If you’re looking for a place to explore with your friends or family this year, head up to northeastern Iowa and discover Pikes Peak State Park. This wonderful natural preserve features cliffs, a waterfall, campsites, trails, and more. You’ll soon fall in love with the Hawkeye State all over again!
Pikes Peak State Park may be the most famous in Iowa!
Tripadvisor / Coolbreeze2 Pikes Peak can be found in MacGregor, in Clayton County. The park is named after Zebulon Pike. You may recognize the name — the famous Pikes Peak in Colorado is named for the same man.
There are several campsites in the park for both tent and RV campers, but reservations are highly recommended.
Tripadvisor / biztravel2 The park facilities include showers, toilets, campfire pits, picnic tables, and plenty of shade to help you stay cool.
There are miles and miles of trails within Pikes Peak State Park, but most of the land has been left untouched.
TripAdvisor/ShiningStar0921 You’ll find 63 ancient burial mounds in the park, including the famous Bear Mound, built some time between 800-1200 AD by the American Indians of the Woodland Culture.
Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful cascade that’s one of the most photographed sites in all of Iowa, and it’s easy to hike out to see it.
AllTrails / Angie Best The trail to the falls is just a half-mile wooden boardwalk with some steps. You’ll get up close to one of Iowa’s most iconic sites.
There are several trails, as well as nearby parking areas, that allow you to experience the stunning views of the Mississippi River. You can look straight across the river into Wisconsin!
AllTrails / Nedžad Džafić The breathtaking view from the Crow’s Nest — or any of the other overlooks throughout the park — is one reason that Iowans return to Pikes Peak State Park again and again.
Address: 32264 Pikes Peak Road, McGregor, IA, 52157
Tripadvisor / Coolbreeze2
Pikes Peak can be found in MacGregor, in Clayton County. The park is named after Zebulon Pike. You may recognize the name — the famous Pikes Peak in Colorado is named for the same man.
Tripadvisor / biztravel2
The park facilities include showers, toilets, campfire pits, picnic tables, and plenty of shade to help you stay cool.
TripAdvisor/ShiningStar0921
You’ll find 63 ancient burial mounds in the park, including the famous Bear Mound, built some time between 800-1200 AD by the American Indians of the Woodland Culture.
AllTrails / Angie Best
The trail to the falls is just a half-mile wooden boardwalk with some steps. You’ll get up close to one of Iowa’s most iconic sites.
AllTrails / Nedžad Džafić
The breathtaking view from the Crow’s Nest — or any of the other overlooks throughout the park — is one reason that Iowans return to Pikes Peak State Park again and again.
Where is your favorite campground in Iowa? Tell us in the comments below!
Read all about 8 Secluded Campgrounds In Iowa You’ve Never Heard Of for some nature inspiration.
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