Camping & Outdoor Blog
Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
The legendary heart of Joshua Tree National Park.
Introduce
Lake Macbride State Park is a hidden gem nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Iowa, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and natural beauty. Located just outside Solon, this state park provides endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Whether you're an avid hiker, a biking enthusiast, or simply looking to unwind by the water, Lake Macbride has something for everyone.
- Beautiful Scenic Trails: The park boasts well-maintained trails that cater to all levels of hikers, from casual strollers to more adventurous explorers. Discover stunning views of the lake, lush forests, and open meadows as you traverse the network of paths.
- Water Activities Galore: Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on the serene waters of Lake Macbride. The gentle current makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely float. During summer months, boat and kayak rentals are available at the beach area.
- Fishing Paradise: Anglers will find plenty of opportunities to cast their lines year-round. The lake is known for its variety of fish species, making it a favorite destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Lake Macbride State Park also features a charming spillway and a beach area that's perfect for picnics or relaxing by the water. With extended hours from early morning to late evening daily, visitors can enjoy ample time to explore and make the most of their visit.
"Fabulous state park for hiking, biking, kayaking & fishing. Beautiful spillway & lake. Well maintained trails. Nice beach area with boat & kayak rentals Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Excellent hiking & fishing year round."
"Definitely one of the most accessible and well maintained lakeside walking trails I've had the privilege of exploring. Plenty of splendid scenes to see, with places to stroll or lightly hike, and enough shade or sun for any casual hiking preference."
Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a peaceful retreat in nature, Lake Macbride State Park promises an unforgettable experience. With its diverse activities and stunning natural scenery, it's no wonder visitors return year after year to create lasting memories.
Gallery
Highlights
Picnics
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Activities
Hiking
Amenities
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Slides
Swings
Children
Good for kids
Good for kids birthday
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
Pets
Dogs allowed
Shirley Amthauer
Feb 19
Fabulous state park for hiking, biking, kayaking & fishing. Beautiful spillway & lake. Well maintained trails. Nice beach area with boat & kayak rentals Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Excellent hiking & fishing year round.
Elliott Yu
Sep 05
Definitely one of the most accessible and well maintained lakeside walking trails I've had the privilege of exploring. Plenty of splendid scenes to see, with places to stroll or lightly hike, and enough shade or sun for any casual hiking preference. The water spreads restful without any real waves or current, so it made kayaking an altogether leisurely experience. Nothing too exciting, since you have to stop at the falls, but still worth it if you're seeking out a gentler occasion. The falls themselves are gentler still, making it a fairly tame place to meander and enjoy the sounds of water. Thank you Iowa, I had a time and a half.
Ellie
Nov 03
I found Lake Macbride by accident while on a drive. It's quite lovely in the fall. I don't know a lot about it but it's quite large. I was near the dam where it feeds the Iowa River. The one way drive along the shore is lovely
Zette St.Charles
Aug 18
Our Annual Flamingo Cruise is for my birthday always a great time. I feel like the manager is very uptight and seems to always has comments on size and weight issues of our group. Repeats the rules as if her staff are incompetent or we are stupid. Once we pull away from her trying to stress us out then our ride is perfect. All the boaters wave and smile to each other and yo feel like you are in another place other than Iowa.
Amber Lynn
Sep 01
This place is stunning 😍. From walking trails to kayak rides it is gorgeous. Relaxing and adventurous all in one trip.