NE Iowa Activities ~ There is such a wide variety of activities and events in the northeast Iowa area -- way too many to list all. We have listed the most popular attractions below and will add new ones as they grow in popularity.
Backbone State Park Hiking - Backbone Park has 21 miles of hiking and multi-use trails. Visitors can hike along trails winding through old twisted and windblown cedars and up rough, rocky staircases to one of the highest points in northeast Iowa, the "Devil's Backbone." Bicyclists can pedal through scenic splendor and explore the park on designated trails. During winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowmobile. Backbone also offers excellent trout fishing.
Bellevue State Park - Bellevue State Park offers hiking opportunities as well as outstanding views. One trail leads out to scenic overlook of the Mississippi, one winds past Indian burial mounds, one wanders through a restored prairie and a "Garden Sanctuary for Butterflies", and one takes you past an old limestone rock quarry.
Snow Mobile Trails - Trails Unlimited Snowmobile Club has trails through northeast Iowa, including the towns of Calmar, Fort Atkinson, Festina, Ossian, Jackson Junction, Waucoma, St. Lucas, Auburn, Hawkeye, Alpha, West Union, the Volga State Park, and Clermont. Trails Unlimited, 105 Dessel St., Ossian, IA 52161. Contact the President by phone at 563-532-7047.
Northeast Iowa Fishing Forecast from the DNR - The Mississippi River contributes to some of the great fishing experiences found in this region of the state.
Osborne Conservation & Welcome Center provides visitors many activities. The Osborne Native Wildlife Exhibit houses wild turkey, white-tailed deer, coyote, gray wolf, bird of prey, black bear, bobcat and cougar for visitors to view. The Nature Center, Arboretum, elk and buffalo pens, flower gardens and several trails provide nature lovers recreational opportunities.
Riverwalk - Elkader River Walk is a scenic and safe walkway along the Turkey River, connecting downtown Elkader to the City Park, George Maier Rural Heritage Center, swimming pool, campgrounds, and tennis courts. The six foot wide walkway is lighted and handicap accessible.
Monona Butterfly Park - Monona's new Butterfly Park is quickly developing into a relaxing place to enjoy some of nature's beautiful sights and sounds. Many volunteers have contributed to the construction of the trails, bridges and flower gardens.
An Adventure in History can be found at Spillville, Iowa -- The most Historic Czech Village in America and the Oldest Czech Community in Iowa.