I’ve Visited These Iowa State Parks Passport Stops: Here’s Why Each One Is Worth Exploring

The Iowa DNR's State Parks Passport isn't just a way to earn points and prizes, it's an invitation to discover some of our most beautiful, historic, and overlooked places in the state. As someone who loves a good adventure, I probably should have already started adding up my points across the state; well now you can too, and I'll tell you how. From rugged limestone bluffs and hidden caves to dense forests and scenic river valleys, every stop on the Passport offers something uniquely Iowa.

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One of my favorite parts about exploring Iowa has been realizing just how much natural beauty exists right in our own backyard. Over the past several years, I've hiked trails, climbed overlooks, wandered through forests, explored caves, tried backpacking, and photographed countless destinations that are featured on our Iowa State Parks Passport.

Credit: Tom Drake | Maquoketa Caves State Park

Whether you're standing atop the Devils Backbone of Backbone State Park, venturing underground at the Maquoketa Caves, enjoying the river bluffs at Palisades-Kepler, or discovering the upside-down bridge at Wapsipinicon State Park, each destination offers its own memorable experience.

Credit: Tom Drake | My kids at Palisades-Kepler in Cedar Rapids.

The Passport also encourages visitors to seek out some of Iowa's incredible forest lands. Yellow River State Forest remains one of my premier hiking, and now backpacking, destinations in the state. The Loess Hills showcase a landscape found in only a few places on Earth.  Iowa's public lands are diverse and remind us that adventure can be found in every corner of the state.

Credit: Tom Drake | My family exploring the Loess Hills.

The Iowa State Parks Passport program lets you earn points by visiting participating parks through October 31st, 2026, with each park worth anywhere from 100 to 300 points. Points can be redeemed for rewards, including $5 off a camping stay at 500 points, a state park koozie at 1,000 points (for the first 200 passholders), and a state park tote bag at 2,500 points (for the first 175 passholders). When you redeem rewards, your points reset to zero so you can continue collecting more prizes. In addition, every park check-in automatically enters you into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a three-night cabin stay at Pine Lake State Park near Eldora, with unlimited entries as you visit more parks.

Credit: Tom Drake | Yellow River State Forest, Luster Heights North Overlook

The best part is always the journey itself. The State Park Passport gives Iowans a reason to take the scenic route, discover hidden gems, and create memories with friends and family along the way. Enter proof of your Iowa adventure into the photo contest and then spend a few points on some swag for getting active! Every check-in is another opportunity to experience the beauty of Iowa.

Credit: Tom Drake | Pine Creek Grist Mill at Wildcat Den.

I have explored so many amazing Iowa natural gems, check out a few of my adventures below, and plan yours today!

• Built by Inmates and Legends: This State Park Defines Anamosa, IA
• Exploring Pine Valley Nature Area in Iowa’s Driftless Region, Monmouth
• Big Springs Nature Park: Hidden Spring in Guttenberg, Iowa
• Eagle Scout Trail Hike at Mines of Spain, Dubuque
• Explore Iowa's State Park with the Largest Concentration of Caves, Maquoketa
• Iowa Hidden Gem — Exploring the Valley of 13 Caves, Bernard
• Iowa Hidden Gem Features 6 Ponds and 8 Wetlands in Jones County, Wyoming
• Discovering Iowa’s Hidden Gems: A Hike Through Baileys Ford Park, Manchester
• Heritage Pond Offers Up a Nature-Filled Family Escape in Dubuque
• Kayaking, Fishing, and Wildlife at Mud Lake Near Dubuque, Iowa
• What is the Most Beautiful Place in Iowa? Yellow River State Forest, Harpers Ferry
• Photos and History of Iowa's Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry
• Adventure Awaits at Iowa's Desoto National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri Valley
• Iowa Adventure Leads to Horseshoe Falls at Pinicon Ridge Park, Central City
• Iowa Hidden Gem Offers Spectacular Canyon Views, Bernard
• Explore Eastern Iowa's Highest Point at Our Oldest State Park, Dundee
• Iowa Hidden Gem Offers Up Fossil Exploration in Coralville
• Dubuque is Muskrat Heaven Right Now: Check out Deere Dike Park
• Iowa Hidden Gem Offers Rock Climbing, Hiking, & Stellar Views, Monticello
• Dubuque is Muskrat Heaven Right Now: Check out Deere Dike Park
• Backpacking the BP Loop at Yellow River State Forest Iowa, Harpers Ferry
• White Pine Hollow Is Iowa’s Hidden Forest Hiking Gem, New Vienna
• Beauty Abounds in Western Iowa's Loess Hills, Pisgah
• 11 Peaceful Places in Iowa Where You Can Unplug and Reconnect
• Iowa's Backbone State Park: Trails, Caves, Streams, and History, Dundee
• Wildcat Den State Park Muscatine, IA: A Hike in Photos
• Photos: Eden Valley Refuge in Baldwin, Iowa
• Photos: Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
• Hiking Decorah: Lovely Nature in a Beautiful Town
• Photos: Iowa's Palisades-Kepler State Park, Cedar Rapids
• The Little Maquoketa River Mounds State Preserve In Dubuque, IA
• Proving Grounds Recreation Area: A Dubuque Outdoor Gem (PHOTOS)