

Maquoketa Caves State Park contains more caves than any other park in Iowa. Hike among prehistoric Native American burial grounds and forests that line the Mississippi River at this National Monument site.

Rock climbing is popular at this park, with 14 different wall areas to climb.Īmenities: Rock climbing, hiking, fishing.

This county park is lined with steep limestone cliffs and surrounds the Maquoketa River near Monticello. The trail system at Wildcat Den leads hikers through canyons and cliffs with names like "Devil's Punch Bowl" and "Fat Man's Squeeze." The Historic Pine Creek Grist Mill is also located in the park. In addition to sweeping vistas, hikers can view limestone bluffs, fossils and Bridal Veil Falls, a natural spring-fed waterfall. Some of the best views of the Mississippi River are at Pikes Peak State Park. Named for the "Devil's Backbone," a steep rocky ridge that divides the park, Backbone State Park includes unique rock formations, a cave, a natural spring, a lake and miles of trails ranging from easy to adventurous.Īmenities: Hiking, biking, camping, cabins, boating, rock climbing. The fossils are part of the Devonian-age sea floor and date back almost 200 million years before the dinosaurs. Landlubbers can explore the walking and hiking trails, playgrounds, observation tower and the wildlife area with elk and deer.Īmenities: Camping, cabins, boating, hiking.įossils in the limestone bedrock of this park were revealed after the floods of 1993. This well-developed county park offers watercraft rentals (canoes, kayaks and paddleboats) and group canoe trips. The park is also home to Blue Heron Eco Cruises, which give visitors an up-close experience with the ecology of the Mississippi River.Īmenities: Camping, cabins, boating, fishing, hiking, nature center. This county park near Clinton has excellent cabins and campgrounds, a nature center, hiking, boating and fishing. Continue exploring on hiking trails that feature scenic views of the Mississippi River. View up to 60 different species of butterflies in the Bellevue State Park butterfly garden. It's a popular spot for weddings, photo shoots and a spot to relax. It's Burlington's oldest and one of the city's smallest parks, but Mosquito Park still has a lot to offer - including one of the best views of the Mississippi River in the state. One of the most iconic views is from the Julien Dubuque Monument, honoring the founder of the nearby city of Dubuque.
#Backbone rock campground full#
Mississippi River bluffs are on full display at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed via the nearby Backbone Rock Recreation Area parking.Mines of Spain Recreation Area, Dubuque - Photo Courtesy Abeling Photo Along with camping, Beaverdam Creek is stocked with trout. Each site contains a table, fire ring and lantern holder.īackbone Rock Campground is located along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians. There are 10 single campsites, including two double sites within Backbone Rock Campground. With 10 campsites and an adjacent large Civilian Conservation Corps- built reservable pavilion with lawn, Backbone Rock is a great option for a group to reserve the whole campground for retreats and other events. The creek side location with popular swim area and lush forest surroundings make Backbone Rock Campground particularly desirable during hot summer months. This developed campground is popular with those visiting the nearby Backbone Rock, a tunnel originally blasted through the rock ridge for the railway. Backbone Rock Campground is a small campground situated along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek at an elevation of 2,100 feet in northern Johnson County.
