TOP 30 Best State parks in Iowa

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park, located at 1330 Grand Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, is a museum and tourist attraction featuring artwork by over two dozen of the world's most celebrated artists. The 4.4 acre park, donated by John and Mary Pappajohn, serves as a pedestrian-friendly entryway to downtown Des Moines and is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center. Since its opening in 2009, the park has become a gathering space for the community and a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. Visitors can enjoy the sculptures, take an audio tour, participate in interactive activities with the Sculpture Park Exploration Guide, and even have a picnic in the park. Please be mindful of the rules regarding photography, touching the sculptures, and disposing of waste properly. Plan your visit today and explore this unique outdoor art collection in the heart of Des Moines.

Open Space Park & Athletic Fields is a sprawling 80-acre public recreational facility located at 880 7th Street Northeast in Sioux Center, Iowa. Situated next to Dordt College and the Sioux Center High School and Middle School, this park offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. The park features an athletic track that is open to the public for walking and jogging. There are also two lighted tennis courts located south of the football complex for tennis enthusiasts to practice their skills. Please note that roller blades are not allowed on the tennis courts.

Riverside Park is a picturesque and popular tourist attraction located at 1301 Riverside Boulevard in Sioux City, Iowa. This beautiful park offers stunning views of the Missouri River and features a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including walking and biking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and scenic overlooks. Whether you're looking to relax in nature, take a leisurely stroll, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings, Riverside Park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its lush greenery, tranquil atmosphere, and abundant wildlife, this park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Northeast Park is a beautiful outdoor space located on Capistrano Avenue in Carroll, Iowa. This park offers a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy nature and engage in recreational activities. With its lush greenery, walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas, Northeast Park is the perfect place for families and individuals to unwind and connect with the outdoors. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with loved ones, or simply relax in the fresh air, Northeast Park provides a welcoming and scenic setting for all. Visit Northeast Park today and experience the tranquility and beauty of this beloved community space.

Smash Park Des Moines is a lively entertainment venue located in West Des Moines, Iowa. This unique establishment offers a combination of a bar, restaurant, and recreational activities for guests to enjoy. With a variety of food and drink options available, patrons can indulge in delicious meals while sipping on craft cocktails or local brews. The venue also features a range of games such as pickleball, ping pong, and arcade games, providing hours of fun for visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking to socialize with friends, grab a bite to eat, or engage in some friendly competition, Smash Park Des Moines is the perfect destination for a memorable night out.

American Legion Park is a charming and peaceful park located at 301 Vine Street in West Des Moines, Iowa. This beautiful park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With lush greenery, walking paths, and picnic areas, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The park also features a memorial dedicated to the American Legion, honoring the brave men and women who have served in the United States military. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to read a book or a place to enjoy a leisurely stroll, American Legion Park is a must-visit destination in West Des Moines.

Pearson Park is a charming and picturesque park located at 1256 19th Street in West Des Moines, Iowa, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the scenic trails, have a relaxing picnic by the pond, or simply unwind and soak in the beauty of nature. Pearson Park is the perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to reconnect with the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to read a book or a fun place to explore with loved ones, Pearson Park has something for everyone. Come and experience the tranquility and beauty of this hidden gem in West Des Moines.

Fort Des Moines Park is a picturesque park located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Situated at 7200 Southeast 5th Street, this park is not only a popular tourist attraction but also holds historical significance as the site of the former Fort Des Moines military installation. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds, take a leisurely stroll along the walking paths, have a picnic, or simply relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. With its rich history and natural beauty, Fort Des Moines Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Raccoon River Park is a beautiful and expansive park located at 2500 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines, Iowa, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. From hiking and biking trails to fishing and boating opportunities on the scenic Raccoon River, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this picturesque park. With lush green spaces, playgrounds, picnic areas, and even a beach for swimming, Raccoon River Park is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day outdoors with family and friends.

Riverview Park is a beautiful recreational area located at 710 Corning Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa. This park offers a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as picnicking, walking, jogging, and birdwatching. With its lush greenery, scenic views of the river, and well-maintained walking trails, Riverview Park is the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to enjoy some outdoor fun with family and friends, Riverview Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Bever Park is a charming and picturesque park located at 2700 Bever Avenue Southeast in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This popular tourist attraction offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with beautifully landscaped gardens, walking trails, and a variety of recreational facilities. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, playing on the playground, or simply relaxing in the serene surroundings. Bever Park is a perfect destination for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Willow Creek Park is a serene and picturesque park located at 1117 Teg Drive in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. This beautiful park is the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. With lush greenery, winding walking paths, and a tranquil creek running through the grounds, Willow Creek Park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax and take in the scenic surroundings. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to read a book or a place to enjoy a family outing, Willow Creek Park has something for everyone. Come and experience the natural beauty and tranquility of this charming park in Iowa City.

City Park is a beautiful green space located at 200 Park Road in Iowa City, Iowa. This expansive park offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy, including playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. With its lush trees, vibrant flowers, and serene ponds, City Park provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking to relax with a book, play a game of frisbee, or simply take a leisurely stroll, City Park is the perfect destination for outdoor fun and relaxation in Iowa City.

City Park Pool is a popular swimming facility located at 200 Park Road in Iowa City, Iowa. This family-friendly pool offers a variety of amenities including lap swimming, water slides, diving boards, and a children's play area. The pool is surrounded by lush greenery and has plenty of seating and shade for visitors to relax and enjoy the sunny Iowa weather. Whether you're looking to swim laps for exercise or spend a fun day in the water with your family, City Park Pool is the perfect destination for a refreshing aquatic experience.

Sheldon City Park is a beautiful green space located at 501-509 6th Avenue in Sheldon, Iowa. This park offers a peaceful retreat for visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors. With well-maintained walking paths, playgrounds for children, and plenty of open green space, Sheldon City Park is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a fun day out with family and friends. Whether you're looking to have a picnic, play a game of frisbee, or simply soak up the sunshine, this park has something for everyone. Come and explore all that Sheldon City Park has to offer in the heart of this charming Iowa town.

The Hub Trampoline Park & Ninja Warrior Course is a family entertainment center located at 7 South 4th Street in Council Bluffs, Iowa. We offer a variety of attractions for kids of all ages, including dunk hoops, jousting beam, launch lanes, dodgeball, and more. Our trampoline park even has a separate area for toddlers to play safely. Additionally, we have two Ninja Warrior Courses with eight challenging obstacles each. But that's not all - we also offer the ONLY Axe Throwing in Council Bluffs! With 5 lanes and state-of-the-art target projection technology, you can enjoy a variety of target games with up to 6 throwers on each lane.

Ashby Park is a charming and picturesque park located at 3200 38th Street in Des Moines, Iowa. This popular tourist attraction offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with beautifully landscaped grounds and a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty, Ashby Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Don't miss out on this hidden gem in the heart of Des Moines!

The Loess Hills State Forest Visitor Center is located at 206 Polk Street in Pisgah, Iowa, United States. This institution serves as a travel agency, offering information and resources for visitors to explore the natural beauty of Iowa's Loess Hills State Forest. The forest spans over 11,484 acres across four units, showcasing the unique geological ridge formed by wind-blown soil. Visitors can experience the rugged terrain and scenic natural areas through various outdoor recreational opportunities in the forest. The Visitor Center provides information on state park cabins, camping sites, shelters, and lodges, allowing visitors to make online reservations for their stay. By purchasing a natural resource plate for their vehicle, visitors can support conservation efforts in Iowa. The center also features displays and exhibits about the history and geology of the Loess Hills, providing educational opportunities for travelers.

Linnan Park is a peaceful and picturesque park located at 8500 Alice Avenue in Clive, Iowa. This beautiful green space offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages, including playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields. The park is a popular spot for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of the area. With its well-maintained grounds and scenic surroundings, Linnan Park is the perfect destination for a relaxing day out in nature.

Noelridge Park is a picturesque and sprawling green space located at 4900 Council Street Northeast in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This popular tourist attraction offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. From lush gardens and scenic walking trails to playgrounds and picnic areas, Noelridge Park provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're looking to relax in nature, have a family outing, or simply take a leisurely stroll, Noelridge Park is the perfect destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Koser Spring Lake Park is a picturesque tourist attraction located at 808 Spring Lake Drive in Cherokee, Iowa, United States. This beautiful park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with stunning views of Spring Lake and a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking to go fishing, hiking, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings, Koser Spring Lake Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come explore this hidden gem and experience the serenity of the great outdoors.

Preparation Canyon State Park is a picturesque natural oasis located on 340th Street in Moorhead, Iowa, United States. This stunning park offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with its lush forests, scenic hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're looking to relax in nature, go for a leisurely stroll, or embark on a challenging hike, Preparation Canyon State Park has something for everyone. Come and explore this hidden gem and experience the beauty of Iowa's great outdoors.

Little Sioux Park is a charming and picturesque park located in Correctionville, Iowa. Situated at 1746 O'Brien Avenue, this park is a popular tourist attraction for visitors of all ages. With its lush greenery, scenic trails, and tranquil atmosphere, Little Sioux Park offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to go hiking, have a picnic, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings, this park has something for everyone. Come and experience the natural beauty and serenity of Little Sioux Park in Correctionville, Iowa.

Black Hawk State Park is a beautiful and tranquil park located at 228 South Blossom Street in Lake View, Iowa. This park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. From hiking and biking trails to picnicking areas and fishing spots, Black Hawk State Park has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or a fun day out with family and friends, this park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Fairmount Park Splash Pad is a popular tourist attraction located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States. This vibrant park offers a refreshing splash pad where visitors of all ages can cool off and have fun during the hot summer months. With its colorful water features and interactive play areas, Fairmount Park Splash Pad provides a fun and engaging experience for families and friends looking to enjoy a day out in the sun. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or engage in some water play, this park is the perfect destination for a memorable outing.

Prairie Rose State Park is a picturesque tourist attraction located in Harlan, Iowa. This beautiful park offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature with its rolling prairies, lush forests, and serene lake. The park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. With its scenic views and abundant wildlife, Prairie Rose State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Iowa.

Lake Anita State Park is a beautiful outdoor recreation destination located in Anita, Iowa. Constructed in the 1960s, this 1,062-acre park features a stunning 171-acre artificial lake that offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities. Visitors can enjoy over five miles of trails that wind through restored prairie and diverse habitats, perfect for walking or biking. The park also offers fishing jetties, boat ramps, and dock space for pontoon boats. Campers can choose from a variety of campsites near the lake, including electric, non-electric, and full hook-up sites. There are three modern showers and restrooms available, with one-fourth of the campsites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations can be made online for campsites and open shelters at Lake Anita State Park.

Chautauqua Park is a picturesque and historic park located in Red Oak, Iowa, United States. This beloved institution offers a serene and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with its lush greenery, scenic walking paths, and charming picnic areas. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature, relax by the tranquil lake, or explore the park's many amenities, including playgrounds, sports facilities, and event spaces. Chautauqua Park is the perfect destination for a family outing, a leisurely stroll, or a peaceful afternoon of relaxation in the great outdoors.

Lake of Three Fires State Park is a stunning natural oasis located in Bedford, Iowa. This picturesque park spans over 691 acres and is a popular tourist attraction for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park features a beautiful lake, perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. With its tranquil surroundings and abundance of wildlife, Lake of Three Fires State Park is the perfect destination for a relaxing day out in nature.

Pammel State Park is a stunning natural oasis located in Winterset, Iowa. This picturesque park, nestled at 1818 Pammel Park Road, offers visitors a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery and scenic beauty. As a popular tourist attraction, Pammel State Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its winding trails, serene ponds, and diverse wildlife, visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and more. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in nature or an exciting adventure, Pammel State Park has something for everyone to enjoy.