🌿 Nature Preserves
Discover peaceful nature preserves with diverse wildlife, quiet walking paths, and educational signage—ideal for birdwatching and mindful escapes.
Get Discovered by Locals & Travelers
Feature your business on QC.LocalDayTrips.com
Discover how a featured listing can spotlight your business and attract more customers — explore our listing packages today!
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.
Wilson's Orchard & Farm – Iowa City
Wilson’s Orchard & Farm is a scenic seasonal destination just outside Iowa City offering U-pick apples, pumpkins, and strawberries, plus hayrack rides, live music events, cider tastings, and family-friendly fall festivals. The farm includes a ciderhouse, bakery, and sprawling hillside orchard — perfect for relaxing day trips and photo opportunities.
Colony Acres
Colony Acres is a seasonal family farm and fall attraction located in North Liberty, Iowa. Known for its corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrack rides, and activity zones for kids, the farm also offers food trucks, special events, and plenty of photo ops across its scenic rural grounds. A perfect destination for autumn fun, Colony Acres blends outdoor play with classic Iowa farm charm.
The Deranged Haunted Attraction
The Deranged Haunted Attraction is a high-intensity outdoor haunt located on a rural farm in Belle Plaine, Iowa. Guests navigate eerie trails, cornfields, and scare zones packed with fog, strobe lights, and relentless actors. This immersive Halloween experience is enhanced by bonfires, food vendors, and terrifying open-air scenes across a multi-acre property.
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.
Filters
Tags
#Kid Friendly
#Pet Friendly
#Free Admission
#Less Than 1 Hour Away
#Great for Photos
#Indoor
#Educational
#Seasonal
#Food Nearby
#Wheelchair Accessible
#Weekend-Only
#Camping Nearby
#Paid Admission
#1–2 Hours Away
#Over 2 Hours Away
#Outdoor
#Scenic Views
#Adult Only
#Overnight Stay
#Large Group Activities
#Birthday Party Venue
#Booking Required
#Walkins Welcome