There’s no shortage of stunning state parks in Iowa – from the Loess Hills to the mighty Mississippi, every region of the state seems to be hiding a perfect park. One not-so-hidden park is perhaps the most incredible of them all, though. Just one hike through Pikes Peak State Park will show you exactly why this is one of the most photographed parks in the entire Midwest.
Pikes Peak State Park is located in McGregor, Iowa.
Tripadvisor / Heidi The Park Office is located at Pikes Peak State Park Physical Address: 32264 Pikes Peak Road, McGregor, IA 52157-8558.
This stunning state park features over 11 miles of trails that take you past a waterfall, enormous bluffs, and even dinosaur fossils.
Flickr / Carl Wyckoff
The best hike in the park though is the one that takes you to
Flickr / John W. Iwanski
No matter when you arrive, chances are you’ll find other Iowans here as well. It’s hard to pull yourself away from this view!
Flickr / Todd Ehlers
Look out across the Mississippi River, watch barges come in, and see if you can spot any wildlife.
Flickr / Todd Ehlers
Near the edge, you’ll find a plaque explaining the various geographic formations you can spot from the top of this nearly 500’ tall bluff.
Tripadvisor / Jan R.
Occasionally, fog will roll in and obscure the whole canyon! That makes the park seem mysterious and a little eerie.
Flickr / Todd Ehlers
The best time to be at the top of Pikes Peak, though, is right before sunrise.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
You’ll have to bring a headlamp and hike up the trails in the dark, but the payoff is absolutely worth it…
Flickr / Neal Wehlons
… because there is absolutely no better place in the midwest to catch an unbelievable, breathtaking sunrise.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
Of course, not every Iowan likes to get up close with mother nature! If you’d rather your wilderness be a little less, well, wild, then perhaps a road trip through Iowa’s most charming small towns.
Tripadvisor / Heidi
The Park Office is located at Pikes Peak State Park Physical Address: 32264 Pikes Peak Road, McGregor, IA 52157-8558.
Flickr / Carl Wyckoff
Flickr / John W. Iwanski
Flickr / Todd Ehlers
Tripadvisor / Jan R.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
Flickr / Neal Wehlons
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