Black Hawk State Park

One of the most popular destinations in Iowa is Black Hawk State Park, which boasts a wide range of activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Glacier-fed waters

If you really want to swim in crisp, clear water, then the best place to do so is in a glacial lake. Formed by the gradual melting of gigantic sheets of ice, these mountainous lakes are totally unique. Black Hawk Lake is the southernmost glacial lake in the United States and its waters are ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. Anglers typically pull catfish, crappies, walleyes, bluegills and more from its waters.

Happy trails

A number of excellent trails wend through the park. The Stevenson Nature Trail is a great place to learn more about the area's flora and fauna, with 20 marked sites inspiring visitors to take a closer look. If you are up for a serious challenge, then the 33-mile Sauk Rail Trail actually extends outside of the park and comes to a terminus at nearby Swan Lake State Park.

Fun stuff

The park plays host to a number of local events every year. The biggest is the Lake View Water Carnival, which brings carnival rides, games of chance, entertainment and a parade to the area every July. A well-attended fishing competition in August brings anglers from all over the state hoping to land specially-tagged carp that are exchanged for cash.