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Des Moines Outdoors

Des Moines Outdoors

Hiking

Gull Point State Park: A Scenic State Park at Iowa’s Favorite Vacation Destination

Amanda

Lake view from Gull Point State Park

Gull Point State Park is one of several excellent state parks at Iowa’s favorite vacation destination - the Iowa Great Lakes! Nestled along the beautiful shoreline of West Okoboji Lake, this scenic (and historic) park offers an array of activities for all! From hiking, camping, and swimming to picnicking and fishing, it’s one you won’t want to miss. The park is on the western shores of West … [Read more...] about Gull Point State Park: A Scenic State Park at Iowa’s Favorite Vacation Destination

Lake Darling State Park in SE Iowa: An Excellent Park With Something for Everyone

Amanda

Cottonwood Picnic Shelter

Lake Darling State Park is a beautiful 1400-acre park in southeast Iowa, with tons of outdoor activities for everyone! The 302-acre lake is a favorite for boating, beach-going, fishing, and hiking. But there’s so much more! From the campground and cabins to the lodge and winter activities, there’s no shortage of fun things to do. The person behind the park's name Lake Darling got its … [Read more...] about Lake Darling State Park in SE Iowa: An Excellent Park With Something for Everyone

Wildcat Den State Park: One of the most picturesque historic Iowa State Parks [+pictures!]

Amanda

Pine Creek Grist Mill at Wildcat Den State Park

Wildcat Den State Park is Iowa’s most photographed state park for a reason! Interesting geological formations and beautiful sandstone bluffs provide excellent scenery and views. But that’s not all - the park is full of history too! No visit to Wildcat Den is complete without seeing the historic grist mill and a one-room schoolhouse. In our book, this one’s a must-see Iowa State Park! Know … [Read more...] about Wildcat Den State Park: One of the most picturesque historic Iowa State Parks [+pictures!]

Winter Hiking Gear: Best winter hiking boots, pants & other gear you need

Amanda

winter hiking gear

This article contains affiliate links. In other words, if you click on an affiliate link and buy a product, this blog may receive compensation at no cost to you. See our full disclosure here. There's something special about hiking quiet, snow-covered trails. Winter creates a beauty of its own. Sure, it's cold. But it's less crowded, and you see things you don't otherwise see on warm-weather … [Read more...] about Winter Hiking Gear: Best winter hiking boots, pants & other gear you need

Yellow River State Forest: A NE Iowa Forest with Tons of Rustic Outdoor Adventures

Amanda

Little Paint Creek Campground

Yellow River State Forest is, without a doubt, Iowa’s most distinct forest. It’s more rugged than other state forests, with steep hills, limestone outcroppings, and spring-fed trout streams. And its unique (for Iowa) geological features and ample outdoor activities make it a popular place for nature lovers year-round. About Yellow River State Forest The Yellow River State Forest is nestled … [Read more...] about Yellow River State Forest: A NE Iowa Forest with Tons of Rustic Outdoor Adventures

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About Des Moines Outdoors

Des Moines Outdoors is a site dedicated to helping you find the best of everything outdoors in the state of Iowa. We’re native Iowans that, for over 25 years, camped, hiked, biked, and explored our home state. We encourage you to do the same.

There’s so much more to see and do in Iowa than many people imagine! Our goal is to help visitors and residents alike experience the best of our beautiful state.

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