Ledges State Park Iowa
Explore Iowa's dramatic sandstone cliffs and drive through creeks at Ledges State Park. A hidden gem for hiking, picnics, and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Ledges State Park Iowa
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Iowa's dramatic sandstone cliffs and drive through creeks at Ledges State Park. A hidden gem for hiking, picnics, and family fun.
"A great hidden gem of Iowa full of Creek walking opportunities."
🚗 Drive Through the Creek!
Don't miss the chance to drive through the creek – it's a unique thrill! :car:
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Trails have slopes and climbs. Bring hiking poles if you need extra support. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Creek Crossings
Park Roads
Drive your vehicle through shallow streams for a splashy, unforgettable adventure. Kids love it!
Towering Sandstone Cliffs
Various Trail Sections
Marvel at the dramatic sandstone formations that give the park its name. A photographer's dream.
Challenging Hiking Trails
Throughout the Park
Explore varied terrain with slopes and climbs, rewarding you with stunning views and a good workout.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Creek Crossings
Trail Terrain & Tick Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Through the Creek!
Don't miss the chance to drive through the creek – it's a unique thrill! :car:
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Trails have slopes and climbs. Bring hiking poles if you need extra support. :athletic_shoe:
🦟 Pack Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially near water. Be prepared! :bug:
📸 Cinematic Views
Capture stunning photos and videos of the cliffs and creek. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Through the Creek!
Don't miss the chance to drive through the creek – it's a unique thrill! :car:
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Trails have slopes and climbs. Bring hiking poles if you need extra support. :athletic_shoe:
🦟 Pack Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially near water. Be prepared! :bug:
📸 Cinematic Views
Capture stunning photos and videos of the cliffs and creek. :camerawithflash:
🧺 Picnic & Play
Great spot for family picnics and enjoying nature. :picnic_table:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Ledges State Park's unique creek crossings and beautiful sandstone cliffs, calling it a 'hidden gem' of Iowa. The trails offer a good workout with rewarding views, and it's a fantastic spot for family picnics and outdoor fun. Some minor drawbacks include potential campsite reservation confusion and the presence of ticks.
"This was a nice, chance stop. We happened to wander across it backroading in Iowa. Lots of beautiful scenery, and the park system is set up so the river runs over the roads several different times, so you get to drive through the river. Beautiful area; if you're ever in the area, I recommend it. There's a campground and family activities."
Nathan Cotes
"Amazing state park with some excellent trails. The trails are not flat and easy they are sloped and one needs to climb up and down. If you want to hike this place bring a hiking pole and also be ready for a decent climb and descent. The creek at the bottom of the trail made the whole hole worth it. I will recommend this park to all."
Dheepak Guruswamy
"Beautiful views. The stream was fun to walk through; it was nice and cool. The kids loved it when the kids would go fast through the stream to make a big splash. The playground was fun for the kids. It was fun to see that our site had wild berries (not ripe). There were only 2 downsides. 1. There's not a way for people wanting to camp to see that a site has been reserved (we had to ask people to leave because they were at our site about to set up camp). 2. Ten plus ticks hitched a ride on our tent (didn't see them until we got home to dry out the tent; we managed to kill most of them, 2 might have fallen to the ground; we have since sprayed the tent with permethrin to prevent it in the future)."
Helen Ford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ledges State Park is located near Madrid, Iowa, about a 30-40 minute drive north of Des Moines. Take Highway 17 North for a scenic route that can also take you past the High Trestle Bridge.
Public transport options are very limited for reaching Ledges State Park. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Many visitors recommend taking Highway 17 for a scenic drive. This route allows you to potentially visit other attractions like the High Trestle Bridge.
Ledges State Park is a state park and generally does not have an entrance fee for day use. Camping fees will apply if you plan to stay overnight.
Yes, a unique feature of Ledges State Park is that the park road crosses the creek multiple times, allowing you to drive through it. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for shallow water crossings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ledges State Park is typically open year-round from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM for day use. Camping areas may have different access times.
It is highly recommended to book campsites in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, as they can fill up quickly.
Check the official Iowa State Parks website or local event listings for any scheduled programs or events.
Pets are generally allowed in Iowa State Parks but must be on a leash. Always check specific park regulations for any restrictions.
Unfortunately, there isn't always a clear visual indicator for reserved campsites. You may need to ask fellow campers or check reservation signs.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Ledges State Park offers several trails, including those that lead to the sandstone cliffs and along the Des Moines River. Trails can be sloped and require some climbing.
Absolutely! Kids love driving through the creek, the playground, and exploring the trails. It's a great spot for picnics and outdoor fun.
Yes, the Des Moines River runs through the park, offering opportunities for stream fishing. Canoeing and kayaking may also be possible depending on water levels.
You might spot various birds, small mammals, and potentially deer. Keep an eye out for wild berries during the right season.
Yes, Ledges State Park has accessible restrooms and picnic areas with grills, making it convenient for day trips.
📸 📸 Photography
The sandstone cliffs, creek crossings, and the Des Moines River offer stunning photographic opportunities. The fall colors are particularly beautiful. 
Drone photography can capture the dramatic landscape of Ledges State Park, including the cliffs and river. Always check park regulations regarding drone usage.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photographing the cliffs and natural scenery.
Many of the hiking trails offer elevated viewpoints overlooking the park and the river valley. The areas around the creek crossings also provide unique shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive cliffs and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife, and a sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Be prepared for sloped terrain and climbs, so good hiking shoes are a must, and a walking stick can be helpful. 📸 Photographers and Content Creators
+1 Fall colors are especially vibrant. Consider visiting during golden hour for the best light. Drone photography can offer unique perspectives, but always check park rules. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails of Ledges State Park
It's advisable to wear sturdy footwear, and some hikers recommend bringing a walking stick for added stability on the sloped terrain. Beyond the main trails, the park's unique road system allows for a different kind of exploration. The roads frequently cross the Des Moines River, offering a fun and memorable driving experience.
When planning your hike, consider the time of year. Fall foliage transforms the park into a vibrant spectacle, while summer mornings offer cooler temperatures for exploring.
Remember to be prepared for the elements, including potential insects. Packing insect repellent is a common recommendation to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the trails. Family Fun and Camping at Ledges
The park is also an ideal spot for picnics and outdoor gatherings. With ample space to spread out, families can enjoy grilling, playing games, and simply spending quality time together surrounded by nature.
For those planning an extended stay, remember to pack essentials for outdoor living. The park is known for its natural beauty, and while it offers a serene escape, being prepared for common outdoor challenges like insects is key.
Capturing the Essence: Photography at Ledges
+1 The park's signature creek crossings also present a dynamic and often playful element to photograph, especially when vehicles or children are interacting with the water. For landscape photographers, the Des Moines River winding through the park adds another layer of scenic beauty.
The changing seasons bring their own photographic appeal; fall colors are particularly stunning, transforming the landscape into a vibrant palette. Early mornings and late afternoons, during the 'golden hours,' are ideal for capturing soft, warm light that enhances the textures of the cliffs and the natural surroundings. When exploring with a camera, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the grandeur of the cliffs and the expansive river views.
Drone enthusiasts can capture breathtaking aerial perspectives of the park's topography, showcasing the interplay between the river, cliffs, and surrounding greenery. Remember to always be aware of park regulations regarding drone usage and to tread lightly to preserve the natural beauty you're there to capture. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit