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Southwest Region
Waubonsie State Park
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WAUBONSIE STATE PARK
WAUBONSIE STATE PARK
2585 Waubonsie Park Road
Hamburg, Iowa   51640

Phone: 712-382-2786
Reservations: 877-427-2757
Email: park email button icon
Camping
There are 40 campsites, 24 with electrical hookups, modern shower and rest room facilities and a trailer dump station. The equestrian campground contains 32 campsites and non-modern rest room facilities. 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.


Location
Waubonsie State Park is

Picnicking
Waubonsie is a great place for a family picnic. A scenic open picnic shelter may be reserved for a fee through the park manager.
Trails
There are 7 miles of foot trails and 8 miles of equestrian trails winding along windswept ridges down into gorges and valleys. Waubonsie offers the hiker a wonderful experience. The scenery along the trails is incomparable. The horseback rider will likewise enjoy the trails and the opportunity to use the equestrian campground. The Sunset Ridge Interpretive Trail provides visitors a chance to learn about many of the park's important plants and trees, as well as enjoy some tremendous views. Waubonsie State Park is a site on the national Lewis and Clark Historical Trail.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts should be aware that the park offers several miles of multi-use trails. However, these paths are primarily designed for hiking and horseback riding rather than cycling.

The terrain is quite rugged in places with steep inclines which may pose a challenge to less experienced cyclists. It's important to note that some sections might not be suitable for all types of bicycles due to rough surfaces or narrow passages.

Cyclists must share the trail with hikers and equestrians so it's crucial they exercise caution at all times. Always yield right-of-way when encountering other users on shared pathways.

Remember too, biking isn't permitted after dark within this area; plan your rides accordingly during daylight hours only.

Lastly, always wear appropriate safety gear including helmets while biking here as accidents can happen even under ideal conditions.
Birding
Birdwatchers can explore seven miles of trails, with opportunities to spot various species including warblers and woodpeckers. The park's diverse habitats attract a wide range of birds throughout the year. Visitors may also participate in birding events organized by local groups or use observation decks for better viewing experiences.
Area Attractions
Riverton Wildlife Area is 6 miles east of the park in Iowa and also provides opportunities to view wildlife.

Lewis and Clark Historical Trail - Waubonsie State Park is a site on this national historic trail.

Forney Lake is only 15 miles away on the scenic bluff road, and is nationally known for the thousands of geese that stop annually to feed and rest on their migrating route.

Waubonsie is located in the unique "Loess Hills," a landform found only along the Missouri River in Iowa and Missouri and in China. As glaciers melted 14,000 to 28,000 years ago, the Missouri River became a major channel for huge volumes of water and sediment during the summer. In winter, the volume of the meltwater was reduced, leaving the deposited sediments exposed to the wind. These sediments of silt, clay and very fine sand particles called "loess", were then carried by strong westerly winds and deposited when these winds encountered the steep slopes of the east valley wall.

There are several distinctive features of loess hills topography. Because of the fine texture of the soil, deep, steep-sided and very narrow ridge tops have been eroded in the hills. Small, step-like terraces called "cat steps" resulting from repeated slipping of the soil can be seen on many west-facing slopes. Since the soil drains rapidly, nearly vertical cuts can be made in the soil without erosion. The unique topography of the park resembles the "badlands" of the west and harbors plants like the yucca which are normally found in more arid climates.

Named for Chief Waubonsie of the Native American Pottawattamie tribe, the park is much the same today as it was when it was purchased in 1926. The changing seasons complement the beauty of this countryside. Spring brings the blossoms of dozens of varieties of flowers and shrubs. Summer beckons with cooling breezes on the high places and in shady glens. Nowhere in Iowa are there more brilliant splashes of color than at Waubonsie in the fall, and in the winter the bluffs and ridges are sometimes beautifully blanketed with snow.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
February 28 rip off by Linda_D_B
park review stars; one to five It might be a good idea to at least put notice on the fee collection post to let people know the park is closed. We took a trip to the park today, only to pay the $5.00 fee, then find out the park was closed. What a waste.
December 2 Happy to return!!! by Used to be called Dunkin
park review stars; one to five Returned to my childhood camp ground, The place just brought me back for three days to a carefree world, looking forward to a return!
October 30 park ranger by beavis
park review stars; one to five very nice and stopped and talked to a lot of people as he drove or walked through the park and.park was very clean. Looking forward to going again this December
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