Road Trips Starting from Cedar Rapids, IA
Best National Parks Near Cedar Rapids, IA
Indiana Sand Dunes National Park lies in the northwestern corner of Indiana four hours and 10 minutes southeast of Cedar Rapids on the shores of Lake Michigan. The park's most notable feature is its collection of rugged dunes, but it also contains rivers, forests, wetlands, and prairies. Popular activities for visitors include horseback riding, hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling. The beautiful park, which was granted national park status in 2019, is one of the newest national parks in the country.
You'll find Gateway Arch National Park right in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, four and a half hours southeast of Cedar Rapids. The park is home to the iconic 630-foot arch that towers high above the Mississippi River. If you want to get the full experience, you can take a trolley tour to the very top of the arch and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the region. The arch marks the location where Lewis and Clark began their famous expedition. The park also features several museums and historic buildings that you can explore during your visit.
If you drive nine hours northwest of Cedar Rapids, you will reach South Dakota's Badlands National Park. The park is known for its breathtaking landscape, which is one of the most unique in the country. The alien-looking park features numerous eroded buttes and pinnacles jutting out of the ground. Visitors can partake in hiking, biking, backcountry camping, stargazing, and wildlife observation. The park is inhabited by a variety of interesting creatures, including bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep.
Popular State Parks Near Cedar Rapids, IA
Wapsipinicon State Park lies in Eastern Iowa a half-hour northeast of Cedar Rapids and comprises roughly 400 acres of picturesque scenery. The park lies on the banks of the mighty Wapsipinicon River and contains 3.5 miles of lovely multi-use trails. There are also several well-known landmarks in the area, including a three-span bowstring arch bridge, the bowl-shaped Horse Thief Cave and the breezy Ice Cave.
An hour north of Cedar Rapids is Backbone State Park, the oldest state park in Iowa, and it comprises 2,000 acres. Visitors to the park can enjoy water-based recreation on the nearby lake, hiking and biking on the 21 miles of scenic trails, and touring several historic buildings. The most popular aspect of the park is the Devil's Backbone hike, which will take you to one of the highest points in the state.
Located near the city of Maquoketa, an hour northeast of Cedar Rapids, Maquoketa Caves State Park is known for its unique geological landmarks. The park contains 13 natural limestone caves that visitors can explore. The caves are linked by lush hiking trails and may have once been inhabited by ancient native peoples. The park also features an interpretive center, which is open every weekend between April 15 and October 15.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa features several interesting monuments and landmarks, such as the Effigy Mounds National Monument, which lies in the northeastern corner of the state and two hours north of Cedar Rapids. Native Americans have regarded the site as a sacred space for centuries, and the ancient mounds are in a wide variety of shapes, including some for different animal species.
Iowa City was once the capital of the state, and if you head there now, you can visit the Old Capitol Building. The building is the centerpiece of the University of Iowa's campus and has been preserved as a fascinating museum.
About two and a half hours southwest of Cedar Rapids, you can stop by the famous Bridges of Madison County. The bridges, which inspired the 1995 romance movie, are indeed real-life landmarks. There are six of the original 19 covered bridges still remaining, and you can see them in person.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
When you need a peaceful place to camp overnight near Cedar Rapids, one spot to consider is Lazy Acres RV Park, 22 minutes northwest of Cedar Rapids, which features 76 RV campsites with full hookups. You can refill your propane tank while you're there, and the campground contains an on-site pond and a great playground for the kids.
Another campground that's worth considering is the BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow, which is a half-hour southwest of Cedar Rapids. When you rent one of the 105 full-hookup RV sites, you'll also have access to a playground, pool, pond, and a variety of amenities.
You could also travel an hour and 12 minutes southeast of Cedar Rapids to stay at Interstate RV Park, which boasts 98 RV campsites with full hookups. The park also features a camp store and free Wi-Fi, and there's a truck stop within walking distance.
RV Dump Stations Near Cedar Rapids, IA
You’ll find several Iowa RV dump stations spread across Iowa City, and we've made choosing the best one easy by compiling a comprehensive list. This list of dump stations near Iowa City, IA, includes addresses, hours of operation, costs, direct links, and more so you can easily compare the different locations and their offerings. Both free and paid RV dump stations have been listed to suit your budget. When you're ready, search for RV rentals in the Iowa City area, book your spot at a top RV campground, and find the perfect storage facility for your RV. Crisscrossing this eastern Iowa city are major highways, such as Interstate 80 and Iowa State Highway 1, making it easy to access these resources.
