(Des Moines, Iowa) – What are your plans for New Year’s Day 2025? The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says Iowa state parks and forests invite you to enjoy the outdoors and take a hike! More than 40 locations are offering either a guided hike with park staff or a suggested hike to explore on your own. Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.

Find a First Day Hike near you, here: 2025 First Day Hikes Event List

In southwest Iowa, First Day Hikes are being held at the following locations:

Green Valley State Park
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Southeast parking lot on 140th St for the 5-mile hike on paged trail. OR South Shelter parking lot on 140th Street for 6-mile hike on grass path.
Park Address: 1480 130th St, Creston IA 50801
Description: Enjoy 2.5 miles of paved trail (5 miles round trip) from SE Parking Lot on 140th street to the main boat ramp. Or mowed grass path for three miles (6 miles round trip) from south shelter parking lot on 140th Street to North End of the lake. Dress for the weather.
Contact: (641) 782-5131.

Lake Anita State Park*
10:00 AM
Meeting Location: East side of beach parking lot
Park Address: 55111 750th St, Anita IA 50020
Description: Long Hike, 4 miles – starting at the beach parking lot, we will travel north on the all-weather trail and continue around the lake until we get back to the parking lot. Short Hike, 1.3 miles – starting at the beach parking lot we will travel north until the picnic area and turn back around and head back the way we came until we get back to the parking lot. Both hikes are very scenic and on a paved path through mostly restored prairie. This hike is on a paved trail with some moderate slopes.
Contact: (712) 762-3564

Lake of Three Fires State Park
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: When entering the park, turn left. You will find parking available at the boat ramp or at the top of the hill.
Park Address: 2303 Lake Rd, Bedford IA 50833
Description: Start this 1.5-mile hike at the trail head west of the dam. There is a bridge that will cross the spillway. Once across the spillway, keep making left turns and you will find yourself back at on the east side of the dam. Maps at the trail intersections with “you are here” arrows can help you find your current location.
Contact: (712) 523-2700.

Lewis and Clark State Park
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Parking lot for the beach area, which is near the entrance
Park Address: 21914 Park Loop, Onawa IA 51040
Description: Hike 1 mile around the loop along Park Loop Road to get the best the park has to offer, including views of the woods and lake. This trail is flat and paved. Dress for the weather.
Contact: (712) 337-3211.

Prairie Rose State Park*
3:00 PM
Meeting Location: Park Office
Park Address: 680 Road M47, Harlan IA 51537
Description: Join us for a 2-mile hike around the east side of the lake. The Friends of Prairie Rose usually provides hot chocolate and popcorn following the hike. We should see lots of animal signs on this hike. The grass trail is fairly wide and flat, with a few moderate slopes.
Contact: (712) 773-2701.

Springbrook State Park
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Meeting Location: Parking lot above lake OR small parking area near informational kiosk below dam
Park Address: 2437 169th Rd, Guthrie Center IA 50115
Description: This 1.37-mile hike travels around the lake, with optional side trails for those who wish to adventure out. If parking at the dam, walk up the stairs to the boat ramp for the trailhead. If parking above the lake, walk down to the shelter and take the trail to the right. Trail is moderate, but not ADA accessible, and may include stairs and possible areas of ice and snow. Please dress for the weather.
Contact: (641) 747-3591.

Viking Lake State Park
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Go to the extra-vehicle park lot near the campground entrance.
Park Address: 2780 Viking Lake Rd, Stanton IA 51573
Description: Enjoy the 1-mile Burr Oak Trail. This is a grass-mowed path.
Contact: (712) 829-2235.

Waubonsie State Park*
Noon – shelter open for potluck/refreshments. Hike starts at 1:00 PM
Meeting Location: Wa-Shawtee Lodge
Park Address: 2585 Waubonsie Park Rd, Hamburg IA 51640
Description: The 2-mile hike will begin at Wa-Shawtee Lodge and wind off-trail through the woods of Waubonsie State Park and the Militia Hollow Wildlife Management Area. The Friends of Waubonsie will be providing food and beverages before and after the hike. Watch the Friends of Waubonsie Facebook page for cancellation information. The trail is mostly compacted dirt, with some intermittent steep sections and rolling terrain.
Contact: (712) 350-0873.