I've never been big on swimming in lakes but summer in Iowa is hot and options are limited, so my…read morehusband and I decided to venture out to Lake Macbride one Saturday afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised! The beach area is a little small, particularly on a crowded hot day, but we were able to find space to spread our towels and enjoy the sun. We spent our time cooling off in the water and laying out. We also drove around the park a bit (honestly because we got lost) and found it to be a beautiful area. I definitely plan to go back and try out the boat rental. It's not a boardwalk along the ocean, but probably the best you can do in this area. Tip: bring a cooler full of snacks and beach chairs and umbrellas. We were a bit spoiled from going to bigger beaches and forgot we couldn't just rent/buy whatever we wanted once we got there .

Another state park that has the physical address of the state park and not the campground. If my…read morehusband didn't call Ohio DNR we would have NEVER found it and gone in circles. We got to the park after given a different address. We had electric for 5 minutes and after that it was gone. We called again and they sent a ranger to our site. A tree had gone down and took electric out. We heard two trees fall at that time. Electric came back about 7 pm. They also make you pay for a two day stay, even if you are staying one night. I understand this in a way, because it keeps them booking entire weekend for others. I believe they would end up booking that day again when they see you left.

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!

Perfect place for the entire family -- walking trails, connecting bike paths, and one of the best…read moreall-ages playgrounds in Cedar Rapids. While the playground doesn't have a lot of shade, it does have nice bathrooms nearby and water fountain -- complete with a dog-friendly spout!

I recently traveled to Cedar Rapids with a friend to drop off my friend's daughter who was going to…read morestay with her friend who lives there for a couple weeks. We dropped the kids off at the playground - which looked amazing; I was tempted to play there myself lol - and we walked around the park for an hour or so. It is huge, and there is a lot of nature to admire. It was a bit confusing to find the entrance we needed since the park is so large. We turned into the wrong entrances a couple of times until her daughter's friend remembered enough to direct us on where to go to access the playground.

Unfortunately when I visited the visitor's center was closed, but I still had a blast! There is a…read morelot that you can park in, and then travel down a path to a bunch of informational displays about the flood in 1993 that carved out this gorge, revealing all of the fossils. Then, you proceed down the path into a gorge, keeping an eye out for fossils. I saw a bunch of fossils on the bank to my right, before I even made it to the gorge. There were a few people scattered walking their dogs, although one group was actively looking to spot fossils and had the brochure from the Army Corps of Engineers about the different fossils present. All in all, this was a great spot to spend an hour walking around. I did see evidence that people have poached fossils from here, which is a shame. Look, but don't take!

Open area with lots to look at. I'm surprised they let people walk over these fossil imprints. Much…read moreof the rock is cracked and loose. Much of the area has numbers imbedded into the ground to help you find the things.

Wonderful trails! The walks are low difficulty, some steep inclines. There is so much wildlife!…read more I saw 4 deer on my walk. There are lots of mushrooms for foraging but be careful lots are toxic as well. Lots of fishing spots. Highly recommend to anyone.

Wonderful trails in recent early morning hike with my adult daughter. Just watch out for tree…read moreroots which one finds in beautiful woods.

One of the best places in Iowa,I've seen yet! Biking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, full service…read morecamping, plus HOT SHOWERS!

This campground is clean and well kept. All the staff are amazing and offer campers a safe and fun…read moregetaway. The bathrooms/shower houses in all three campgrounds are also great to use. Our whole group of camping friends highly recommend this park!

A truly beautiful hike filled with caves to explore! There are a total of nine caves, ranging in…read moresize from massive walk-through caverns to smaller, single-person passages. Two of the largest caves let you walk straight from one entrance to another, while one of the smaller ones requires squeezing through two tight openings before you can barely stand inside--definitely an adventure! The trails are not wheelchair accessible. The full hike took us about three hours at a steady pace. I'd recommend bringing a flashlight for exploring, though it's not absolutely necessary. Between the unique caves and the gorgeous trails, this park is a gem. I'll definitely be returning to Maquoketa Caves in the future!

Fun and interesting state park with plenty of caves to see...but wear good shoes for climbing and…read morewalking along steep paths and clothing that will probably get dirty (layers are best as the caves can get cold). Many of the caves have streams running through which are very cool but can also cause slips and falls... I'd also be careful of some of the off-the-beaten-track paths as one led us to some pretty steep cliffs. And again don't underestimate the slipperiness of even the regular paths... The gift shop is just a few tables set up outside of a shelter-type open building (I had to get my usual magnets) in the parking lot, and the visitors center is a separate building off of the main road (Caves Road) and 98. The visitors center has a few interesting displays and we watched a film about the history of the park, Well worth a visit, and especially recommend seeing the Dance Hall Caves....

Quick to pick up a beverage or snack. Great pizza or burgers and fries, onion rings, cheese balls…read moreand lots of other choices. Friendly staff.

FW Kent Park continues to be a family favorite. Both because of how close it is to Iowa City (it's…read morejust three miles west of Tiffin on Highway 6) and it's beauty. We popped over this weekend for some fresh air and fall family photos. I am always just in awe of how busy the park is year round. Since my last review both of my kiddos have had the chance to take school field trips out to visit the Conservation Education Center, which is located at the park. It offers year-round educational programs and workshops. The staff is knowledgeable and the kids always have a blast. There's something for everyone at this gem. A bird blind for bird watchers. Access to the entire shoreline for anglers. Nine miles of trails for hikers and cross-country skiers. Seven historic bridges for photographers and families looking for fun family photos :) A large campground for campers-- available April through October. As well as a handful of picnic shelters (available via reservation). And, of course, Kent Park beach, my family's favorite (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) -- it is pristine, free and a great time. Overall, FW Kent Park is a wonderful place to get outside and clear your head. Drive over and explore today!

I was traveling back to California and was looking for a place to camp for the night so I yelped…read moreand up to a list of campgrounds in Eastern Iowa. One wasn't rated but that didn't scare me. I called and a nice person named Annette answered and said that yes they were open. I found the place with help from signs leading to the place. I was met and checked in with Annette. Found out that I would have a tent area to myself as it was during the week. I bought some firewood and Annette's husband John delivered it to my site, which was on the river. Very peaceful. They had the usual amenities I.E full hookups plus volleyball, horseshoe pits, showers, hiking and horse trails and a nice beach. John and Annette have a real nice place there. Go check it out.

Excellent campground! Fun tubing down the river! Lots of trees and that means shade, yet as much…read moresun as you want. There's a playground, beach, and lots to do. If you like hiking and relaxing with excellent tent sites and full RV hookups this is for you. We love this campground and look forward in coming back.

This is one of the greatest places in Cedar Falls. The staff are amazing and they have the best…read moreprices in town. Highly recommend for any one looking for either a trip or gear rental... primary is canoe/kayak and cross country skis/snowshoes with over 2 miles of trails within walking distance of their office.

From the owner: UNI Outdoors is a component of Wellness Recreation Services at UNI. We offer a variety of services…read morefor students and community members including an Adventure Trips Program, a Skill Clinic Program, an Equipment Rental Program, and one of Iowa's best climbing facilities. Little experience is needed to participate in our Adventure Trips Program, we provide excellent student leaders to run the trips and provide all of the outdoor equipment needed. We offer trips ranging from single day canoe trips to 9 day backpacking trips out west. UNI Outdoors also has skilled instructors that teach a variety of outdoor skills throughout each semester. The Outdoor Office also includes an Equipment Rental Center and offers canoes, kayaks, tents, and much much more. Stop by the Outdoor Office to pick up a brochure with a detailed list of everything we have to offer!