 Photo Courtesy Ben Prepelka
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 Photo Courtesy Ben Prepelka
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Nearby Parks:
Lake Macbride State Park
Hawkeye State Wildlife Area
Swan Lake State Wildlife Area
Hoover Birthplace National Historic Site
Wapsipinicon State Park
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| State Park Overview: |
 | 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. |
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| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| 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. |
| 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. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| Hotels/Motels | |  | Carroll County Tourism - Carroll County, IL
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.
Web Site: http://www.gocarrollcounty.com |
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| | Note to Park related businesses:
List your vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental or any other park related activity, park related attraction or park related service on Google or StateParks.com. (more).... |
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| Related Links: |
| Illustrator leads walk at Palisades-Kepler State Park - ... Release: April 25, 2002 Illustrator leads walk at Palisades-Kepler State Park In conjunction with the May release of "Woodland ... a walk in the Palisades Kepler-State Park on Saturday, May 4 at ... | | Palisades-Kepler State Park - Palisades-Kepler State Park 700 Kepler Drive, Mount Vernon, Iowa. Iowa DNR Park Information Map to Park Map of Park Facilities Current water conditions from USGS At a flow between 8000 and 9000 ... | | photo of autumn fall tree trees foliage cedar river palisades kepler state park linn count - Image ID: eo0246.JPG autumn fall tree trees foliage cedar river palisades kepler state park linn county iowa ia limestone erosion Click on the butterfly to find similar images on our website, or ... | | Starcruiser Enterprises LLC - Weber Hovercrafts, the home of the StarCruiser 'quiet' hovercraft! Promoting hovercrafts and beyond ... October 3, 4 and 5th at Palisades Kepler State Park - Cedar Rapids, IA Hosted by Michael ... | | http://www.geocities.com/midwestclimber/ - ... Clayton, IA Home | Clayton, IA | IC Quarry, IA | CR Quarries | Other Small Climbs, IA Email us Coming Soon: A guidebook for Palisades-Kepler State Park. If we ever get around to working on it. |
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| Area Activities |
| Tourism | | | Carroll County Tourism - Carroll County, IL
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.
Web Site: http://www.gocarrollcounty.com |
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