Lake Macbride State Park and the Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MRNA) cover nearly 2,700 acres north of Iowa City, offering endless opportunities for summer fun: two campgrounds with 48 total campsites, fishing, boating, bicycling, picnicking, swimming, hiking, archery and plenty of wildlife.
Distance from Iowa City: 20 miles, about a 15-minute drive
Nearby: Iowa City, North Liberty, Solon, Cedar Rapids
Learn more: Iowadnr.gov, Recserv.uiowa.edu/mnra
Wander
Multi-use trails wind for miles around the lake on all sides.
Watch and Learn:
Bird watchers flock to the Macbride Raptor Project to glimpse songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and majestic birds of prey. MNRA is also home to the University of Iowa’s Environmental Education Programs: School of the Wild and Wildlife Camps.
Float
The MNRA is home to the University of Iowa Sailing Club; rent a pontoon, motorboat, canoe, paddle boat or kayak at the State Park.
This article was originally published in Little Village issue 180. Words and photos by Dawn Frary.
