State Park Location Maps:
(click here to zoom and navigate local map)
(click here to zoom and navigate regional map)
View TOPO Maps!
Get directions to this park:
State Park Photo Gallery:
volunteer positions open
State Park Event Calendar:
volunteer positions open
Nearby Parks:
Round Lake State Wildlife Management Area
Lewis And Clark State Park
|
| State Park Overview: |
 | The 344 acre Preparation Canyon State Park is a remote and lovely area still relatively untouched by humans. The park is located in Iowa's unique Loess Hills and is surrounded by dramatic ridges on the north, south and west. It provides a beautiful backdrop for hikers and family picnics. Picnic tables, a shelter and non-modern toilets are provided. In order to help protect the canyon's natural seclusion and the remaining evidence of its dramatic past, camping is restricted to hike-in camping only at the designated sites. Preparation Canyon State Park lies at the very north end of Loess Hills Pioneer State Forest. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
| Be the 1st to Review Preparation Canyon State Park. You can rate it, post a comment on it, or do both. |
| |
| Trails: |
| Several trails wind their way through the rugged Loess Hills, and along the many streams and springs found in the area. These trails will also take you to the hike-in camping sites. A nature study area is located in the eastern area of the park. |
| Picnicking: |
| Preparation Canyon State Park is an excellent place for a picnic or family cookout. Picnickers can enjoy themselves, while also enjoying views of the dramatic ridges an unique Loess Hills. A shelter is available and can be reserved for a fee by contacting the park manager at Lewis and Clark State Park. |
| History of the Area: |
| The 344 acre the park encompasses what was once the town of Preparation. In 1853, Charles B. Thompson broke from the Mormon wagon train to Utah after receiving a message from the "Spirit." The Mormon leader and elder led 50 to 60 Mormon families to Kanesville, now Council Bluffs. Upon much searching, Thompson and a few select men chose the area called "Monona," an Indian name meaning "Peaceful Valley." Here they organized the town of Preparation, complete with houses and schools and started Monona County's first newspaper which Thompson owned and operated.
This place was their "School of Preparation for the Life Beyond." The Mormons soon learned they had discovered one of the richest farming valleys in the new territory. Realizing the valley's potential wealth, Thompson's newspaper printed this message from a spirit he called "Beneemy": "I appoint Charles B. Thompson chief steward of my house to receive, hold, manage and direct all the treasures of my house to him." Believing this, the people turned over all deeds and possessions to Thompson, who grew quite wealthy. Thompson also taught his followers to call him "Father Ephraim" after the Ephraim in the Holy Scriptures.
In 1856, the people realized their mistake and asked for the return of their property, but "Father Ephraim" refused. Angered, the people decided to lynch Thompson. After receiving warning from a young follower, Thompson escaped the mob by hiding in a friend's attic in Onawa. Thompson fled the state, unable to secure the deeds. Many disillusioned Mormons then left the valley and headed for Utah.
In 1856, the Iowa Supreme court divided the land equally among the remaining families, whereupon the town of Preparation began to grow. At one point, Preparation had sixty-seven houses, a post office, skating rink and blacksmith shop. But by 1900, the town had faded and all that survived was a stockyard operation which closed in 1946.
Martha and Walter Perrin, descendants of the original Mormon families, sold 82 acres of their land to the state of Iowa in 1934. In 1969, Martha Perrin sold another 157 acres and, eventually, the Perrin family homestead site to the state. These acres of land once contained the town of Preparation, including the valley the Mormons had settled many years ago for their "Preparation for the Life Beyond." |
| |
| |
| | Advertise your park related business
on stateparks.com
...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, etc read more.... |
|
| Related Links: |
| Loess Hills Hideaway Cabins and Campground - Preparation Canyon State Park - Loess Hills Hideaway Cabins and Campground - Preparation Canyon State Park ... Click on map for directions: Preparation Canyon State Park The 344-acre Iowa state park is a remote and lovely ... | | Loess Hills Hideaway Cabins and Campground - Attractions - Loess Hills Hideaway Cabins and Campground -Attractions ... Hiking and Skiing - Loess Hills Pioneer State Forest, Preparation Canyon State Park, Loess Hills Wildlife Area, Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area ... | | IOWA - IOWA COUNTY CITY LOCATION DATE LEWIS AND CLARK STATE PARK 07/16/00 PREPARATION CANYON STATE PARK 07/16/00 MONONA ONAWA 07/17/00 Back To: STATES HOME EMAIL US IMAGES | | Places - ... trails. 1200 acres, woodlands and loess prairie. Nesting woodland birds, Butterflies, Southern flora PREPARATION CANYON STATE PARK: (Not shown on map): (Public, No fee) N. of Pisgah, IA, off Hwy ... | | Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation: Prairie Rescue 2003 - ... Point Preserve (4/12) Waubonsie State Park (4/26) Nestor Stiles Prairie Preserve (4/26) Preparation Canyon State Park (4/26) Vincent Bluffs Preserve (4/26) Sheeder Prairie Preserve (4/26) Central ... | | Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation: Western Iowa Prairie Rescue Locations - ... Prairie Rescue Nestor Stiles Prairie Preserve Preparation Canyon State Park Folsom Point Preserve Loess Hills State Forest ... Preparation Canyon State Park Saturday, April 26, 2003 9 a.m. - 1 ... | | Loess Hills State Forest - Loess Hills State Forest is located... ... in 1997, provides visitors with a spectacular view of the forest. Preparation Canyon State Park is located on the northeast corner of the Preparation Canyon ... |
|
|
| |
|
USA
