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Iowa
52

Iowa State Parks

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USA Parks
Iowa
Southeast Region
Palisades-Kepler State Park
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Palisades-Kepler State Park © Jim Van Winkle
Palisades-Kepler State Park Flower © Melissa Christy
This little flower was along the side of the trail.
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Amber Melvin
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Amber Melvin
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Amber Melvin
Palisades-Kepler State Park Palisades Park © Doug Schutjer
The sign at the entry way says it all
Palisades-Kepler State Park End of October © Doug Schutjer
Fall color approaching the peak.
Palisades-Kepler State Park Late Fall © Doug Schutjer
The overlook
Palisades-Kepler State Park Fall colors © Doug Schutjer
The overlook by the dam.
Palisades-Kepler State Park Fall colors © Doug Schutjer
Leaves in different stages of change.
Palisades-Kepler State Park Buddies watching the Cedar River © Doug Schutjer
Watching the Cedar on a nice sunny afternoon.
Palisades-Kepler State Park Fall Foilage © Doug Schutjer
The leaves have an interesting pattern.
Palisades-Kepler State Park Palisades Reflections of Fall © Doug Schutjer
Fall reflections on a tranquil Cedar River
Palisades-Kepler State Park Moving down stream © Doug Schutjer
Moving down stream
Palisades-Kepler State Park Sunrise Breakfast © Doug Schutjer
The rays of light cut through the morning fog.
Palisades-Kepler State Park Spring Growth © Doug Schutjer
Growth around the Lodge
Palisades-Kepler State Park Cedar River © Doug Schutjer
Water over the dam
Palisades-Kepler State Park Spring Flowers © Doug Schutjer
Spring flowers by the Lodge
Palisades-Kepler State Park WINTER ALONG THE CEDAR © Doug Schutjer
A LITTLE COLOUR IN THE WINTER MONTHS.
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Jim Van Winkle
Palisades-Kepler State Park © adriana Guizillini
Palisades-Kepler State Park © adriana Guizillini
Palisades-Kepler State Park © adriana Guizillini
Palisades-Kepler State Park © adriana Guizillini
Palisades-Kepler State Park © adriana Guizillini
Palisades-Kepler State Park © adriana Guizillini
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Ben Prepelka
Palisades-Kepler State Park © adriana Guizillini
Palisades-Kepler State Park © adriana Guizillini
Palisades-Kepler State Park © adriana Guizillini
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Ben Prepelka
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Robert Gruhn
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Robert Gruhn
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Robert Gruhn
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Robert Gruhn
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Amber Melvin
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Mike Jocic
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Mike Jocic
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Mike Jocic
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Mike Jocic
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Mike Jocic
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Mike Jocic
Palisades-Kepler State Park Floating © Doug Schutjer
Floating on the Cedar River.
Palisades-Kepler State Park Hung Up © Doug Schutjer
Early morning at the rapids.
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Mike Jocic
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Mike Jocic
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Mike Jocic
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Robert Gruhn
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Robert Gruhn
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Robert Gruhn
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Robert Gruhn
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Robert Gruhn
Palisades-Kepler State Park © Mike Jocic
Palisades-Kepler State Park © James Berger
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PALISADES-KEPLER STATE PARK
PALISADES-KEPLER STATE PARK
700 Kepler Drive
Mount Vernon, Iowa   52314

Phone: 319-895-6039
Reservations: 319-895-6039
Email: park email button icon
Palisades-Kepler State Park lies along the beautiful Cedar River in Linn County. The 840-acre park has dramatic river bluffs, deep ravines, majestic hardwood trees, a large variety of wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife. Palisades-Kepler State Park is also important for its prehistoric past. A molar tooth of a mammoth was once found here and the exposed rocks along the Cedar River are laden with fossils of millions of years of history. The presence of Indian mounds reminds us that this was a favorite haunt of Native Americans hundreds of years ago.
History of the Area
In the late 1890s, James Sherman Minott acquired 160 acres of timberland on the Cedar River and built a spacious inn for the accommodation of visitors. He also established a boat rental and sold lots for the building of summer cottages. Many people took advantage of this and soon the population of the area numbered over 200. Afternoon outings on the Cedar River, capped by a quiet dinner at the combined log cabin restaurant, general store, and hotel, were common in the early 1900s. Noted American poet Carl Sandburg was a yearly visitor to the "Palisades" during the 1920s and 1930s.

In 1922, Palisades-Kepler State Park was established. Much of Minot's original land had been acquired and the State Board of Conservation had taken special notice of the unique bold cliffs and proclaimed that "these palisades lining the Cedar River are quite special." In September of 1928, the Board of Conservation accepted the gift of property from the estate of Louis H. Kepler, essentially doubling the size of the park. The Board added his name to the park name. Since that time, almost 700 acres have been added to Palisades-Kepler.

In July 1934, a Civilian Conservation Corps company was established at Palisades-Kepler. Three barracks and a mess hall were built; then, work started on the building of many park facilities. The roads, hiking trails, entry portals, lodge and other timber and stone structures remain to give the park much of its rustic character. The C.C.C. camp of 200 young men closed in 1941.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Cabins
Palisades-Kepler has four family cabins available for weekly rentals. The cabins, which can accommodate up to four persons, feature a shower, restroom, stovetop and refrigerator. Cabin users must provide their own bedding, towels and other camping items. The cabins can be reserved for a fee through the Internet at www.reserveiaparks.com or by calling toll-free 1-877-IAPARKS.
Camping
The campground at Palisades-Kepler is a fine place for a weekend outing or a two-week vacation. It has 44 campsites, 26 with electrical hookups. Modern shower and restroom facilities are available, as well as a trailer dump station. Starting February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lodge
The lodge at Palisades-Kepler is a beautiful stone structure built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It makes a fine setting for group events such as wedding receptions and family reunions. Reservations must be made through the park office.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. A boat ramp is available on the Cedar River, providing access to water-based activities such as canoeing and kayaking. Motorized boats are also allowed but must adhere to speed restrictions in certain areas. Fishing opportunities abound with species like catfish, bass, crappie and northern pike found within these waters.
Fishing
Fishing:

The Cedar River offers some excellent fishing for a variety of species, including channel catfish, bass and bluegills. Anglers often try their luck by boat or along the shore above and below the old dam on the Cedar River.



Picnicking
Palisades-Kepler State Park is a beautiful place for a family cookout. Picnickers can enjoy themselves, while at the same time, enjoying views of the beautiful Cedar River and the tree-lined bluffs along it. An open picnic shelter is available and may be reserved for a fee through the park office.
Trails
Palisades-Kepler is a wonderful place to hike. On the six miles of trails, walkers can often see a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. Many species of trees, shrubs and flowers are also present along with innumerable species of songbirds.
Birding
The park offers birding opportunities with over 200 species recorded. It's home to various songbirds, raptors and waterfowl.

Birdwatchers can explore multiple habitats including woodlands, riverbanks and prairies for diverse sightings.

There are four miles of trails available that provide excellent vantage points for observing birds in their natural habitat.

During migration seasons (spring & fall), the area becomes a hotspot attracting numerous rare migratory birds.

You may spot Bald Eagles near Cedar River during winter months or American Redstarts in summer.

A checklist is provided by Iowa Ornithologists' Union detailing all possible avian encounters within the premises.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 22 Great-despite unexpected lawnmower by Kimberly_R
park review stars; one to five Such a lovely park with beautiful trails. Camp manager was lovely. The bathroom and showers were well maintained and very clean Enjoyed our stay so much. The only negative was our last morning when they started lawn mowing the campground at 830 am. The grass didn't need mowing at all but beside the point. I get that it needs to be done. The lawnmower operator came within a couple feet of us sitting outside and kicked up all kinds of dirt and dust. We went inside to close up our RV. He continued to mow the same exact circle on our site over and over and over which kicked up all kinds of dust. It would have been nice to have a heads up and maybe only mow when needed. There was zero difference after mowing except all the dust he left behind. Despite that we will visit again and watch out for this guy. Ha Really a lovely campground
November 26 Beautiful place by Yelena
park review stars; one to five rocks, river ravines wood help you relax from everyday busy life city problems stress fisheman`s paradise
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Hotels/Motels
You will feel right at home when you reach Carroll County, our corner of beautiful Northwest Illinois. The magnificent Mississippi River and outdoor spaces will refresh your spirit and touch our soul.
70.9 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
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Iowa
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