(Iowa) Kick off 2025 with a breath of fresh air by joining one of Iowa’s First Day Hikes on January 1. This annual tradition invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore 19 parks with guided hikes and 26 parks offering staff-recommended self-guided trails.
Southwest Iowa boasts a variety of First Day Hike opportunities for all activity levels:
Lake Anita State Park
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Meeting Location: East side of beach parking lot
- Address: 55111 750th St, Anita, IA 50020
- Description: Choose between a scenic 4-mile hike around the lake or a shorter 1.3-mile trek to a picnic area and back. Both routes feature paved paths through restored prairie and moderate slopes.
Prairie Rose State Park
- Time: 3:00 PM
- Meeting Location: Park Office
- Address: 680 Road M47, Harlan, IA 51537
- Description: Enjoy a 2-mile hike on a wide, grassy trail with a few moderate slopes. Expect to spot animal tracks along the way. Afterward, warm up with hot chocolate and popcorn provided by the Friends of Prairie Rose.
Viking Lake State Park
- Type: Self-Guided
- Parking Location: Extra-vehicle parking lot near the campground entrance
- Address: 2780 Viking Lake Rd, Stanton, IA 51573
- Description: Walk the 1-mile Burr Oak Trail, a well-maintained grass path.
Waubonsie State Park
- Time: Noon (shelter opens for potluck/refreshments), hike begins at 1:00 PM
- Meeting Location: Wa-Shawtee Lodge
- Address: 2585 Waubonsie Park Rd, Hamburg, IA 51640
- Description: This off-trail 2-mile hike winds through the woods of Waubonsie State Park and the Militia Hollow Wildlife Management Area. Friends of Waubonsie will provide refreshments before and after. The trail features compacted dirt and rolling terrain with some steep intermittent
Green Valley State Park
- Type: Self-Guided
- Parking Location: Southeast parking lot on 140th St for paved trail; South Shelter parking lot on 140th St for grass path
- Address: 1480 130th St, Creston, IA 50801
- Description: Opt for a 5-mile round-trip paved trail or a 6-mile round-trip grass path. Both routes offer scenic views of the lake. Dress appropriately for the weather.
Whether you prefer guided group outings or independent exploration, First Day Hikes offer a chance to connect with nature and set the tone for an active new year.
For the complete list of hikes across Iowa, visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.
