Not a great place for fishing. The lake is beautiful and the trail is nice. However if you want to…read morecatch any of the many fish you can see jumping out of the water, good luck. The lake is not accessible except for the very small sandy beach. The fishing jetty is so overgrown with trees and other vegetation; impossible to drop a fishing line.

When I was growing up my mom would always say, "Go outside and get the stink blown off you!"…read more Terry Trueblood Recreation Area is the perfect place to do that. The wide, paved loop around Sand Lake is 1.9 miles long and always has motivated joggers, leisurely walkers, families with strollers, bicycle enthusiasts and leashed four legged friends enjoying it. The lake is cool during the summer. You'll definitely see people fishing, canoeing or kayaking, a dog swimming and much more. (You can rent equipment at Fin &Feather H2O right then and there, on site.) Besides taking my family here to have 'the stink blown off them' we have also taken family photos at Terry Trueblood. They have really turned out fabulous with the water in the background. There is ample parking, a little play area for kids and a handful of shelters to enjoy lunch in, or have a party. There is also a lodge and while I have never rented it, I have friends who have and their events turned out great. Bring your family, your dog ... maybe your bike or your workout here and enjoy!

I've never been big on swimming in lakes but summer in Iowa is hot and options are limited, so my…read morehusband and I decided to venture out to Lake Macbride one Saturday afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised! The beach area is a little small, particularly on a crowded hot day, but we were able to find space to spread our towels and enjoy the sun. We spent our time cooling off in the water and laying out. We also drove around the park a bit (honestly because we got lost) and found it to be a beautiful area. I definitely plan to go back and try out the boat rental. It's not a boardwalk along the ocean, but probably the best you can do in this area. Tip: bring a cooler full of snacks and beach chairs and umbrellas. We were a bit spoiled from going to bigger beaches and forgot we couldn't just rent/buy whatever we wanted once we got there .

Another state park that has the physical address of the state park and not the campground. If my…read morehusband didn't call Ohio DNR we would have NEVER found it and gone in circles. We got to the park after given a different address. We had electric for 5 minutes and after that it was gone. We called again and they sent a ranger to our site. A tree had gone down and took electric out. We heard two trees fall at that time. Electric came back about 7 pm. They also make you pay for a two day stay, even if you are staying one night. I understand this in a way, because it keeps them booking entire weekend for others. I believe they would end up booking that day again when they see you left.

A pretty solid park option in Coralville. (With a pretty spiffy pavilion for rental in the middle.)…read more There are a plethora of trails... going up to the North Liberty Rec Center and down to Coral Ridge Mall. There are frequently joggers, dog walkers and bicyclists. Great people watching! This is one of the few parks in the area with fishing... it also offers picnic tables, shelters, typical playground equipment. While I can't say it is the nicest play area around-- it does have the essential sand box, slides and swings! It's a picturesque park with a beautiful pond. (Geese and frogs are seen on the regular.). Definitely a pretty spot for engagement photos or family pics. (I've done both here!)

We love North Ridge Pavillion!read more

Came here to kill some time in between appointments. Being a native Cedarapidian, I've never…read morevisited City Park. On the coldest day of the year I decided to park my car and watch the birds ---- bald eagles to be exact. At least 25 of them. Just, wow! Is this an Iowa City thing? If so, I'd drive here just to bird watch at City Park more often. Looks like a fabulous little park (from what I can see under all the snow). Would be a fun place to come back and visit during the warmer months. Recommend - if for no other reason than to bald eagle watch!

One of Iowa City's signature parks, new investments in the last few years have really improved this…read moreriverside gem. At more than 100 acres, it's massive and divided into Upper and Lower City Park. Outdoor pool? Check. Huge, new adventure playground? Check. Trails? Check. In addition to standard play features, City Park also boasts Riverside Theatre's Shakespeare Stage, historic cabins and public art. I do wish the pool was a modern aquatic center and the park had more wintertime activities, such as an outdoor skating rink. All around though, a solid place to spend a morning or afternoon!

Scenic and popular park with plenty of picturesque spots along the Cedar River and woodsy hiking…read moretrails. It was very busy when we visited one weekend, especially along the Cedar Cliff Trail at the far end of the park. We encountered several beautiful viewing areas of the river along this trail and also a short trail up towards the cute camping cabins. There are lots of stone benches to rest on. A wedding was in progress at the lodge, which is available, according to the website for day use. Some of the trails (like the one leading up to the lodge from the beach) are narrow and winding....but fun to hike! I particularly liked all the stonework we came across, such as could be seen with the signs, shelters and restrooms.

Palisades is my favorite local outdoor escape. My only complaint is that it's not a larger park,…read moremostly so the trails can be longer. They have a few different routes to explore through the woods and along the river. At the right time of day with the sun coming through the trees, it can feel pretty magical. I don't know that I'd describe the trails as beyond beginner, but there are some steep and rocky portions that require a sure foot. Speaking of rocky bits, if you're a climber, there are a few spots in the park to do so once registered with DNR. Along the river, you'll find folks fishing and there's a boat launch somewhere too. The park also offers camping and cabins. There's a reason Palisades is such a popular spot for special photos - particularly in the fall, it's absolutely gorgeous! Grab a hammock and your hiking boots and get on out there!

Quick to pick up a beverage or snack. Great pizza or burgers and fries, onion rings, cheese balls…read moreand lots of other choices. Friendly staff.

FW Kent Park continues to be a family favorite. Both because of how close it is to Iowa City (it's…read morejust three miles west of Tiffin on Highway 6) and it's beauty. We popped over this weekend for some fresh air and fall family photos. I am always just in awe of how busy the park is year round. Since my last review both of my kiddos have had the chance to take school field trips out to visit the Conservation Education Center, which is located at the park. It offers year-round educational programs and workshops. The staff is knowledgeable and the kids always have a blast. There's something for everyone at this gem. A bird blind for bird watchers. Access to the entire shoreline for anglers. Nine miles of trails for hikers and cross-country skiers. Seven historic bridges for photographers and families looking for fun family photos :) A large campground for campers-- available April through October. As well as a handful of picnic shelters (available via reservation). And, of course, Kent Park beach, my family's favorite (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) -- it is pristine, free and a great time. Overall, FW Kent Park is a wonderful place to get outside and clear your head. Drive over and explore today!

My coworkers and I visited Lake Macbride ~6:30PM on a Tuesday. Great service from this family run…read morerental company! They had plenty of pontoons available, and we selected the deluxe for a quick 1-hour trip around the lake. They were clean, well maintained and easy to operate. The employees answered all out questions and quickly taught us how to operate and what to avoid around the lake. The boats hold up to 8 people at $75 per hour (deluxe with plush seats), and there's a cheaper rate for the fishing boats. Great way to relax for our first time out in Iowa!

My coworkers and I visited Lake Macbride ~6:30PM on a Tuesday. Great service from this family run…read morerental company! They had plenty of pontoons available, and we selected the deluxe for a quick 1-hour trip around the lake. They were clean, well maintained and easy to operate. The employees answered all out questions and quickly taught us how to operate and what to avoid around the lake. The boats hold up to 8 people at $75 per hour (deluxe with plush seats), and there's a cheaper rate for the fishing boats. Great way to relax for our first time out in Iowa!

One of the best places in Iowa,I've seen yet! Biking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, full service…read morecamping, plus HOT SHOWERS!

This campground is clean and well kept. All the staff are amazing and offer campers a safe and fun…read moregetaway. The bathrooms/shower houses in all three campgrounds are also great to use. Our whole group of camping friends highly recommend this park!

ST Morrison Park is a long-time Coralville staple. Its idyllic fishing pond is surrounded by…read moreshelters, a (semi dated) playground, a plethora of (newer) tennis courts, the outdoor pool (which boasts two slides and a diving board) -- as well as youth ball diamonds. This park is home of the Music in the Park Concert Series, Farmers Market and 4thFest. I've been going to this park for decades, it rarely disappoints. Recently I've been renting the south ballpark for youth softball practices. It's well maintained, is appropriately priced per hour and has a plethora of (nearby) parking. You can reserve ball fields through the Coralville Rec online, via a form. (Spring softball fields are insanely hard to come by and require a draft.) ST Morrison Park is a great option for softball practice, a birthday party or just a trip to the park!

S.T. Morrison park is a delightful area just off the Coralville strip that provides a great place…read moreto go for a picnic, a run or just some chill time with the fam and pets. It's located off the back of the police station and community center and has tons of fields, ponds and shelters for whatever you're in the mood for. The Coralville water park is also attached and is a great spot to go chillax while the kids enjoy an amenity that too often requires a long drive. In addition to the great gathering areas, they have tennis courts, volleyball courts and number of baseball diamonds for use whenever. A great place to get outside and enjoy an afternoon regardless of what your interests!

Muscatine aquatic park - had a man try to intimidate me (female) in the pool yesterday 7/3/25…read more I was in the water, a younger kid jumped in beside me so I turned my face away because I had on prescription sunglasses on. A woman says "I don't know why you come to a pool and don't wanna get wet". To which I replied "since you're so concerned I moved my head so I wouldn't get splashed in the face". Her (assuming) Husband walks over to her and says "what's going on ?" The woman tells him something, and he then comes over to where I am (a good 30 feet away) and gets in my face yelling at me about "what the f*%! you say about my kid??" He was yelling so hard that his fake teeth flew out his mouth. I'm a 6 ft woman and I will not back down from a so called "man" who gets in my face. I backed up moved around and he was still in my face. I moved to the side of the pool to which he followed me and put his arm over mine and continued to yell. I wasn't quiet either, I was yelling telling him to get out of my face. He took a balled up fist and punched his other hand with it IN MY FACE, and flinched at me as if he was going to hit me. I pushed this man away from me and he fell back into the water. There wasn't a single person trying to help me out, no lifeguards blowing whistles or staff coming over. When they finally did, he went over to them and started talking..there were other women around upset because their kids were crying, telling him to stop (at this point I had got out of the poo). NOW people want to come over and talk and give their stories. I left the pool with my kids and called back to talk to the manager. Apparently he did nothing wrong, she said "oh we were looking for you to get your story". NO THANKS MUSCATINE AQUATIC CENTER! This man may like to intimidate women, but this one stood her ground! Muscatine Aquatic Center allows men to intimidate women in the pool..enter at your own risk!

The park has a pond, metal sculptures, that tells the parks past! A fantastic aquatic center for…read moreall ages! Picnic area, play area.! Shady also.!