Ames, Iowa
Top Spots in and near Ames
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Ames, Iowa
Hike the McFarland Park Loop
5 mi / 300 ft gainAfter parking in the main lot by the Story County Conservation building, you can choose between two starting points. I recommend starting on the left side of the parking lot at the gravel road and closed yellow gate, as this is a better point for the end of your loop. Hike about 200 yards along t...Read more -
Boone, Iowa
Hike the Canyon Road and Table Rock Loop
This park is part of the Des Moines river valley that cuts through most of the area. It's a hot spot for cooling off in the summer given the two rivers and also a great place for hiking. During the spring, fall and winter, the road down into the valley is closed. In the summer, it is open for ...Read more -
Boone, Iowa
Hike Ledges State Park's Canyon Road
5.06.5 mi / 700 ft gainFrom the main gravel parking loop at the top, begin your hike on the main paved road. Note: This road is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to heavy water damage on the road. This road also closes to vehicle traffic during the winter. However, it is always open to foot traffic. Follow the pa...Read more -
Madrid, Iowa
Hike the Lost Lake Trail
5.01.4 mi / 88 ft gainLedges State Park is located close to Des Moines and Ames, home of Iowa State University. Upon entrance to the park, campsites and picnic areas are easily accessible. The defining feature of the park are the sandstone features, or ledges, that overlook the beautiful Des Moines river. The Lost Lak...Read more -
Johnston, Iowa
Hike Sycamore Trail
4.06.9 mi / 88 ft gainSycamore Trail is a 7 mile loop hike that takes you by a river located near Des Moines, Iowa.Read more -
Webster City, Iowa
Briggs Woods Waterfalls
5.00.52 mi / 62 ft gainBriggs Wood Park Waterfalls are Located 2.5 miles South of Webster City off Highway 17. It is very peaceful watching the water cascade over the rocks and into the stream below. If you follow the water down stream it will lead you to the Boone River. I arrived at the falls before sunrise because...Read more
Camping and Lodging in Ames
Polk City, Iowa
Sandpiper Recreation Area
Overview
Sandpiper Recreation Area is a day-use facility located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 mil...
Polk City, Iowa
Prairie Flower Recreation Area
Overview
Prairie Flower Recreation Area is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the...
Polk City, Iowa
Oak Grove Picnic Area
Overview
Oak Grove Picnic Area is a day-use facility located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles u...
Johnston, Iowa
Acorn Valley
Overview
Acorn Valley Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles up the Des Moines ...
Polk City, Iowa
Cherry Glen Campground
Overview
Cherry Glen Campground is located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches more than 50 miles up the Des Moi...
Polk City, Iowa
Cherry Glen Picnic
Overview
Cherry Glen Picnic Area is a day-use facility located on the 26,000-acre Saylorville Lake Project, which stretches over 50 miles...