Behren Ponds & Woodland - The Nature Conservancy
Its been years since ive visited but this was once my favorite place to visit when I needed some solitude and peace. I remember some...
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Land of the Swamp White Oak Preserve - the Nature Conservancy
Its main attraction is the vast landscapes of wetland oak trees, but this is also one of the most biologically diverse preserves in all...
Cairo Woods Wildlife Area - Louisa County Conservation Board
This is a prime spot that I have recently discovered! 525 acres of prairie and upland wood and timber. This spot is meant for horse...
Iowa Raptor Center - State Park
I haven't been to the Raptor Center proper, but I like this parking lot because you can take off hiking in any direction and explore all...
Turkey Creek Preserve - Bur Oak Land Trust
Yet another gorgeous and sprawling preserve among the hills near the Iowa River. This spot isn't huge at 107 acres, but it offers a fair...
Tom Harkin Trailhead - Coralville City Park
This is the type of park you can take your mother to. Enjoy handsome trails along the creek, not too far off the beaten path. This is an...
Hawkeye Wildlife Area - East Bridge - State Park
Since this park sprawls 13,500 acres, I will break it up into many separate entries. This easternmost spot is pretty reliably accessible,...
Lake Yenruogis County Park - Keokuk County Park
This park is just a few miles North of Sigourney (name of the park backwards) and was formally a rock quarry. The centerpiece is an...
Pike Run Wildlife Area North - Muscatine County Conservation Board
This parking lot is technically down Jasper road off 170th, and if you walk straight south between the prairie, you will wind up on the...
Pike Run Wildlife Area East - Muscatine County Conservation Board
This park is huge (182 acres), so I'm breaking it off into separate parking lots / entry points. This Easternmost parking lot grants you...
Ciha Fen Wildlife Fan - Johnson County Park
This place is just amazing, and totally different from other parks around Iowa. What makes Ciha Fen unique because the nearby Cedar River...
Brinton Timbers Park - Washington County Park
An hour drive south of town, but totally worth it for the long scenic and seemingly unending trails. Washington county does an excellent...
Pappy Dickens Preserve - Bur Oak Land Trust
While this property is only 16 acres of dense timber, Bur Oak has been working diligently with volunteers to clear out roses and...
Altmaier Frisbee Golf Course - City of Coralville City Park
This is a recent acquisition for the city of Coralville, its only 27 acres as it was formerly a family farm. It has some nice big old oak...
Clear Creek Trail - Tiffin City Nature Trail
This appears to be a work in progress, extending this from Coralville toward the northwest direction, but its a nice quiet cement trail...
Redbird Farms Wildlife Area - Iowa DNR
One of our favorite parks, just outside of town, offers a wide variety of different beautiful landscapes and views. 464 Acres to roam...
Clemmons Creek Wildlife and Recreation Area - Washington County Park
Two miles west of Washington, this 290 acre property adjoins a shooting range and isn't very well tended to, so the only draw here that I...
Cone Marsh State Wildlife Management Area
This is mostly wetland and prairie (700 acres), but there is always something going on out here of interest. Easy hiking and vast...
Muddy Creek Preserve - Bur Oak Land Trust
This is our favorite park. Its only 40 acres but the biodiversity and lush tall trees make it an inviting experience. Bur Oak sometimes...
Richardson Wildlife Area - Muscatine County Park
77 Acres of hilly upland, some of which is still farmed. There are a lot of big older trees growing alongside a creek that feeds into the...
Cedar Bluff Recreation Area - Muscatine County Conservation
All 176 Acres offer a diverse variety of Iowa wildlife to enjoy. It is a bit out of the way so you are sure to be the alone when you go....
Frytown Conservation Area - Johnson County Park
Strangely tucked along a busy highway amid farm land this large park has a lot to offer. Wide winding trails and lots of different...
Pechman Creek Delta - Johnson County Park
Acquired in 2016, over 360 Acres of flat creek and riverside woods. Tons of room to explore. Park behind the white storage barns and head...
Hora Woods - Bur Oak Land Trust
A modestly sized park of pretty standard fare. Somewhat younger softwood trees. Not much in the way of defined trails and in the summer...
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