Physical Location
Location Address
700 Kepler Dr
Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Areas Served
Linn
Phone(s)
Website
Check before you go
Park Alerts & Notices
For current closures or important information please visit, Park Alerts and Notices.
About the Park
Palisades-Kepler State Park is a beautiful outdoor destination on the banks of the Cedar River outside Cedar Rapids. Dramatic river bluffs, deep ravines, majestic hardwood trees and an abundance of wildlife characterize the area, and Native American Indian mounds mark the early history of the park.
Established in 1922, Louis H. Kepler donated his estate to the park in 1928, nearly doubling its size. Much of the park’s rustic character can be found in park structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Plan Your Visit
- Hike five miles of rugged trails at Palisades-Kepler, taking visitors through diverse wildlife and forest habitats. In the spring, a variety of wildflowers can be spotted along the trails.
- Fish for numerous species in the Cedar River, including channel catfish, bass and walleye. Anglers often fish by boat or along the shore near the old dam. A modern boat ramp provides convenient access to the river.
- Stay overnight in one of four family cabins or at the park’s campground. All cabins contain a shower, restroom, stovetop and refrigerator. Visitors must provide their own bedding, towels and cooking supplies. The park’s campground contains electrical hookups, modern shower, restroom facilities and a trailer dump station. Advanced campsite and cabin reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Palisades-Kepler State Park. The campground is 100% reservable and a reservation is required. The campground accepts reservations April 1 - November 15 and is closed November 16 - March 31.
- Reserve one of two open picnic shelters for an outdoor gathering during your visit. The stone lodge is perfect for wedding receptions or any family gathering and can be reserved through the the online reservation system for Palisades-Kepler State Park.
- Lodge viewings are available to the public monthly, no reservation needed. Visit on the third Wednesday of every month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to ask questions about the lodge, reservations, and more.
Amenities at a Glance
- Hiking trails
- Boat ramp
- Day-use lodge (ADA accessible)
- Shelters
- Modern restrooms
- Showers
- Modern family cabins
- Electric campsites
- Non-electric campsites
- Tent only campsites
- Buddy campsites
- Youth group-only campsites
- Dump station