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State and County Parks in Siouxland

There are so many great places to hike, fish, ski, and enjoy nature in Siouxland! Here are some of the best state parks within 1 hour of Sioux City, and why you might love them. Know of a park I should add to the list? Send me an email or leave a comment to tell me which one!

State & County Parks in Iowa

Iowa State Parks are FREE to visit, but hunting and fishing licenses may be required. There is usually free fishing one weekend each year. In 2021, that weekend is June 4th through 6th!

Brown's Lake & Bigelow Park

a blue sky appears above the treeline as Browns Lake in Salix appears glassy and serene below


Salix
  • 600 acre lake with a 36 acre park
  • Includes a swim beach, fishing dock, play structure, electric and non-electric campsites, a showerhouse, and more!
  • Read more about Brown's Lake and Bigelow Park from the Woodbury County Parks


Hillview Recreation Area

Hinton
  • 275 acre park with a 3.3 acre pond
  • Includes hiking, equestrian, and snowmobile trails, a tubing hill in winter, a disc golf course, and campsites and camping cabins to stay in!
  • Read more about Hillview Recreation Area from Plymouth County Conservation

Five Ridge Prairie

deep red seeds adorn a prairie plant at Five Ridge in Westfield


Westfield
  • 964 Acres
  • Features hiking trails with impressive views of the northern tip of the loess hills, and a cabin 
  • Read more about visiting Five Ridge Prairie with Kids


Lewis & Clark State Park

Onawa
  • 176 acre park on the banks of the 250 acre Blue Lake
  • Includes a full-size reproduction of the keelboat used on the Lewis & Clark Expedition as well as a nature center, playground, and camping sites
  • Read more about Lewis & Clark State Park from the Iowa DNR

Stone Park

bright yellow wildflowers along the road at Stone Park in Sioux City


Sioux City
  • About 1600 acres
  • Includes hiking trails, fishing dock, scenic overlooks, a playground, camping cabins, campsites, and a large lodge for special events.
  • Park adjoins the lands of the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center and the hiking trails connect; I recommend visiting both!
  • Read more about Visiting Stone Park with Kids

State & County Parks in Nebraska

Most Nebraska State Parks require a park entrance fee or pass, and hunting and fishing licenses may be required. There is FREE park admission and FREE fishing on some special day. For 2021, free fishing & free admission day is May 22nd, 2021. 

Danish Alps

Hubbard
  • 219 acre lake surrounded by 520 acres of park
  • Known for great fishing and for its multi-use trails great for horse riding, hiking, and biking! 
  • The equestrian campground even includes 14 corrals! 
  • Read more about Danish Alps State Recreation Area from the Nebraska parks

Ponca State Park

Ponca
  • Over 2,100 acres of park land
  • Ponca State Park sits along the Nebraska side of the Missouri River and offers riverside fun like fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
  • The park also features archery and shooting sport ranges, an outdoor swimming pool, a golf course, hiking trails, and more. 
  • In late summer, the park hosts the Missouri River Outdoor Expo!
  • Campgrounds and camping cabins are available.
  • Read more about Ponca State Park from Nebraska Parks


State & County Parks in South Dakota

Some South Dakota state parks may charge an admission fee and fishing or hunting licesnes may be required. FREE fishing and FREE park admittance days include May 21st through May 23rd, 2021. 

Adams Homestead & Nature Preserve

black eyed susan flowers pop against a bright light blue sky in South Dakota


North Sioux City
  • 1500 acres of parkland between the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers
  • Includes a nature center, reproductions & restored historical buildings, hiking and cross-country skiing trails, archery range, playground, and a working education farm!
  • Read more about visiting Adams Homestead & Nature Preserve.


Spirit Mound State Historic Prairie

Vermillion

  • 320 acres of land 
  • Important site for local Native American tribes, and visited by the Corps of Discovery on their famed Lewis & Clark Expedition. 
  • Extensive efforts have been undertaken in the 21st century to restore native prairie
  • Now includes restrooms at the trailhead and interpretive signs along a hiking trail to the top of the mound
  • Find out more at the Spirit Mound website

Union Grove State Park

Beresford

  • 110 acres
  • Includes trail for hiking, biking, and equestrian use
  • Find out more on the Union Grove page of the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website
Location: Sioux City, IA, USA

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