Mount Trashmore
Climbing to the top of Mount Trashmore is a must during your visit to Cedar Rapids! The “mountain” stands 948-feet above sea level and has one of the best views around. But the story behind this park is truly what makes it so special.
Mount Trashmore is a former landfill that holds 6 million tons of trash and took in waste from 1965 to 2006. In 2008, a devastating flood swept through the City of Cedar Rapids. As a result, Mount Trashmore reopened and added 30 more feet of storm debris to the top before it once again closed. When it was closed, the idea emerged to transform it into a recreation space turning what was once trash into a city treasure.
Choose your own adventure as you walk to the top. The Overlook Trail is a wide, gravel, accessible trail which is slightly more than a half-mile walk to the top. The Stumptown Trail is the longest trail on Mount Trashmore at one mile, and is meant for walking and running only as you will encouter steep grades, stairs and boardwalks. There is also the downhill, bikes-only, gravity-fed flow Trashmore Trail. Either way you take, the climb is gradual.
The peak offers a stunning view of downtown Cedar Rapids and the river.
Pro Tips: Be sure to check the hours ahead of time, as they vary from day to day. You must sign in when you arrive.
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Characterized by towering and rocky bluffs, Palisades-Kepler is the most beautiful place to hike near Cedar Rapids (in my opinion)! It’s a great place for hiking, fishing and camping. The park is home to Native American Indian mounds, structures built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and a few miles of hiking trails.
I enjoyed hiking a loop that combined the Cedar Cliff trail, the Cool Hollow trail and the Woodland trail. The most scenic part of the loop was the Cedar Cliff trail, which follows along the river. You’ll pass by several views of the Cedar River and the bluffs, including a beach area directly next to the water.
It’s especially interesting to see the remnants of a dam. There are rocky islands and fallen trees surrounding it. Be sure to not swim or boat too close to the dam.
A highlight of the trail was a rustic wooden bridge in the forest on the Cool Hollow Trail. The trail is moderate difficulty overall, but there is a relatively steep climb between the Cedar Cliff and Cool Hollow Trail. Overall, this is a stunning park that should definitely be on your Cedar Rapids itinerary!
Pro Tip: Make a quick stop to admire the American Gothic Barn, which is a mural drivable to the entrance of the park.
Indian Creek Nature Center
Indian Creek Nature Center is one of the best places to connect with nature in the Cedar Rapids area. The organization has a strong commitment to sustainability. For example, solar panels produce 100% of the energy they use, and they collect and use rain and storm water to remain net zero water and net zero energy. They also offer electric vehicle charging stations and encourage car-free living.
The park has miles of hiking trails, all free to use year around. You can explore various habitats around the area including wetlands, prairie and forest. I enjoyed the Blakesee Bluebird Trail and the Cedar Overlook Trail.
Plus, Amazing Space, the indoor “living” building has educational exhibits and animals you can see (such as snakes and turtles). There is also a gift shop with local items, a greenhouse and some great learning areas for kids.
Pro Tip: Stop at the gift shop! You have to try the honey and maple syrup they harvest onsite.
Pinicon Ridge Park
Pinicon Ridge, fantastic for hiking and camping, is a 966-acre park with scenic hills, access to the Wapsipinicon River, wooded areas and observation tower.
I enjoyed hiking the Woodpecker Hill Trail, which crosses back and forth through the forest and beautiful open prairies. My favorite highlights included seeing a small waterfall and lots of colorful summer wildflowers!
It’s also fun to climb the observation tower. The red tower offers a great way to see the area from a higher vantage point.
Pro Tip: Cross the Mary Lundby Bridge, which connects the campground and the opposite side of the park, and take in views of the Wapsipinicon River.
Wickiup Hill Learning Center
With six miles of trails, Wickiup Hill is lovely for hiking, biking and camping. I enjoyed hiking a loop around the park and seeing different types of landscapes, including endless prairies and colorful wildflowers in summer bloom.
The park is free to visit, protects both wetlands and prairies and is a great place for education and hiking. There is an extensive indoor exhibit with information on the history and geology of the area, a kids outdoor nature playscape, bird watching space and more.
Pro Tip: This is a great park option for families with engaging information, space to play and to build a love for nature.
Lowe Sculpture Park
Lowe Park in Marion, a local favorite, features a paved “Sculpture Trail” featuring a variety of sculptures along a short paved path. I particularly liked the beautifully twisted cooper bison and farmer sculptures made by J. Aaron Alderman. The park also includes an outdoor amphitheater and gorgeous gardens which are particularly beautiful at sunset.
Pro Tip: Check the schedule for outdoor concerts or regularly occuring community events which make the park even more fun to explore.
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is perfect for relaxing lake time and includes a beach front with paddling, boating, fishing, camping and hiking.
Hikers can traverse all the way around the lake (8.6 miles). Alternatively, there is a much shorter trail, the Pleasant Ridge Interpretive Trail, which leads you through a densely wooded path and includes calming views of the creek.
Pro Tip: Pleasant Creek is a no-wake lake and perfect for a day of relaxation.
Grant Wood Trail
The Grant Wood Trail, formerly a railway path, is an extensive trail with multiple segments which will soon be fully connected. One of my favorite sections was next to Waldo’s Rock Park (a cute park with a giant boulder left from a glacier). The park connects to the Grant Wood Trail, which is wide and paved in this section and has nice views of the rolling farmland that surround it.
Pro Tip: Download the Grant Wood Trails app and stay up-to-date on the latest tips, updates and conditions at grantwoodtrails.org.
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Guest Writer: Lydia Weigel
Travel Blogger/Writer, Social Media Influencer, Hiking Enthusiast
lostwithlydia.com
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