“Islands” and “Iowa” might be two words that you don’t often hear in the same sentence. And if you do associate islands with Iowa, it’s probably the islands of the mighty Mississippi River, islands like Sabula or Smith Island. In fact, you might not have even heard of Island Park on the outskirts of Rock Rapids, Iowa before.

But listen up, because Island Park and Campground is a charming place in a quiet, peaceful portion of Lyon County. True to its name, the park primarily consists of two river islands. It also boasts a ten-foot-wide paved trail, 1.6 miles in length, that crosses the Rock River on a former train bridge.

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The path provides access to Scout Island, including several easy walking loops and large pleasant grassy areas. The path forms a loop with a low water crossing when the river isn’t in its flood stage.

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This island world has an upper weir (low dam) and a lower weir, both of which add to the beauty and intrigue of this park and both of which can be seen from the trailway. With sprawling cottonwood trees and spacious grassy areas accented by the sight and sound of the river rushing over the weir, Island Park makes for a great walk and getaway.

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If you want to make a night of it, there are 22 updated camping sites with electric hookups and access to restrooms and showers in the pool house adjacent to the park.

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Additionally there are two cabins for rent which each sleep six and are equipped with a kitchenette microwave, refrigerator and air conditioning.

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Youngsters will have fun on the three playgrounds. The park is known to have some good fishing.

Island Park & Campground / Facebook

Wherever you are in this park, you won’t be far from the river, which is always a natural magnet for fun, beauty, and relaxation. And that’s as it should be; it carved out these islands and continues to keep close tabs on them.

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Have you ever walked across the train bridge to Scout Island at Rock Rapids’ Island Park? Did you even know you could? Learn more about Island Park here at the Rock Rapids website. For another Iowa island adventure, try one of those Mississippi islands we referenced earlier!

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Island Park & Campground / Facebook

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Address: Island Park, Rock Rapids, IA 51246, USA