Spanning 2,001 acres in northeast Iowa, Backbone State Park was dedicated in 1920 as Iowa’s first state park. It is an otherworldly paradise named for its narrow and steep ridge of bedrock carved by the Maquoketa River.
Caves, sinkholes, karsts, an active natural spring, 125 campsites and some of the best trout fishing in the state make for an immersive nature experience.
Distance from Iowa City: 85 miles, about a 90-minute drive
Nearby: Strawberry Point, Lamont, Dundee
Fish
Richmond Springs pumps out over 2,000 gallons of water per minute, feeding the crystal-clear stream that runs through the park. Head here for excellent trout fishing.
Hike
Backbone Trail’s rugged dolomite limestone ridge—also known as the Devil’s Backbone—towers 80 feet over the ground below, offering jaw-dropping views that conjure visions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
Chill
Featuring stalagmite stumps and flowstone-covered walls, Backbone Cave is relatively small and a cool respite from the summer sun.
Learn more: Check out Iowadnr.gov and Iowa Underground: A Guide to the State’s Subterranean Treasures by Greg A. Brick.
This article was originally published in Little Village issue 178
Wow! Beautiful photos!! This place looks breathtaking.
Trails Backbone has 21 miles of hiking and multi-use trails. Visitors can hike along trails winding through old twisted and windblown cedars and up rough, rocky staircases to one of the highest points in northeast Iowa, the Devil s Backbone. During winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowmobile.
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