Almost smack in the center of Iowa is a beautiful state park consisting of hiking trails, a creek, canyons and bluffs. Families and friends flock to it on the weekends in the summer to camp or have a picnic and do some hiking.
The location is ideal – just outside of Boone, IA – it’s a relatively short drive from anywhere in Central Iowa and makes it an ideal day trip. It’s got four miles of hiking trails throughout the park. It's got opportunities and trails for all ages and skill levels.They’ve also installed an accessible interpretive trail to Lost Lake.
Photo from Iowa DNR
Depending on how the weather has been, you can drive down into the canyon to the “lower ledges” and grab a picnic table and splash through the creek. Surrounded by the limestone cliffs, it's easy to forget your worries and just soak in the surroundings. We've spent a couple Sunday's here to relax before the upcoming week.
If you're interested in camping, peak season is May 1 - October 15, off-peak is the rest of October and Walk-in camping is November 1 - March 31. They have a total of 97 sites (including 2 shelters that you can reserve). During the peak season spots can be reserved for $11 - $25 a day. To learn more about camping at Ledges State Park or to make a reservation, you can click here.
We’re lucky to get to enjoy beautiful places like this (for free!) and we should be respectful by staying on the trails, respecting the signs and rules and picking up after ourselves. The only thing I ask when you go out and enjoy these beautiful places it to please remember the Leave No Trace principles.
So, bring your friends, your hiking shoes, your snacks and your garbage bag (to carry out any trash you may make) and get ready for an awesome day in one of our most popular state parks!
Live big.