With more than 70 state parks and recreation areas in Iowa, it’s not hard to find a quiet, beautiful place to enjoy the solitude of nature. Stone State Park is one such place, and once you see it, you’ll want to visit over and over again.
Stone State Park is located in Sioux City, right on the banks of the Big Sioux River. The 1,089-acre state park is a quiet little oasis right near the city.
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You’ll find several hiking trails in this pretty little park. Some take you through lush, wooded areas…
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…others take you along the ridge, with incredible valley views.
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Stone State Park is the perfect place for some solitude and quiet reflection. There are plenty of spots for a picnic, and lots of areas where you can simply relax and unwind.
Susan Keith Gray/Google
Turtle Lake is a wonderful place for wildlife photography, and a little exploration.
Susan Keith Gray/Google
This park is full of wildlife. During your visit you might see deer, wild turkeys, and plenty of beautiful birds.
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Drop a line in the Big Sioux River to see what you can catch for dinner.
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The Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center is a must-visit while you’re here. The address of the center is 4500 Sioux River Rd., Sioux City, IA 51109, and it’s open six days a week. Visit Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Monday.
Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center/Google
You’ll love exploring the indoor exhibits and displays, as well as the pretty outdoor spaces. The best part? Admission is free!
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Take a stroll to the overlook, where you’ll have an eagle’s eye view of the Sioux River Valley below.
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Not ready to go home yet? Stay overnight in one of three cozy cabins. Each one is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including heating and A/C, dining table and chairs, a small refrigerator, and microwave.
Iowa State Parks
If you want to bring your RV or tent, you’ll find eight electric and six non-electric RV sites, and 13 tent sites.
Iowa State Parks
For more information about Stone State Park, visit its website. Have you visited this pretty park recently? If so, we’d love to see your photos and read about your trip in the comments!
Donald Regan/Google
Ben Sitzmann/Google
Michael Poppens/Google
Susan Keith Gray/Google
Susie Hobbs-Bremmer/Google
Jac Waterwolf/Google
Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center/Google
Kelly Brown/Google
Charlie Cowell/Google
Iowa State Parks
If you’re ready to do some more exploring in Iowa, check out this waterfall hikes bucket list.
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Address: 4500 Sioux River Rd., Sioux City, IA 51109
