First Day Hikes, get Outdoors on January 1st!

Iowa's First Day Hikes

Iowa state parks and forests invite you to join the First Day Hike Challenge through the State Park Passport! You can also participate in a guided hike in select parks.


Check into more than 50 participating state parks and forests on the passport from Friday, December 30, 2022 through the end of Sunday, January 1, 2023. Every check-in will qualify for a prize drawing of a free 2-night stay at a cabin at Pine Lake State Park! Restrictions will apply on cabin stay, with reservation fees and other business rules applying.

Visit as many parks as you want during the weekend -- every check-in counts as a contest entry.

Be sure and look under your park's "More Info" tab on the Passport to see a Suggested Trail from park staff! Enjoy First Day Hikes 2023 in Iowa state parks and forests.

Guided Hikes
Several state parks and forests will also be offering guided hikes with park staff. Check out the complete list of guided hikes.


-- Learn more about the Passport contest, including rules, and sign up today! --


park passport