Backbone Centennial

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Backbone Centennial, save the dates May 28, 29, and 30
Backbone Centennial - Save the Date

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Iowa's first state park, Backbone State Park at a three-day festival May 28 - 30, 2020. All events are open to the public. 

Look for more details on this web page as the date gets closer!


backbone state park, tower in 1938 and present day
Backbone State Park, May 1920

backbone state park
More than 5,000 visitors traveled to Backbone on May 28, 1920 to help dedicate Iowa's first state park.

Tentative Schedule

Thursday, May 28:
Evening Dedication Ceremony
Local and state dignitaries will help re-dedicate Backbone State Park in a special event that will include food and music.

Friday, May 29:
Programs and Concert
Naturalist programs, outdoor recreation and art demonstrations, museum tours, food and beverage vendors, and more throughout the day, followed by an evening concert.

Saturday, May 30:
5K Run, Programs and Concert
A morning 5K organized by the Friends of Backbone State Park, along with a full schedule of naturalist programs, outdoor recreation and art demonstrations, museum tours, food and beverage vendors, and more throughout the day, followed by an evening concert.


Backbone State Park | Google Map