Get out of town
4 nearby parks, towns and places to explore, ordered by straight-line distance.
27 miles southeast · straight-line distance
Presidential library and museum for U.S. President Herbert Hoover in West Branch, Iowa.
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73 miles west · straight-line distance
City in and the county seat of Jasper County, Iowa, United States.
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82 miles north · straight-line distance
National monument of prehistoric mounds built by Native Americans, in Iowa, United States.
HikingWildlife viewingAgency site ↗
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82 miles southwest · straight-line distance
State park in Marion County, Iowa.
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Driving times are typical estimates from the city center without live traffic, Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Distances are measured in a straight line from the city, not by road. Some older drive-time estimates have no reliable date and do not reflect current traffic; routes to large parks or waterfronts may vary. Check the destination entrance before leaving. Place descriptions come from Wikidata. Photo credits include capture dates when available; photos may not show current conditions.
40 recreation areas and campgrounds within 134 miles, from Recreation.gov. Filter by what you want to do.
11 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 20 min by car (14 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
The Sandy Beach Cammpground is located on the northern shores of Coralville Lake. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in…
BoatingCampingFishing
15 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 25 min by car (22 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Sugar Bottom Day Use Area is a day-use facility located on the shore of Coralville Lake.
CampingDisc GolfFishingHikingMountain BikingPicnickingSwimmingWater Access
16 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (23 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
The Sugar Bottom Campground is located on the shores of Coralville Lake. The Coralville Lake Project is a multipule use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation,…
BikingCampingFishingHiking
18 miles southeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Coralville Lake is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management, forest management and water quality improvement.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryNature educationOff-highway vehicles
18 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (22 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND IS CLOSED FOR THE 2026 RECREATION SEASON The Cottonwood Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project.
CampingHiking
18 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (23 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
East Overlook Day Use Area is a day-use facility located on the east side of the Coralville Lake Dam.
BikingCampingHikingPicnickingWildlife viewing
18 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 25 min by car (22 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
The Linder Point Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project.
CampingHikingWildlife viewing
18 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (23 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
The Tailwater East Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingWildlife viewing
18 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (22 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
The Tailwater West Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project.
BikingBoatingCampingDisc GolfFishingHikingWater Activities
18 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (22 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Tailwater West Day Use Area is a day-use facility located along the tailwaters of the Coralville Lake Dam.
CampingFishingHikingPicnickingWater AccessWildlife viewing
18 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (23 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Turkey Creek Day Use Area is a day-use facility located on the east side of the Coralville Lake Dam.
CampingDisc GolfPicnickingWildlife viewing
18 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (22 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
The West Overlook Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingSwimmingWater AccessWater Activities
27 miles southeast · straight-line distanceNational Park Service
Orphaned at age nine, Herbert Hoover left West Branch never to live here again. In later years, he returned to his humble birthplace to celebrate his long career of public service.
HikingHistoryPicnickingWildlife viewing
53 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 20 min by car (74 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
The Mississippi River Project’s Muscatine Ranger Station has gone to a new way to pay for First-Come First-Serve campsites at the Blanchard Island Recreation Area. This new way is called "Scan & Pay".
BirdingBoatingCampingFishingWater Access
55 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 15 min by car (74 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Shady Creek Campground is a 22-acre park where campers enjoy getaways on the banks of the Mississippi River. A nature trail, shore fishing and fantastic bird watching are offered at Shady Creek.
BoatingCampingFishingHiking
57 miles southeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 20 min by car (76 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Clarks Ferry is a outdoor lovers delight, with fantastic bird watching and lots of shore fishing opportunities with our new accessible fishing dock!
BirdingBoatingCampingFishing
59 miles southeast · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service
The 24,149 acre Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge was established for the protection of migratory birds and other wildlife. Although the U.S.
ArcheryBackpackingBikingBirdingBoatingFishingHikingHunting
64 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Lynxville, WI. and Guttenberg, IA.
BoatingFishingHistoryHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing
67 miles northeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Fifteen campgrounds dot the shoreline along the upper Mississippi River Project. Facilities include campsites, boat ramps, picnic shelters, interpretive programs, hiking trails and eagle watching in the winter months.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedPicnickingWater sports
69 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 55 min by car (99 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Blanding Landing is situated in a lush river valley on the east bank of the great Mississippi, just 13 miles from Galena, Illinois. Rich deposits of minerals line the landscape.
BirdingCampingFishingPicnickingWater AccessWildlife viewing
69 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 40 min by car (94 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Spread along the banks of the Upper Mississippi River, the Grant River Campground, located in the "Catfish Capital of Wisconsin," is a modern campground that offers a plethora of outdoor and recreational activities.
BirdingCampingEvening ProgramsFishingPicnickingWater Access
72 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 25 min by car (92 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
With impressive views of the mighty Mississippi River, Fishermans Corner provides convenient RV and tent camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts.
BikingCampingFishing
77 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 40 min by car (91 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is a hidden gem located on the Mississippi River. Whether you like camping, fishing, boating, or just taking in nature, Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is the perfect place.
BirdingBoatingCampingCanoeingFishingKayakingPaddlingPicnicking
78 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 50 min by car (113 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
North Overlook Campground is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingSwimming
78 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 50 min by car (113 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Wallashuck Campground is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake. It is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 minutes from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHiking
79 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 50 min by car (115 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Fifield is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 miles from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 miles from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world.
BikingBirdingCampingPicnickingWildlife viewing
79 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 50 min by car (113 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Howell Station Campground sits just below the Red Rock Dam and Lake on the north side of the Des Moines River.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingWildlife viewing
79 miles southwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Lake Red Rock is Iowa's largest lake and is just 10 minutes from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage and 15 minutes from Knoxville, Sprintcar Capital of the World.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedNature education
79 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 50 min by car (114 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
North Overlook Picnic Shelter is located adjacent from North Overlook Campground on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake.
BikingBirdingCampingHikingMountain BikingPicnickingWildlife viewing
79 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 50 min by car (114 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
South Overlook is located on Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake. It is just 10 miles from Pella, known for its Dutch heritage, and 15 miles from Knoxville, the Sprint car capital of the world.
BikingBoatingCampingHuntingWildlife viewing
80 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 50 min by car (115 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
This recreation area is part of Lake Red Rock
CampingHikingPicnicking
81 miles north · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service
Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1989 under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Two federally listed endangered species, the Iowa Pleistocene snail and northern monkshood, are found on the refuge.
ArcheryBirdingBoatingFishingHikingHuntingPhotographyWildlife viewing
81 miles north · straight-line distanceNational Park Service
The mounds preserved here are considered sacred by many Americans, especially the Monument's 20 culturally associated American Indian tribes.
HikingWildlife viewing
87 miles west · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 with the mission to actively protect, restore, reconstruct and manage the diverse native ecosystems of tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and sedge meadow.
BikingBirdingCross Country SkiingEducational ProgramsFishingHikingHuntingPhotography
91 miles north · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Genoa, WI and Lynxville, WI.
BoatingCampingFishingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing
100 miles southwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Over 700 campsites are available at this 11,000-acre lake in the rolling hills of southern Iowa. Excellent camping, fishing, hunting, boating, state fish hatchery, and Honey Creek Resort, are major attractions.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedNature education
105 miles west · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
The Saylorville Lake Project is 26,000 acres, which stretches for over 50 miles up the Des Moines River Valley.
BoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingNature educationPicnickingWater sports
114 miles north · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Dresbach, MN and Genoa, WI.
BoatingCampingFishingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing
133 miles north · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Located within the scenic Upper Mississippi River Valley between Trempealeau, WI and Dresbach, MN.
BoatingFishingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing
134 miles south · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service
What is now known as Great River National Wildlife Refuge began in 1958 as part of Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge, a sprawling refuge which included units along the Mississippi River in Iowa, Missouri and Illinois.
ArcheryBirdingBoatingFishingHikingHuntingMotor BoatNature education
Recreation areas and campgrounds from Recreation.gov's directory, checked October 28, 2026. Listings are not live availability: check Recreation.gov or the managing agency for open dates, fees, reservations and conditions. Directions go to the listed coordinates, which may not be the entrance. Campground driving times: Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.
This guide includes Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, Newton, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Elk Rock State Park. Places are ordered by straight-line distance. Confirm visitor access, opening hours and current travel conditions before choosing a trip.
Approximately 27 miles southeast in a straight line. This is not current traffic or a route to a confirmed visitor entrance. Check your route before leaving.
Approximately 73 miles west in a straight line. This is not current traffic or a route to a confirmed visitor entrance. Check your route before leaving.
Approximately 82 miles north in a straight line. This is not current traffic or a route to a confirmed visitor entrance. Check your route before leaving.
Recreation.gov lists 25 campgrounds within 80 miles, including Sandy Beach Camp (11 miles southeast), Sugar Bottom Day Use Area (15 miles southeast), Sugar Bottom Campground (16 miles southeast). Check Recreation.gov for current availability, seasons and reservations.