Located at the top of the hill is Brushy Creek State Preserve, fully surrounded and hidden within the State Recreation Area. Hike southwest from the trail head, taking a right at the trail gate hike by foot even if gate is closed. How to Find It: Park in the paved lot above the Brushy Creek Spillway on the east end of the dam. The view is especially amazing when fall leaves show their colors. Scenic Overlook - Discover breathtaking views of the Brushy Creek Valley when you hike this trail. Take a day-trip to Big Creek State Park this season and enjoy everything Iowa outdoors has to offer. The lake is also a popular fishing destination with boat and bike rentals available at the beach concessionaire. The centerpiece is Big Creek Lake, home of the largest beach in the state park system. Located near Saylorville Lake just 20 miles from Des Moines, Big Creek State Park is a family-friendly setting for picnicking and outdoor recreation. There is a sidewalk leading to the trees. Turn left (north) onto Jolly Boat LN and and follow to the parking lot. How to Find It: Jolly Boat Picnic Area - from NW Madrid Drive/Hwy 415 on the west side of Big Creek enter the park via Williams Drive. This lesser-used area of Big Creek is a great place for a quiet picnic. Most of Big Creek would have been open prairie dotted with large oaks, an ecosystem called Oak Savannah. These oaks are relics of the past and give a glimpse the landscape prior to development. The trees have long, low-hanging branches, indicating they grew in open prairie rather than dense forest. Take a selfie and tag #IowaStateParks on social media for prize drawing! Big Oaks at Jolly Boat Picnic Area - When you arrive you'll be greeted by two large oak trees overlooking the lake. Bellevue State Park is split into two separate areas, the Nelson Unit and the Dyas Unit camping is only available at the Dyas Unit. An enclosed nature center and butterfly sanctuary showcase diverse wildlife and plant life inhabiting the area. The park features beautiful overlooks of the Mississippi River. Bring your camera and capture some beautiful pictures! Follow the Friends of Bellevue State Park on Facebook for butterfly garden updates and fun events in the park.Įastern Iowa’s Bellevue State Park is rich in archaeological, historical and natural beauty. Take a right into the first parking lot on top of the hill and walk on the 200-yard paved trail to visit the garden. From the city of Bellevue go south out of town, take the first right after the bridge and follow the winding hill. How to Find It: Located at the Nelson Unit of Bellevue State Park. The garden is planted with beautiful flowers and bushes that bloom from July-September. Take a selfie and tag #IowaStateParks on social media for prize drawing! Butterfly Garden - Enjoy a one-acre plot designed for butterflies and pollinators during all stages of their life cycles. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or just wanting to get outdoors for the day, Backbone State Park has something for everyone. Take a walk through history by checking out the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) museum, explore the rugged 21-mile multi-use trail system or fish in some of Iowa’s best trout streams. The steep and narrow ridge of bedrock from the Maquoketa River forms the highest point in northeast Iowa - The Devil’s Backbone - giving the park its legendary name. How to Find It: The trail is located in the north end of the park, just a few hundred yards inside of the East Gate on 120th St.ĭedicated in 1920 as Iowa’s first state park, Backbone State Park is one of the most geographically unique locations in Iowa. "The truly special place was named for its long, narrow and rugged dolomite limestone ridge towering above the Maquoketa River (and called the Devil's Backbone by locals) and revered for its scenic bluffs, woodlands, varied plant life.‚Äù Look for unique features like the small ovens, large crevices, and towering overlooks high above the Maquoketa River. Take a selfie and tag #IowaStateParks on social media for prize drawing! Backbone Trail - A one-mile looped trail from where the park got its name.
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