Iowa’s a big state with a lot of prairie in the middle, and that means there are many corners of the state that even lifelong Iowans might have never discovered. That’s especially common in the rural south of Iowa, where you won’t find any big cities. That’s where you’ll find what we think is the best secret park in Iowa – a hidden gem called Pioneer Ridge Nature Area. A rustic park filled with cabins, trails, lakes, and some great opportunities to see wildlife, it’s an ideal day trip for those who want to get away from it all. And away from it all is exactly where you’ll be – the park is located about halfway between Ottumwa and Bloomfield, in a beautiful stretch of rural land along Route 63. If you’re in the area, it’s an easy drive – but it’s worth driving from anywhere in the state to see!

Pioneer Ridge Nature Area is a south Iowa gem that is well worth exploring during the summer.
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This peaceful park is full of easy-to-navigate trails that are well marked. The Pioneer Ridge Pink Trail and Red Trail loop is a favorite.
Darrin Ochsner/Google Local
The park is rural but well-maintained, and you'll find benches along the trails to make navigating easier.
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Small lakes and ponds are the perfect view for a relaxing picnic.
Darrin Ochsner/Google Local
You'll also find many rolling fields, which are often blooming with wildflowers if you're there at the right time of year.
James Everhart/Google Local
There are even some rustic cabins on site, if you want to extend your stay here into an overnight.
Darrin Ochsner/Google Local
A two-floor nature center is the highlight of the area, serving as a small museum and day trip destination.
Travel Iowa
Of course, the best place to see nature is on a trail, where you can wander and wait for something amazing to come your way!
James Everhart/Google Local

Have you visited Pioneer Ridge Nature Center? Tell us about your visit to this beautiful secret park in Iowa in the comments section! You can find out more about the park’s many amenities on the official Wapello County Website. When you’re done with your adventure in nature, head north to Ottumwa for a legendary lunch counter or a stay at the historic Hotel Ottumwa.

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Pioneer Ridge, 1339, US-63, Bloomfield, IA 52537, USA