Backbone State Park, Iowa

Outdoor living does a body good. So whatcha waitin’ for! Grow a backbone already and get out to Backbone State Park while the gettin’s good. This spot has recreation galore for hikers, bikers, climbers, anglers and professional picnickers. The pleasant lakeside setting surrounded by thick oak and maple forests is a sweet backdrop for all sorts of outdoor shenanigans. Boats can be rented, and the swimming beach is always there for a refreshing dip. Anglers can reel in bass and trout in the lake and streams. There are 21-miles of multi-use and multi-season trails to explore, and one of them takes you up to the geological showcase and park’s namesake the Devil’s Backbone, one of the highest points in the region. Oodles of campsites and some cozy cabins to choose from mean you should probably stay here a while to soak up all this goodness.