Hitchcock Nature Center - Pottawattamie Conservation - Iowa

Home - Mines of Spain

Mines of Spain Recreation area includes Julien Dubuque Monument and EB Lyons Interpretive Center in Dubuque Iowa with hiking and nature education

Eden Valley Park and Preserve - Conservation - Clinton County, Iowa

Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park, nestled along the Illinois River in La Salle County, stands out as one of the most stunning spots in Illinois. Established as the state's second state park in 1911, it boasts 18 canyons with striking vertical walls of moss-laden St. Peter Sandstone, shaped by glacial meltwater over 14,000 years ago. With over 13 miles of trails, visitors can explore rain-fed waterfalls, sandstone overhangs, and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is rich in diverse plant life, including white and red oaks, maples, hickories, white pines, eastern red cedars, and northern white cedars, all of which provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife. There are numerous recreational activities available, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and hunting. Throughout the year, the park hosts special events, guided tours, and various programs. The Starved Rock Visitor Center welcomes guests year-round, while the historic Starved Rock Lodge, built in the 1930s, offers upscale accommodations, cabin rooms, and exquisite dining options. For reservations at the lodge, you can call 1-800-868-ROCK (800-868-7625) or 815-667-4211, or visit the lodge website.

Matthiessen State Park

Matthiessen State Park was named for Frederick William Matthiessen, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist from LaSalle. He originally purchased the land near the end of the 19th century and operated it as a privately owned park for many years. Mr. Matthiessen employed about 50 people to construct trails, bridges, stairways and dams. The area was originally referred to as “Deer Park,” in reference to the large deer population. The original 176-acre park consisted primarily of a long, narrow canyon with a small stream flowing through it. At that time, these formations were called “dells,” a name that has stayed with the park. After Mr. Matthiessen’s death, the park was donated to the State of Illinois, which opened it as a public park. In 1943, the state renamed the park in honor of Matthiessen. Since then, the park has grown to 1,938 acres and includes much of the significant natural land along the main dell, some former prairie land, and some forest land south of the original park.

Rock Creek Marina Campground

Rock Creek Marina & Campground. Where the Mississippi and Wapsipinicon Rivers meet! Camping, cabins, boating, fishing and much more abound at this campground located on the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Site of the Mississippi River Eco Tourism Center ! Home of the popular Blue Heron Eco-Cruises!!!

Hartman Reserve Nature Center

Hartman Reserve Nature Center is a 340-acre woodland surrounded by the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls. We have many habitats to explore including the largest tract of upland timber publicly managed in Black Hawk County. 100-year-old White, Red, and Bur Oaks can be found in the upland woodland. Our lowlands consists of flood-tolerable tree species including a rare grove of native Hawthorne trees and massive Cottonwood trees along our riparian areas.

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is one of Iowa’s largest and most scenic state parks, nestled along the Des Moines River in the rolling hills of Van Buren County. With miles of wooded trails, river bluffs, historic CCC-era structures, and a peaceful lake for swimming and fishing, it’s a top destination for hiking, camping, and nature exploration.

Maquoketa Caves State Park

Spread across 192 acres, the park is home to 13 caves, each offering a unique experience. The highlight is Dancehall Cave, an 1,100-foot-long cave accessible via a paved path. Other caves, such as Hernando's Hideaway, Shinbone Cave, and Wye Cave, cater to both casual explorers and those seeking a bit more adventure. A six-mile trail system connects these caves to breathtaking overlooks, the 50-foot Natural Bridge spanning Raccoon Creek, and the massive 17-ton Balanced Rock.

Wildcat Den State Park

Explore towering sandstone cliffs, scenic wooded trails, and Iowa’s frontier history at Wildcat Den State Park in Muscatine. Hike through dramatic rock formations, visit the historic 1848 Pine Creek Grist Mill, or enjoy a peaceful picnic by the creek. It’s a free, family-friendly escape for nature lovers, photographers, and history buffs—all within a short drive of the Quad Cities.