parks for kids 1. Explore the Backbone Cave with a flashlight, go rock climbing, go swimming, boating and fishing! Hike around the Blackstone then spend the night camping.

2. Buddy Bison’s Hike the Lost Lake Nature Trail to Sentinel and Solstice Rocks but be sure to take along some Fact Bites! snacks! Go bird watching and camp overnight.

• The state name originates 3. from the Dakota Indian word Stop by the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center to 6. Living History Farms www.parktrust.org ­ “Ayuhwa” meaning “sleepy learn about local ecology and wildlife. Ride hors- Visit the town of Walnut Hill to learn about pio- ones” and was once the es or bike around Stone Park Loop then spend neer life and stop by the living history museum for a glimpse into the past! name of a tribe living in the the night camping. area. 4. Maquoketa Caves State Park 7. Devonian Fossil Gorge • The Red Delicious apple was Stop by the Visitor Center to learn about history Search for fossils inside the park and learn originally developed in Peru, and archaeology in the area! Bring a flashlight interactively about our planet’s natural history! when you explore Dancehall Cave or hike along Check out the Visitor Center for a short movie Iowa. the paved lighted walk inside the cave. Try find- about the gorge. ing the Natural Bridge and the Balanced Rock. • Iowa is the only state whose 8. east and west borders are Lewis and Clark State Park 5. Effigy Mounds Check out the replica of the boat Lewis and 100% formed by water: the National Monument Clark used during their Corps of Discovery Missouri and Misississippi Expedition! Go fishing, swimming or even camp Become a Junior Ranger! Complete the Junior overnight! Rivers. Ranger Archaeology Booklet and earn a badge! Hike the Fire Point Trail and make all 10 stops • The ratio of pigs to people in then camp overnight. Iowa is 7 to 1.

Photos courtesy of National Park Service