Great place in town for a walk with nice city views! Not much shade for hot days but we had an…read moreovercast chilly spring day so it was nice. The facility was very nice with a check in area and bathrooms. Don't forget to get your free compost next door!

Very interesting place. It's got some history and it's fun for recreation. But before you go to the…read moreformer landfill mountain, you have to check in. I didn't know beforehand that it was privately owned, and I'm sure for liability/insurance purposes they require everyone to sign in before heading up the trails. Speaking of which, there are three different trails. All go up to the top of Mount Trashmore. One is strictly for bicyclists, one that both walkers/runners/bicyclists can use and then there's the short route (or road) that is also the steepest of the three. I chose the last one, and boy they were not kidding on how steep it was. But I made it. You get great views of the city of Cedar Rapids from the top, and they have sitting areas. The chemical smell from nearby was kind of a turn-off, but hey - I guess nothing can be perfect.

Scenic and popular park with plenty of picturesque spots along the Cedar River and woodsy hiking…read moretrails. It was very busy when we visited one weekend, especially along the Cedar Cliff Trail at the far end of the park. We encountered several beautiful viewing areas of the river along this trail and also a short trail up towards the cute camping cabins. There are lots of stone benches to rest on. A wedding was in progress at the lodge, which is available, according to the website for day use. Some of the trails (like the one leading up to the lodge from the beach) are narrow and winding....but fun to hike! I particularly liked all the stonework we came across, such as could be seen with the signs, shelters and restrooms.

Palisades is my favorite local outdoor escape. My only complaint is that it's not a larger park,…read moremostly so the trails can be longer. They have a few different routes to explore through the woods and along the river. At the right time of day with the sun coming through the trees, it can feel pretty magical. I don't know that I'd describe the trails as beyond beginner, but there are some steep and rocky portions that require a sure foot. Speaking of rocky bits, if you're a climber, there are a few spots in the park to do so once registered with DNR. Along the river, you'll find folks fishing and there's a boat launch somewhere too. The park also offers camping and cabins. There's a reason Palisades is such a popular spot for special photos - particularly in the fall, it's absolutely gorgeous! Grab a hammock and your hiking boots and get on out there!

I've spent several weekends here tent camping at site 54 (walk up) over the past few months. This…read morepark is about a 10 - 15 drive on 94 (Blairs Ferry) from Cedar Rapids (now that Palo Marsh RD has reopened). Tent sites are generally 'walled off' from one another with patches of natural flora separating the sites, with a walking path leading the length of them. (Water spigots are also available on this center path). Each and every time has been ideal and serene. Most visitors adhere to the 'quiet time' rule (10:30 PM to 6:30 AM, I believe), so noise is generally not a concern. Washroom facilities in both the shower equipped and latrine are clean, and well stocked with toilet paper. DNR staff are both friendly, and generally 'hands off' during your stay. My most recent stay was on 10/22 through 10/23, and albeit a very cold morning, the views were breathtaking with the morning fog surrounding the park. (Image attached). I cannot speak to fishing at the park as I have not fished here, however camping is great, and I highly recommend this park.

We stayed in a 25 foot travel trailer in the middle of the week. Weekends are pretty much…read moreSold out. We love the area. Kayaking, biking, and fishing. Very well maintained grounds. Camp sites do not provide private water/sewer but there is a good water/sewer station on the way in. My only complaint. Thurs evening we had friends join us. The Ranger Man enforced a 2 car per campsite rule. He forced 3 over 65 couples to drive to a parking lot and I shuttled them back and forth. Really? Do us Seniors party too hard for you? Haha I understand rules but I don't have to like them...

Good place to walk around and to hang out, a few to many disc golfers for my taste, it feels like…read moreI'm constantly ducking discs and picking up beer cans on the trail, but still a nice park. The place does feel a little run down at times but not tragically, and really it's no worse then any other CR funded park. Early in the morn the park is best, it's nice and quiet and easy to connect with nature while still being only 10 minutes from downtown and a nice easy stop on the morning commute.

Great place to socialize with the homeless people. Be careful where you sit, because sometimes they…read moreare territorial. Bring cigarettes and hard liquor with you in case you need to bribe your way out of a violent situation. Watch out for Scary Jerry, she's a little weird.

Protests, Pokemon, and Prom…read more This public park fills a whole city block and has become the center of lots of activity ever since it's makeover a few years back. Well-cared for grass, huge shady trees, interesting sculpture, a dynamic squishy splash pad, plenty of seating and free WiFi, makes this centrally located green space the perfect place to gather, enjoy a picnic, shoot some photos, or practice free speech. Day or night, this all season park serves the CR community well and has proven to be a good investment for all members of the community. Adjacent to a bike trail and across the street from both the main branch of the CR Metro Library and the CR art museum, this park is also home to the popular CR Farmer's Market and many a summer concerts. And of course, a visit to Green Square Park would not be complete without the blowing whistle of a train passing by!

Beautiful and secretly massive park (180 acres!!) with a variety of amenities to suit most…read morevisitors. Paved trails, playground, green space, amphitheater, community gardens, baseball diamonds, and more. You'll see many events hosted here, such as festivals, concerts, and fireworks.

This review is for Lowe Park's diamonds (different than the Pee Wee Diamonds, also located at the…read morepark). We were in town for a 10U softball tournament and left with a third place finish. #GoJaguars. Things I liked: - Diamonds. The park boasts four softball diamonds that are well maintained. - Concession Stand. Gotta love a well stocked, well priced and shaded concession stand! - Proximity to Uptown Marion. Gotta love a quick five minute drive to grab some food! Things I didn't like: - Holy Parking, Batman. You basically need to park at the adjacent middle school or high school parking lots on tournament days. It's a lot of walking so make sure you're getting there early! - The Shade Situation. Uh, what shade? There are some trees planted that in ten years will be amazing but as of now, expect it to be a hot one at Lowe Park. Overall, the Marion community is lucky to have Lowe Park. It boasts some rad looking trails, an amphitheater, arts + environment center, community gardens, sculpture trail, an inclusive play structure and some pretty well done ballparks, IMO. I definitely wouldn't be mad if we played here again!

I never found the nature center but it was my fault I took the wrong road but this is the most…read morenature I've ever been in in Iowa truly remote feeling. I would say the trail I found was filled with bugs, itchy plants and trails that seem to fade and pick up again.

From the owner: Wickiup Hill Learning Center is a nature center featuring hands on exhibits for kids, educational…read moreprogramming, field trips, history, and live animal displays. the outdoor area (751 acres) includes Wickiup Wandering Woods, an outdoor nature playscape. Enjoy 6 miles of interpretive trails within our woodlands, prairie, wetlands, and more!