Pikes Peak State Park, nestled in Iowa, rests along a national scenic byway, boasting an extensive network of eleven miles of trails, catering to the avid hiker’s delight. These trails take hikers to picturesque bluffs, and serene valleys offering breathtaking panoramas of the mighty Mississippi River. From atop the 500-foot bluff at Pikes Peak […]
Pikes Peak State Park In Iowa was established in 1936 and is managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. This nearly 1,000-acre state park features a 500-foot bluff overlooking the Upper Mississippi River, a campground, and multiple hiking trails. There are around sixty sites in the campground and reservations can be made here. Be […]
Marquette is a city in Clayton County, Iowa with around 430 residents. Marquette was originally incorporated as North McGregor in 1874, and it served as a railroad terminus. Nestled in the bluffs of the Mississippi River it is known as the “Driftless Area”. It is named after Father Marquette, who along with Louis Joliet, […]
Effigy Mounds National Monument is located in northeast Iowa along the banks of the Mississippi River and holds the distinction of being the state’s only national monument. The monument preserves over 200 prehistoric mounds, including numerous effigy mounds shaped like animals. One of the favored trails within the monument is the Fire Point Trail. […]
The Yellow River Bridge Trail stands out as a favored hiking path within Iowa’s only national monument, Effigy Mounds National Monument. Venturing through this wetland setting becomes an immersive experience as hikers traverse a boardwalk made from recycled plastic, guiding them through a marsh and over the Yellow River. The trailhead, conveniently situated behind […]
Nestled along the banks of the upper Mississippi River, the Casino Queen Marquette in Iowa extends a warm welcome to all visitors with its iconic Pink Elephant. This whimsical creature, known as Pinky, is a delightful presence within the casino pavilion, positioned between the main building and the riverboat casino. Over the years, […]
The Marquette Depot Museum, situated in Marquette, Iowa, pays tribute to the town’s rich railroad history by showcasing a wide array of historic railroad artifacts. Additionally, it serves as a local information hub and features a quaint gift shop. You’ll find an abundance of brochures available for the surrounding area, and the knowledgeable staff […]
While on our way to South Dakota we needed a spot for a couple nights to break up the long days of driving from Ohio and found a little gem in Iowa. Hickory Hills Park is a primitive campground found in Warren County. It is located 13 miles south of Indianola on US Highway 69. […]
While on our way to South Dakota we spent a couple days at this awesome little park in Iowa. Exploring the campgrounds we stay at is one of my favorite things to do. They had a pond and Indian mounds surrounded by fields teeming with wildflowers. I’ve always enjoyed walking through meadows and admiring all […]