While you’re there: Check out the facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, including an arch stone bridge, stone trail steps and shelters. I think it’s one of the hidden gems of central Iowa.” And our son Liam’s just at the age that he’s starting to play in the creek that winds through the park. “When you drive in you get these kind of unexpected views down below. It’s just a beautiful place to be, especially in the fall. Quotable: Katherine and Josh Mandelbaum of Des Moines were engaged at Ledges and they’ve gone to the park hiking with their two small children and their dog. “It’s a great hiking spot with the views of the river valley,” Josh Mandelbaum said. The skinny: Ledges is one of Iowa’s most popular state parks, featuring sandstone cliffs and hiking trails with stunning canyon views. While you’re there: Grab a trail map at the nature center and choose your hiking path to observe birds, butterflies, and prairie up-close. Particularly I have had very good luck seeing bluebirds there. You've got to see the prairie at the height of the summer season when at times I have seen it just swarmed by hummingbirds and monarch butterflies. It's a very special place at that time. In the fall the various yellow-blooming sunflowers on the prairie create a really lovely contrast with the hills up the way from the river.” “The stretch of river is great for spotting hawks and eagles but also a wide range of species. “The reason I love that stretch of the Raccoon River is that there's also conservation land north of the river, so you are in a piece of a valley that is entirely publicly protected. That creates a uniquely tranquil and uninterrupted natural experience for Iowans. Quotable: “I recommend Kuehn for birding and hiking,” said Matt Hauge of West Des Moines. The skinny: Kuehn Conservation Area sits on about 800 acres in Dallas County along the Raccoon River, featuring short trails, native and restored prairie, forests, a nature center, geological formations and archaeological sites containing artifacts from Native American traditions. Also, just three miles from the park is Strawberry Point, home of a 15-foot tall strawberry statue – perfect for your family selfie backdrop. Enjoy climbing, mountain biking, bike trails, rock climbing, trout fishing, camping, air-conditioned cabins, swimming, and canoeing. ![]() While you’re there: Check out examples of the unique masonry of the Civilian Conservation Corps represented by dams on the Maquoketa River, cabins, the beach building and boat house, an auditorium, bridges, roads, picnic shelters, restrooms, trails and the CCC museum (open weekends during the summer). “The hiking is wonderful and it’s just beautiful there. Quotable: “Backbone is a lot more varied in topography than central Iowa,” said Bret McFarlin of Des Moines. ![]() Its varied landscape includes the Maquoketa River, Backbone Lake, hilly trails overlooking the water, and a variety of stone outcroppings. The skinny: Dedicated in 1920, Backbone State Park near Dundee was our first state park.
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