This post is sponsored by Travel Iowa. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
There’s no doubt that life is weird right now. Simple outings like going to the grocery store or getting your nails done aren’t as simple as they used to be. Graduations, weddings, concerts, extravagant trips overseas… they’ve all been canceled. We’re adjusting to a new normal.
And while this new reality is hard and scary, we’re choosing to find joy in this season.
One of the ways we’re doing that is by revisiting past locations we’ve road tripped to that stole our hearts. Places that are open and ready for visitors. Places that are off the beaten path, places that have unique landscapes and are easy to social distance... Places like Iowa!
IOWA?
Ok, you probably didn’t see that coming - but hear us out. Last year we found ourselves driving through Iowa not once, not twice, but three times (from California!). It’s surprisingly scenic, with an abundance of state parks that are not only safe amid these times, but have an array of outdoor adventures the whole family will love!
Horseback riding? They’ve got it! Relaxing beaches? You bet! Stunning hiking trails? They’re all over! Picturesque spots to have a picnic? You better believe it!
Iowa State Parks have a little of everything, and that’s what makes them so unique! From their jaw-dropping bluffs, to their mesmerizing waterways and views, we guarantee you’ll be saying “Wait… this is Iowa?!”
Prairie Rose State Park is one of our favorites!
Can anybody tell us what type of bird this is? Spotted in Prairie Rose State Park.
Sally loves getting her wiggles out in state parks - Alli hiding at Lake Manawa State Park.
BUT ARE THEY ACTUALLY SAFE TO VISIT RIGHT NOW?
Great question!
Iowa State Parks are doing all they can to make sure that they’re a safe and reliable place for families to enjoy. They’re encouraging all visitors to abide by social distancing guidelines, stay home if they’re sick, and to avoid popular areas where groups might congregate.
If you’re still concerned, there are several less-congested parks such as Preparation Canyon State Park, Nine Eagles State Park, Wapsipinicon State Park, and Mini-Wakan State Park. (Check out the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website for up-to-date information on visiting these parks.)
Great open spaces for picnics all around!
Plenty of room for pets to roam too!
Even pre-Covid, a morning stroll was peaceful, serene, and uncrowded.
THE IOWA STATE PARK PASSPORT PROGRAM
This year Iowa State Parks are celebrating their 100th anniversary - and to celebrate they’ve launched the Iowa State Park Passport Program! Guests of the parks can sign up for a passport here, which will enable them to “check in” to the parks from their mobile phones.
Each check-in: An entry to win the Grand Prize*, a two-night stay at Honey Creek Resort, with golf, indoor water park access and more, as well as discounts at nearby businesses.
*Entries for the Grand Prize will be accepted until October 31, 2020. One winner will be randomly chosen.
So not only can you enjoy the natural beauty of Iowa’s State Parks… but you can win a pretty EPIC prize, too! Whether you’re an Iowa resident or just a road trip away, we highly recommend spending some time visiting their State Parks. Heck, you might even win the Grand Prize!
...And if you do, can we tag along?
With our State Park Passport, we’d head here first - Mines of Spain State Park in Dubuque.
Sally deciding if she wants to jump in Pine Lake…
Friendly locals all around!
We’ll be back again soon! All 4 of us!