout fishing in the trout streams that run through the park. Just remember that you will need a special trout fishing license to do this! Backbone also has some great trails to hike. YOU MUST, when at the park, hike the “Backbone Trail”. Be prepare for some rocky terrain as well as a little rock scrambling if you’d like.

If you are a climber, Backbone will allow you to do some advance climbing at the park. Prior to doing so, you will need to stop by their ranger station and fill out a climbing registration. After that, you have a good choice of some fantastic climbing and rappelling. Just drive or hike around until you find where you’d like to challenge yourself.

During your stay here you aren’t too far from Effigy Mounds, Pikes Peak State Park (fantastic view of the Mississippi River), and the little town of Strawberry Point. If you do visit Strawberry Point, make a stop in the old drug store for an old-fashioned soda at their antique soda fountain!

Clear Lake State Park
If you are the type of person that would like to be near or on the water, Clear Lake State Park in Clear Lake, Iowa is the place that you will want to visit.

Clear Lake State Park began in 1924 with additional acres acquired in the 60’s and 70’s. The park itself is only 55 acres large, but it shares a 900 foot long beachfront with the 3,643 acre lake called Clear Lake.

This campground offers some great camping opportunities to its guests. The sites are both electric and non-electric with some primitive sites available too. The grounds have modern shower facilities available to its guests also.

The greatest draw for guests of Clear Lake State Park is the water. The beach is a wonderful place for swimmers, and sun soakers! The beachfront also has a long concrete sidewalk making it easier for handicapped accessibility. Folks can bring their own fishing boats, ski boats, or jet skis or you can rent them from local marinas. The lake is large enough to accommodate recreation boating.

If you are an angler and you are looking for a good place to fish, Clear Lake will accommodate that too. There is a wide variety of fish that call the lake home with a great variety of habitat. It would be easy to spend the entire day fishing the nooks and crannies of the lake and you would never be bored.

Stone State Park
Stone State Park makes its home near Sioux City, Iowa on the western side of our state. Stone State park was officially acquired by the state in 1935 in a purchase agreement with the Stone Family. Prior to the state purchasing the land, the previous two owners had already developed the area as a visitors campgrounds with many attractions to see, including a zoo!
After the State of Iowa made the purchase, they brought in Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps to begin to develop the park a bit more making it easier for guests to access the property. They built roads, facilities, entrances, and staff residences. Many of which are still visible and used to this day.

If you are looking to setup camp here for a few days, Stone State Park offers electrical sites that can be easily accessed with whatever you are setting up. They also have cabins that guests can reserve. The cabins do have air conditioning and heat but contain no modern sanitary facilities. However, they are located near the central restroom facilities for the campgrounds.

Stone Park will welcome outdoor enthusiasts year round. The park contains a great number of trails for different uses. There are six total miles of equestrian trails if you are looking to do a bit of horseback riding. The park also contains six miles of mountain bike and snowmobile trails depending on the season that you are there. For the regular hiker who likes a scenic walk, Stone Park also has 8 miles of hiking trials for you to enjoy.

Time to Vacation
My challenge to you this summer is to plan a trip to one of these parks or any of the other great parks in the state. Round up the family and take some time to relax. Venture to one of these places that you have never been, shut off the phone, and take time to take care of yourself!

Take a hike in the woods and see the scenery. Observe the wildlife that you will encounter if you are quiet enough. Look at the flowers that you would normally pass by on a “normal” day. Sit by a lake and enjoy the quiet waters while you dip a pole in hopes of catching supper. The best thing is, these getaways are cheap! Much cheaper than a hotel and eating out.
Take care of yourself. Enjoy what Iowa has to offer! You deserve it! Good luck!