-Messenger photo by Elijah Decious
Ash, the miniature Australian shepherd, watches Nash Terry, 10, play with fresh, powdery snow on New Yearâs Day at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. -Messenger photo by Elijah Decious
A red-headed woodpecker breaks the soothing silence of a brisk winter day on Friday at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area with persistent taps. -Messenger photo by Elijah Decious
Rossi, a white Samoyed on her second New Yearâs Day hike in the woods, excitedly pulls owner Pete Wilcox, of Webster City, through Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. -Messenger photo by Elijah Decious
In the dead of winter, even the least attractive weeds and flowers find a refreshing new look after being glazed by ice and snow in a blizzard.
AJ TaylorDecember 30, 2020Last Updated: February 28, 2021
It’s time to start 2021 the right way in an Iowa state park. Everyone is invited to join the 2021 First Day Hike Challenge through the digital State Park Passport. The challenge takes the place of traditional guided hikes due to COVID-19.
With the First Day Hike Challenge, park visitors can check into any of more than 50 participating state parks on the passport from Friday, Jan. 1 through the end of Sunday, Jan. 3. Every check-in will qualify for a prize drawing of a2-night stay at a 2-bedroom cabin at Lake Darling State Park. Restrictions will apply on the cabin stay, with reservation fees and other business rules applying.
Dec 29, 2020
DES MOINES – The Iowa DNR and Travel Iowa invite Iowans to participate in the 2021 First Day Hike Challenge to ring in the New Year through the digital State Park Passport. The challenge takes the place of traditional guided hikes due to COVID-19.
“We are looking for ways to encourage both outdoor fun and social distancing,” said Todd Coffelt, Bureau Chief of Parks, Forests and Preserves. “First Day Hikes are a popular tradition in state parks, and the passport is a great way for people to enjoy winter hikes on their own or with their families.”
With the First Day Hike Challenge, park visitors can check into any of the more than 50 participating state parks on the passport from Friday, Jan. 1 through the end of Sunday, Jan. 3. Every check-in will qualify for a prize drawing of a 2-night stay at a 2-bedroom cabin at Lake Darling State Park near Brighton. Restrictions will apply on the cabin stay, with reservation fees and other business rules applying.