Best State Park in Iowa: Backbone State Park
As Iowa’s oldest state park, Backbone State Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Named after its narrow and steep ridge of bedrock carved by a loop of the Maquoketa River, this park is a geological wonder.
Key Features:
- 21-acre Backbone Lake
- Unique dolomite limestone spine (the “backbone”)
- Over 21 miles of hiking trails
- Rich diversity of flora and fauna
Activities:
- Rock climbing and rappelling
- Trout fishing in Backbone Lake
- Camping and picnicking
- Boating and swimming (seasonal)
Backbone State Park’s dramatic landscape, challenging trails, and diverse recreational opportunities make it stand out among Iowa’s state parks.
