Pikes Peak State Park

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Park Alerts & Notices

About the Park 

Famed for its majestic views of the Mississippi River, Pikes Peak State Park is one of Iowa’s premier nature destinations. Located on a national scenic byway, the park features 11 miles of trails brimming with scenic bluffs and valleys. 

Walk the half-mile trail to see Bridal Veil Falls, hike to Point Ann overlooking the nearby town of McGregor or see where the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers meet atop a 500-foot bluff. A hiker’s delight and one of the most picturesque regions in the state, Pikes Peak is a must for anyone wanting to see the breathtaking views of Iowa.

Plan Your Visit

• Hike the half-mile boardwalk to Bridal Veil Falls and explore Bear Mound — an effigy built by native americans from the woodland era. For those seeking a more adventurous route, hike the four-mile trail to Point Ann and take in the scenic views overlooking the town of Mcgregor and the Mississippi River. Fossil remains can also be found along the trails including brachiopods, gastropods and cephalopods. Mountain bikes are allowed on the trail from Homestead park to the Mcgregor parking lots.
• Camp in one of several campsites available at Pikes Peak. The campground contains both full hook-up and electric campsites, modern restrooms, showers and a trailer dump station. Picnic tables and a fire ring are provided at each campsite. Advanced reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Pikes Peak State Park and 100% of the campsites are reservable and a reservation is required. The campground accepts reservations March 1 - November and is closed December - February.
• Reserve a shelter and take in the finest views of the upper midwest during your visit. A rustic stone picnic shelter and two gazebos are located in the main picnic and overlook area and are ADA accessible. Shelters can be reserved through the online reservation system for Pikes Peak State Park.
• Explore the Effigy Mounds National Monument seven miles north of the park. This monument preserves more than 200 mounds built by native americans from the woodland culture. Some mounds are in the shape of animal effigies, and were thought to be used for ceremonial or burial purposes. Visitors are encouraged to take a hike around the two-mile fire point trail where more than 20 mounds can be spotted.

Concessions

Open Memorial Day Weekend thru the 3rd Sunday in October from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Items for sale include:

• Pikes Peak souvenirs (such as t-shirts, hats, pin, magnets, hiking stick medallions, patches, postcards)
• Firewood
• Snack-type food (pre-packaged ice cream, candy chips, etc.)
• Beverages (water, soda, coffee, hot chocolate)
• Convenience store items (charcoal, ice. etc.)
• Camping supplies (batteries, ponchos, etc.)

Amenities at a Glance

• Hiking trails
• Concessions
• Shelters ; ADA Accessible
• Modern restrooms
• Showers; ADA Accessible
• Electric campsites
• Non-electric campsites
• Youth group only campsites
• Dump station

Explore the Park 

• Pikes Peak State Park map and flyer
• Pikes Peak State Park campground map