Nice park shelters with quite a few picnic tables, a large playground, well-maintained horseshoe…read moregame setup, tons of parking, and a beach. But those bathrooms! I'm all for self-composting toilets but can we at least have some privacy doors installed? I walked into the women's side of the cement slab "building" (no roof or doors) to find two holes in the ground with a seat over each one - no stall doors, sinks, or antibacterial. I like that this beach is only a 20 minute bike ride from where I live (North side of Iowa City) though, and the beach itself is nice and big, with a decent sized swim zone roped off.

The only complaint I really do have about the park would be the swimming beach and boat ramp/launch…read more area . Besides being quite small it is nasty dirty , it is not kept Clean There is a group of Geese and Ducks that have loaded the shore line with Dung this disgusting and unhealthy It seems that they could hire somebody to maintain the beach area and keep that clean. It is that way at Coralville dam and sugar bottom

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.

Beach Playground…read more Boating Bird watching Winter drives and watch wildlife They have swings for adults Take a folding chair and blanket and chill ... Heard fishing good

Clean, clean , clean and lots of nature's offerings!!! My sis brought me here with the chillins'…read moreand 'twas a good time to be had by all. A boy plucked a fish about 10" long out of the water w his bare hands and a beaver made a cameo appearance trying to find his way to (I'm guessing) his 3 o'clock appt in the woods? This ain't Coney Island!!! ps- LEAVE YOUR ANNOYING CELL PHONES AT HOME.

Hey, Guys! The Iowa Raptor Project is back…read more After a pandemic-caused hiatus, this Iowa City gem is open to the public. Let me throw some buzz words at you. It is... OUTDOORS. Socially distanced. Free. Kid-friendly. Educational. Easy parking. Good for groups. I have been enjoying the IRP since I was a kiddo. It is absolutely amazing that some of their residents are older than I am! From owls to eagles to turkey vultures and more. You'll see some amazing raptors-- most of which were injured and could no longer live in the wild due to that. (My kids LOVE hearing how old each bird is, what their name is and their story.) Stop by then go on a hike or swing by the beach at McBride State Park! PRO TIPS: Sunscreen and bug repellent, please. Water Bottles are encouraged. No dog! Shhhhhhh. Stop in the bird blind. Bring a picnic. Make a donation.

The Raptor Project isn't flashy or huge, but it's one of my go-to spots when I need to get away for…read morea little while. There's something calming about spending time looking at the birds and then taking a little hike out around the MacBride Nature Area. I've found a couple nice spots to hammock as well. It's not often that you get to see birds of prey close enough to really take in their colors and patterns. Don't just stick to the most well-known like the bald eagle, the owls, and the peregrine falcon. While turkey vultures may not be the prettiest birds, they're still cool to see up close. And spend time with the kestrels - my motto is "kestrels are the best-rels". They also have Family Days regularly featuring a different type of bird with activities for the kids as well as having some of the birds out of the cages for educational purposes.

Great staff at the marina to make the day wonderful and easy. Can't say enough great things about…read morethe marina and the staff at lake McBride. Thank you all!! Nice day on the water.

Overall great facility with the beach next door and good options for rentals. The staff were…read morefriendly. A few random items to note 1) hard to zoom in on their Facebook page the options and prices as you try to zoom in and it tried to call the number. I'd highly recommend adding an image with yearly options and prices separately from the call feature if only using FB for informational site. Same on google maps. 2) We did go on a week day morning when the weather was gloomy and they technically advertised opening at 9am and when we arrived at 9:30am it wasn't open. We called and left a message. Due to the weather they were opening late and someone was in sometime after 10am. So make sure you call ahead to make sure someone is in and leave a message if going outside peak times. We ended up going for a walk along the lake while we waited to see if they were going to be open. Prices seemed high but I'm not sure the going rate for these sorts of items though and everything is priced 'high' these days :) It was a great day to get out on the water. A great activity to get outside!

This isn't a review for the campground as much as it is the annual Holiday Lights at the Lake event…read morethat's going on through the end of December. THANK YOU to the campground because this event is AMAZING. We've been twice and I'd definitely go back again. Proceeds benefit Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County. Recommend. Link to event: https://www.facebook.com/HolidayLightsatTheLake

Iowans know that parks with lakes are scarcities in this state, which is why I'm fond of any and…read moreall parks that include: a. a lake b. walking trails and c. overall convenient access. Prairie Rose is just seven miles north off I-80 at the Antique City Dr./Walnut exit; a convenient stop if you're looking to shed the stress of interstate travel for an hour or two. Entrance into the park is free. Don't be deceived by the park's office; it is in an old house very close to the entrance of the park. There, the park attendant explained the walking trails in the area and offered a map. I would most certainly consider visiting for a weekend, as Prairie Rose offers just enough to do/explore in order to fill two days (especially for those with kids). Camping spots are plentiful, and there are a few cabins on the premises. There are a handful of trails for walking (come with walking shoes), a beach on the NW side of the lake, a playground or two, and picnic benches throughout for those homemade meals. If you're looking for a quick getaway, I'd say it's worth the 50-mile drive from Omaha or Council Bluffs.

Hidden treasure! Quiet, green, tree-lined campsites. Lovely little lake with swimming beach…read more Well-maintained sites...some with full hook ups! Will definitely be coming back. Town of Harlan is cute and even has good Mexican food!