Iowa’s summertimes are always super hot, and the Midwest sun is nothing to mess around with! When you are looking for a refreshing hike, head out to one of Iowa’s best swimming holes and cool off. Big Creek State Park is a local favorite for splashing around when the mercury rises.

Big Creek State Park is one of Iowa’s top destinations for summertime hiking and swimming.

Google Local / Heather Hyett

There are miles of beautiful trails that wrap around Big Creek Beach, and it’s perfect and breezy on a hot summer day.

Google Local / Kristopher Knechel

Kids and families love the enormous castle playground, and you can spend hours under the sun hanging around this old fashioned park.

Google Local / Daniel Carver

Most people head out here to enjoy Big Creek Beach!

Google Local / Vijay Soprey

There’s a ton of sandy shoreline, perfect for tanning or splashing around.

Google Local / William Janzer

Lay out in the sun or build a sandcastle and you’re sure to make plenty of summertime memories here.

Google Local / Rajeev Dashpende

Address: 8794 NW 125th Avenue, Polk City, IA, 50226

Google Local / Heather Hyett

Google Local / Kristopher Knechel

Google Local / Daniel Carver

Google Local / Vijay Soprey

Google Local / William Janzer

Google Local / Rajeev Dashpende

Of course, bring sunscreen, a towel, and anything you need to swim! You’ll find a picnic area near the playground, and you can easily hang out here all day.

If you can’t get enough of beautiful summertime hikes, read all about The Ultimate Iowa Waterfalls Road Trip Is Right Here And You’ll Want To Do It.

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