A recurring theme in all of my travels is “outdoor adventure.” I always plan something fun to do outdoors, especially when traveling with my family. It doesn’t matter if the adventure is a hike or an animal encounter, as long as it’s outdoors, it’s going to be added to the itinerary.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Evolution of the Heartland. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
This fall, I took a tour with Evolution of the Heartland. I shared about it over at Oh My! Omaha, but the gist of an Evolution of the Heartland tour is that it’s “designed to showcase what’s happening in rural Iowa today and highlight how agriculture has been a catalyst for entrepreneurs who believe in growing their dreams and contributing to the greater common good.” The tour inspired me to share some of the outdoor adventures I’ve had in rural Iowa, as well as a few my travel writing friends have had in the state.
The first on my list of recommended outdoor adventures are the many nature centers found around the state. They’re free (or included with the minimal daily entry fee for the park), and typically have a variety of hands-on activities for kids. The nature centers will also have a ton of information about the animals that call the area home, as well as at the flora and fauna you’ll encounter on a hike.
Three of the most memorable nature centers I’ve visited in Iowa are Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City, and Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji. All three are modern and incredibly well designed.
Hitchcock Nature Center is notable for having an observation tour overlooking the Loess Hills. It’s great for spotting migrating raptors. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center has a fantastic outdoor nature scape play area. And Dickinson County Nature Center has a fun honeycomb climbing area indoors (not to mention a fun outdoor play area).
If you’re wondering which of the three nature centers are located near hiking trails, I recommend Hitchcock Nature Center and Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Hitchcock even has the option of renting snow shoes for winter hikes.
Not outdoor adventure story is complete without some water activities. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in southeastern Iowa is home to the 575-acre Lake Sugema, where you can kayak, swim, and fish. Melissa from Thirty Something Super Mom visited the park and called it “the perfect destination for nature-loving families who want to enjoy an outdoor adventure.”
Wesley Creek is a notable area within Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. There’s a little waterfall to splash around, as well a historic quarry site. Outdoor Adventures Made Easy recommends hiking downstream to where the creek narrows into a beautiful canyon of with sandstone and limestone called Wesley Creek Canyon.Explore Iowa’s best outdoor adventures—nature centers, hiking, and water fun for families. Discover memorable spots for your next rural getaway!
My family loved Honey Creek Resort State Park near Moravia for water activities. Located on Rathbun Lake, our resort reservation included use of kayaks. There’s also a beach within walking distance of the resort.
Address:
- Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, Iowa
- Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, 4500 Sioux River Road, Sioux City, Iowa
- Dickinson County Nature Center, 22531 Nature Center Road, Okoboji, Iowa
- Lacey-Keosauqua State Park and Wesley Creek, 22895 Lacey Trail, Keosauqua, Iowa
- Honey Creek Resort State Park, 12194 Honey Creek Place, Moravia, Iowa
In all of my travels, one thing remains constant: The joy of exploring the outdoors with my family. Whether we’re hiking through Iowa’s scenic nature centers or paddling across lakes, the memories we create in these natural settings are unforgettable. I hope these recommendations encourage you to embrace the beauty and adventure that rural Iowa has to offer. Happy exploring!