Waubonsie State Park

I stopped here on my drive to South Dakota a few weeks ago. Not too far off I-29. Walked the sunset ridge trail which has a nice section out along a bluff overlooking the farmland. One section was a bit strenuous, but overall not too bad. I wouldn't mind checking out some of the other trails on another trip.

So many easy, medium and difficult hiking trails. The campground and cabins are very nice!! I was a lil shocked by how well kept this park is! Mincer orchard is right outside the park too! Since fall started this park is where I have been on the weekends! Very lovely and breathtaking this time of year! 10 out of 10 recommend!! At least go to the outlook, it's gorgeous!! Short drive from Omaha or Council Bluffs. My friend got much better pictures this last weekend as the leaves changed! Oh, they are open year round too. Booking cabins or camp sites are over a year out. This used to be a Girl Scouts Camp, but ended in 2005. That dining hall could be a frickin gold mine of a restaurant too.

Waubonsie State Park in southwest Iowa is an incredible place to explore, especially in the fall. Nestled within the scenic Loess Hills, the park’s landscape feels almost mountainous — rolling dunes of ancient windblown soil that rise and fall like little peaks. It’s a rare and beautiful terrain found in very few places in the world. In autumn, the tall prairie grass turns gold and crimson, and the mix of oak and hickory forests creates a picturesque backdrop for hiking. The trails wind up and down through wooded hills and open meadows, offering constant changes in elevation and stunning views. The overlooks throughout the park provide breathtaking vistas of the Missouri River Valley and the endless horizon of the surrounding hills. A perfect place for hiking, photography, and quiet reflection — Waubonsie is Iowa’s version of a mountain escape without leaving the Midwest.

Great campsites with or without horses. Nice trails are available for horses riding, biking, or hiking. Campground is located on hills, therfore ground is uneven.

Overall a nice park with some decent trails portions are singletrack through prairie grass, so expect to walking through tall grass, and the views are worth it. No ticks or chiggers, few mosquitoes, some flies - nothing bug spray couldn't handle. The raccoons are abundant and friendly, will try to walk right into camp for unattended food or trash, but not aggressive. The campsites are close together, I was in non-electric 35 during the week with most everyone else in the electric sites to the north. If it was a weekend or several people I'd consider getting two sites together. Park staff drive through several times during the day and feels pretty safe.