Ledges State Park

You can launch a canoe on the Des Moines River or fish from the river banks. The river sits in the western part of the park. Use the eight miles of hiking trails to reach the Pea's Creek Canyon summit with its sandstone cliffs. Near the picnic shelters, the interpretive trail leads you through the oak woods and see lichens.

Gasp in awe at the sandstone "Ledges" that soar more than 100 feet in the air. In the winter months, use the trails for a little cross-country skiing. You can see the Hutton Memorial on the north side of the canyon. It's a memorial to Murray Lee Hutton who directed the Iowa State Conservation Commission in 1935.

At the campground, you find a few options for tents and RVs. There are sites with hookup facilities and others just for tents. Clean up in the modern restrooms with showers. Kids love playing on the playground in this area. You can also use one of the primitive sites located throughout the park. Ted's Firewood Sales delivers firewood for campers.