Iowa isn’t exactly famous for its dramatic terrain. We do have our own little Grand Canyon of sorts, and it offers visitors a dose of emerald beauty. It doesn’t compare to the real thing, of course, but Pikes Peak State Park in Iowa has a charm all its own. Here in the flatter part of the Midwest, you might not expect to find the most stunning views in the state… but visitors are consistently blown away. Check it out:
Pikes Peak State Park has the tallest bluff on the Mississippi River. It’s one of Iowa’s most prized scenic attractions.
Google Maps The mesmerizing views of barges moving down the Mississippi River, eagles flying overhead, and even the occasional foggy sunrise keep visitors coming back for more of this amazing natural wonder.
Pikes Peak is a 500-foot bluff that sits at 1,130 foot elevation.
Scott Smithson/Flickr It offers stunning views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers.
The park covers almost 1,000 acres and is rich in history.
minnemom/Flickr This beautiful area of Iowa offers some important insight into the geological history of the region. Erosion along the rivers here expose more rock as time goes on. The geologic history of Pikes Peak State Park began more than 500 million years ago.
The earliest recorded historic residents of the area were Native Americans, as shown by the hundreds of mounds in valleys and on ridge tops.
John W. Iwanski/Flickr Many of these mounds are shaped like animals. Miners, hunters, and trappers also inhabited the area as early as the 1600’s.
Shortly after the area became part of the United States with the Louisiana territory purchase in 1803, it was explored by Zebulon Pike, who identified it (along with Pikes Peak in Colorado) as an ideal location for a military fort.
Todd Ehlers/Flickr Shortly after, the area was developed with roads and small towns. The area has a colorful history, and even visitors who spend time in this state park frequently find that they learn something new or discover a different area of the park each time they stop by.
The lookout point offers easily accessible and stunning views of the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers.
Todd Ehlers/Flickr This is a great place for a picnic. It’s a beautiful vantage point during every season.
Depending on the weather conditions, fog may be present.
Todd Ehlers/Flickr Although it obstructs the view, it also adds a unique element of mystery to the park.
Many visitors find that the most beautiful time of year at Pikes Peak State Park is autumn.
PROU.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr On a clear day you can see across the river into Wisconsin’s Wyalusing State Park.
Most of the park’s most interesting features are within easy walking distance of the campground.
EarlRSchumaker/Flickr There are 77 shady and level campsites at Pikes Peak located on top of a bluff.
The trail system is 11.6 miles long and there are three trail head areas.
Carl Wycoff/Flickr One is located near Point Ann at the McGregor parking lot. There’s another at the Homestead parking area just off of Great River Road. At the high point of the park on the south side, there are also multiple trail heads in a cluster.
There are ten trails, some are easier than others.
EarlRShumaker/Flickr One of the most popular is Chinquapin Ridge Trail. This 2.5-mile trail starts at the McGregor parking area and goes along the ridge. The Mississippi River is to the east, and in many places it’s visible through the trees.
Weeping Rock Trail is just under 2 miles and it connects the south and north trail systems. This trail is great for catching a glimpse of wildlife.
Carl Wycoff/Flickr Water seeps out of the rocks along the ravines on this trail, and you’ll walk under a dense tree canopy.
The hiking trails on the north side of the park are rugged and there are usually fewer people on them at any given time.
Carl Wycoff/Flickr There is a 400-foot elevation change on the trails between Homestead parking lot and McGregor parking lot, so be prepared to hike up and down some hills.
This pretty place spans nearly one thousand acres and is well worth a visit. Want to plan your own trip? Check out the Iowa Department of Natural Resource’s website. If you’re visiting during our fair weather months, don’t hesitate to plan a camping trip!
Google Maps
The mesmerizing views of barges moving down the Mississippi River, eagles flying overhead, and even the occasional foggy sunrise keep visitors coming back for more of this amazing natural wonder.
Scott Smithson/Flickr
It offers stunning views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers.
minnemom/Flickr
This beautiful area of Iowa offers some important insight into the geological history of the region. Erosion along the rivers here expose more rock as time goes on. The geologic history of Pikes Peak State Park began more than 500 million years ago.
John W. Iwanski/Flickr
Many of these mounds are shaped like animals. Miners, hunters, and trappers also inhabited the area as early as the 1600’s.
Todd Ehlers/Flickr
Shortly after, the area was developed with roads and small towns. The area has a colorful history, and even visitors who spend time in this state park frequently find that they learn something new or discover a different area of the park each time they stop by.
This is a great place for a picnic. It’s a beautiful vantage point during every season.
Although it obstructs the view, it also adds a unique element of mystery to the park.
PROU.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
On a clear day you can see across the river into Wisconsin’s Wyalusing State Park.
EarlRSchumaker/Flickr
There are 77 shady and level campsites at Pikes Peak located on top of a bluff.
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
One is located near Point Ann at the McGregor parking lot. There’s another at the Homestead parking area just off of Great River Road. At the high point of the park on the south side, there are also multiple trail heads in a cluster.
EarlRShumaker/Flickr
One of the most popular is Chinquapin Ridge Trail. This 2.5-mile trail starts at the McGregor parking area and goes along the ridge. The Mississippi River is to the east, and in many places it’s visible through the trees.
Water seeps out of the rocks along the ravines on this trail, and you’ll walk under a dense tree canopy.
There is a 400-foot elevation change on the trails between Homestead parking lot and McGregor parking lot, so be prepared to hike up and down some hills.
Have you ever visited the magnificent Pikes Peak State Park in Iowa? What’s your favorite state park in Iowa that you consider to have the most dramatic scenery? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Craving more natural beauty? Start your adventure through our state by exploring our own natural wonders.
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Address: Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Pikes Peak State Park In Iowa March 08, 2020 Nikki Rhoades Where else can I find the best views in Iowa? The Hawkeye State is not, typically, a coveted tourist destination… especially for those with a passion for ecotourism. However, locals can attest to the majesty of our state’s landscape. A huge chunk of the state consists of rolling hills, and in this portion of our region you will find some of the best views in Iowa. However, with 58,273 square miles of landscape, it should come as no surprise that there’s a bit of diversity here. Wetlands and lakes offer their own magnificence to the local landscape, and man made features, such as Lake Red Rock, frequently add additional beauty to the horizon. What are the most scenic hiking trails in Iowa? Arguably, the very best hiking trails in Iowa is a matter of preference. With much to see and do here in The Hawkeye State, you’ll find that hikes vary in both length and number of natural features. No matter what you decide to do, you’ll find that hikes are magnificent in summer, winter, and every season in between. There’s much to discover amidst our state’s acreage, even in the most unsuspecting places. If you see a park sign on the side of the road and have some time to spare, don’t hesitate to pull over! During your travels in Iowa, it’s always a good idea to keep hiking boots handy. Are there any other natural wonders in Iowa? There is a superabundance of beauty here. Natural wonders in Iowa range from grasslands to forests, all of which vary in terms of their size. There’s hiking galore at many of these places, and some even have campsites that are irresistible. You’ll find all sorts of natural wonders in our state parks, but you’ll also find magnificence in modest local parks. Not sure where to start your nature journey? Wherever you’re at in the state, don’t hesitate to ask locals for suggestions. We’re a helpful bunch!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Pikes Peak State Park In Iowa
March 08, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
Where else can I find the best views in Iowa? The Hawkeye State is not, typically, a coveted tourist destination… especially for those with a passion for ecotourism. However, locals can attest to the majesty of our state’s landscape. A huge chunk of the state consists of rolling hills, and in this portion of our region you will find some of the best views in Iowa. However, with 58,273 square miles of landscape, it should come as no surprise that there’s a bit of diversity here. Wetlands and lakes offer their own magnificence to the local landscape, and man made features, such as Lake Red Rock, frequently add additional beauty to the horizon. What are the most scenic hiking trails in Iowa? Arguably, the very best hiking trails in Iowa is a matter of preference. With much to see and do here in The Hawkeye State, you’ll find that hikes vary in both length and number of natural features. No matter what you decide to do, you’ll find that hikes are magnificent in summer, winter, and every season in between. There’s much to discover amidst our state’s acreage, even in the most unsuspecting places. If you see a park sign on the side of the road and have some time to spare, don’t hesitate to pull over! During your travels in Iowa, it’s always a good idea to keep hiking boots handy. Are there any other natural wonders in Iowa? There is a superabundance of beauty here. Natural wonders in Iowa range from grasslands to forests, all of which vary in terms of their size. There’s hiking galore at many of these places, and some even have campsites that are irresistible. You’ll find all sorts of natural wonders in our state parks, but you’ll also find magnificence in modest local parks. Not sure where to start your nature journey? Wherever you’re at in the state, don’t hesitate to ask locals for suggestions. We’re a helpful bunch!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Hawkeye State is not, typically, a coveted tourist destination… especially for those with a passion for ecotourism. However, locals can attest to the majesty of our state’s landscape. A huge chunk of the state consists of rolling hills, and in this portion of our region you will find some of the best views in Iowa. However, with 58,273 square miles of landscape, it should come as no surprise that there’s a bit of diversity here. Wetlands and lakes offer their own magnificence to the local landscape, and man made features, such as Lake Red Rock, frequently add additional beauty to the horizon.
What are the most scenic hiking trails in Iowa?
Arguably, the very best hiking trails in Iowa is a matter of preference. With much to see and do here in The Hawkeye State, you’ll find that hikes vary in both length and number of natural features. No matter what you decide to do, you’ll find that hikes are magnificent in summer, winter, and every season in between. There’s much to discover amidst our state’s acreage, even in the most unsuspecting places. If you see a park sign on the side of the road and have some time to spare, don’t hesitate to pull over! During your travels in Iowa, it’s always a good idea to keep hiking boots handy.
Are there any other natural wonders in Iowa?
There is a superabundance of beauty here. Natural wonders in Iowa range from grasslands to forests, all of which vary in terms of their size. There’s hiking galore at many of these places, and some even have campsites that are irresistible. You’ll find all sorts of natural wonders in our state parks, but you’ll also find magnificence in modest local parks. Not sure where to start your nature journey? Wherever you’re at in the state, don’t hesitate to ask locals for suggestions. We’re a helpful bunch!
