Recreation

Named "The Beautiful Land" by Native Americans, Iowa has something for everyone. The state's terrain can accommodate everything from downhill skiing to bicycling. Iowa's forests, rivers and lakes offer space to play and explore.

If you're a nature lover, you can camp, swim, boat, or fish in Iowa's 56,000 acres of state parks. Iowa has more than 380 golf courses and eight major ski areas. Or, take advantage of over 1,000 miles of trails that criss-cross the state. Iowa is one of the nation's leaders for rail/bicycle trail conversions, offering a variety of trails including snowmobile trails, equestrian trails, nature and hiking trails, and canoe routes.

If you're a fish-and-game enthusiast, Iowa offers an abundance of opportunities for all seasons. Hunting is popular across the state, with Iowa as the nation's leading pheasant hunting state. Fishing can be found in 19,000 miles of interior fishing streams and four large recreational and flood control reservoirs. The bordering Mississippi and Missouri Rivers offer water sports, scenery and both passenger and commercial water travel. There is an abundance of game and campgrounds along with 265 man-made and natural lakes, including two major natural "great lakes" areas.

Whatever your idea of recreation, Iowa's the place to do it. Explore some of what Iowa has to offer here.