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5 more of Iowa's best winter hikes

5 more of Iowa's best winter hikes

  • 1/23/2023 1:05:00 PM
  • View Count 13249
We couldn’t stop at just six awesome winter hikes - here are five more Iowa State Parks that offer awesome winter experiences from hikes and beyond.
6 of Iowa's best winter hikes

6 of Iowa's best winter hikes

  • 1/19/2023 11:45:00 AM
  • View Count 16747
As cozy as it is sitting inside and watching the snow fall, getting outdoors can be even more fun. Here are a few Iowa state parks that make bundling up worth it for the memories made. 
Join the 2023 First Day Hike Challenge!

Join the 2023 First Day Hike Challenge!

  • 12/21/2022 2:16:00 PM
  • View Count 10112
What are your plans for New Year's 2023? Iowa state parks and forests invite you to join the First Day Hike Challenge.
It's almost New Year's! Join the First Day Hike Challenge

It's almost New Year's! Join the First Day Hike Challenge

  • 12/29/2020 11:37:00 AM
  • View Count 3247
It’s time to start 2021 the right way – in an Iowa state park! Join the 2021 First Day Hike Challenge through the digital State Park Passport. The challenge takes the place of traditional guided hikes due to COVID-19.
Join the First Day Hike Challenge in Iowa State Parks

Join the First Day Hike Challenge in Iowa State Parks

  • 12/17/2020 1:45:00 PM
  • View Count 4835
DES MOINES – The Iowa DNR and Travel Iowa invite Iowans to participate in the 2021 First Day Hike Challenge to ring in the New Year through the digital State Park Passport. The challenge takes the place of traditional guided hikes due to COVID-19.
Record-breaking attendance at First Day Hikes in Iowa state parks

Record-breaking attendance at First Day Hikes in Iowa state parks

  • 1/3/2020 4:39:00 PM
  • View Count 3148
DES MOINES – At least 4,358 hikers took part in First Day Hikes yesterday in 49 Iowa state parks, the highest attendance since the annual event began in 2012. The New Year’s Day hikes launched the Iowa state park centennial in 2020.
Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

  • 12/18/2018 1:19:00 PM
  • View Count 6348
DES MOINES – What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in one of 27 participating Iowa state parks! Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.  
All First Day Hikes for Jan. 1, 2018 Canceled Due to Frigid Temperatures

All First Day Hikes for Jan. 1, 2018 Canceled Due to Frigid Temperatures

  • 12/29/2017 2:25:00 PM
  • View Count 6299
DES MOINES – With temperatures predicted to dip well below zero, the Iowa DNR has decided to cancel First Day Hikes at 27 state parks scheduled for New Year’s Day. “While it’s a great disappointment to us to cancel this event, the safety of park visitors comes first,” said Todd Coffelt, State Parks Bureau Chief. “We know that frost bite can set in fairly quickly at those cold temperatures, so we are using caution in making this decision.”
Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day

  • 12/27/2017 11:20:00 AM
  • View Count 7967
DES MOINES – What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in one of 27 participating Iowa state parks! Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.  
Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike in an Iowa State Park

Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike in an Iowa State Park

  • 12/13/2016 2:18:00 PM
  • View Count 10012
Free, guided hikes will take place in 25 Iowa state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative. All 50 states will participate in the sixth annual national event that encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with a guided outdoor exploration.
Iowa's First Day Hikes a Success

Iowa's First Day Hikes a Success

  • 1/5/2016 9:28:00 AM
  • View Count 5159
Des Moines – Iowa’s Fifth Annual First Day Hikes were a great success according to DNR staff reports. More than 600 people began 2016 with a hike in an Iowa state park, logging more than 1,100 total miles on New Year’s Day.
6 Ways to Start Off the New Year Outdoors

6 Ways to Start Off the New Year Outdoors

  • 12/29/2015 9:37:00 AM
  • View Count 8915
What better way to celebrate the new year than by getting outdoors? Here are a few ideas to get your year off to a good start!
7 More of Iowa's Best Hikes

7 More of Iowa's Best Hikes

  • 7/16/2015 11:22:00 AM
  • View Count 40517
Whether you’re looking to get away from civilization for a weekend or just take in some beautiful scenery for an hour or two with the family, Iowa – yes, Iowa – offers some incredible hikes in our state parks and forests.