When the weather gets warm, exploring Iowa’s state parks is one of the best ways to spend your time. Head out to Big Creek State Park in Polk City, Iowa, for a day connecting with nature in the Hawkeye State. No wonder many consider this to be the best beach in Iowa!
Big Creek State Park is one of Iowa’s most scenic slices of paradise.
Google Local / Matthew Ceaser Plan a trip to see all that this enormous, sprawling park has to offer and you’ll fall in love with your home state all over again.
The centerpiece of this enormous park is the 866-acre Big Creek Lake.
Google Local / Depe Dutal In the summertime, families flock to the sand to relax on the beach and spend time playing in the water.
This gorgeous lake is one of the cleanest and most serene bodies of water in the Hawkeye State.
Google Local / Rajeev Deshpanda Big Creek Beach’s water is closely monitored by the Iowa DNR, and it is typically safe to swim in. Hang out on the shore sunbathing or building sandcastles and you’ll feel like you’re on a coastal vacation.
When the sun is beating down, escape the heat by having a picnic!
Google Local / Rajeev Deshpande The covered picnic pavilions provide shade without dragging you too far away from the refreshing water.
Kids love Big Creek State Park thanks to the enormous wooden playground.
Google Local / Daniel Carver This old fashioned play palace will remind you of your own childhood! After hanging out in the water, kids can dry off running between slides, swings, wooden bridges, and more.
Another way to take a break from the water here is to hike any of the scenic trails.
Google Local / Kristopher Kechel There are more than 30 miles of paved and unpaved pathways that surround the lake.
You never know what you might find hiding among the paths and trails of Big Creek State Park.
Google Local / Heather Hyatt Plan a trip to check it all out this year and fall in love with Iowa’s stunning natural beauty.
Address: 8794 NW 125th Ave, Polk City, IA 50226
Google Local / Matthew Ceaser
Plan a trip to see all that this enormous, sprawling park has to offer and you’ll fall in love with your home state all over again.
Google Local / Depe Dutal
In the summertime, families flock to the sand to relax on the beach and spend time playing in the water.
Google Local / Rajeev Deshpanda
Big Creek Beach’s water is closely monitored by the Iowa DNR, and it is typically safe to swim in. Hang out on the shore sunbathing or building sandcastles and you’ll feel like you’re on a coastal vacation.
Google Local / Rajeev Deshpande
The covered picnic pavilions provide shade without dragging you too far away from the refreshing water.
Google Local / Daniel Carver
This old fashioned play palace will remind you of your own childhood! After hanging out in the water, kids can dry off running between slides, swings, wooden bridges, and more.
Google Local / Kristopher Kechel
There are more than 30 miles of paved and unpaved pathways that surround the lake.
Google Local / Heather Hyatt
Plan a trip to check it all out this year and fall in love with Iowa’s stunning natural beauty.
For more fun swimming holes in Iowa, read This 3-Mile Hike In Iowa Leads To The Dreamiest Swimming Hole.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.