Iowa state parks will not host their usual, guided First Day Hikes this week, but officials still encourage residents to hit the trails.Â
The guided hikes, which at some local parks drew hundreds, will not be held this year due to COVID-19 concerns.Â
However, the state is hosting the First Day Hike Challenge in its place. Participants can check into more than 50 participating state parks from Friday, Jan. 1, through Sunday, Jan. 3, with the free State Park Passport program, according to a press release. It states that every check-in will qualify a participant for a prize drawing of a free, two-night stay at a two-bedroom cabin at Lake Darling State Park.
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.
Join the First Day Hike Challenge in Iowa State Parks
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.”