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!

One of the few places I visited when exploring the Cedar Rapids area. It was open Christmas day!…read moreWell maintained park that looks really brand new. Beautiful structures, playground and restrooms with hand sanitizer. Great trail that connects too for endless adventures. Solid experience!

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!

There is coons but they don't attack and are mostly friendly bathrooms may have roaches but i…read morecouldn't tell it was dark because I diddent want to find the unknown light switch but if you don't think of that it's a great experience

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!

Definitely a favorite! Now that the lake has been re-opened, the park is better than ever. What I…read moreenjoy most about Kent Park is the diversity of options for activities. The park boasts a swimming beach, a nice trail around the entirety of the lake with benches if you want to stop and enjoy the views. There are many picnic shelters around the park, and a gazebo in the middle of a prairie area. I recommend taking a hike through the prairie trails. I'm also partial to taking a hike through the forest as well, or around the lake...heck, try them all at whatever length or difficulty you choose! There is a large playground area as well as a campground, so something for everyone. It's common to see many people out around the lake fishing and kayakers exploring the water.

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.