Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

The park wraps around a dramatic bend of the Des Moines River, where the water swings in a broad horseshoe through the hills of southeast Iowa. This is timbered, rolling country, more rugged than the flat farmland much of the state is known for, with wooded ridges dropping to the river and sheltered valleys between them. Trails lead to overlooks where the river curves away below.

Within the park a quiet lake tucked into the woods offers swimming, paddling, and fishing, a peaceful counterpoint to the moving river nearby. The mix of forest, lake, bluffs, and river gives the park a variety that rewards a lingering visit, and its large size means there is room to find solitude among the trees.

This stretch of the Des Moines River holds ancient burial mounds built by Native peoples long ago, quiet earthen features within the park that testify to a human presence here reaching back thousands of years. These mounds are sacred places, and visitors are asked to treat them with respect, staying on trails and honoring their meaning.

The wider region lies within the historic homelands of the Meskwaki and the Sauk, whose peoples lived and traveled along the Des Moines River and its valleys, and whose history is woven through this land. Later, the river drew settlers and travelers, including Mormon pioneers who crossed here on their long journey west, adding further layers to the story of the river bend.

Lacey-Keosauqua is among Iowa's oldest state parks, and it bears the mark of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Depression-era program that built trails, shelters, and lodges in parks across the country. The park's stone lodge and structures date from that era, solidly crafted from native materials and still in use, giving the grounds a handsome, timeworn character.

The park is named in part for John Lacey, an Iowa congressman remembered as an early champion of conservation who helped shape the nation's laws protecting wildlife and antiquities. That legacy suits a park that safeguards both a rich natural landscape and the ancient mounds within it, and that has welcomed generations of Iowa families to its woods and waters.

Just outside the park lies one of Iowa's most charming historic areas, the Villages of Van Buren, a string of small 1800s river towns that have kept their old buildings and unhurried pace. Keosauqua itself, at the park's edge, is an old county seat with a historic courthouse and an early river-crossing history, and nearby Bentonsport and other hamlets preserve mills, iron bridges, and antique shops.

Together the park and the villages make southeast Iowa's Des Moines River country a place apart, quiet, historic, and beautiful, off the beaten path of the busier parts of the state. It rewards travelers who slow down to walk the wooded trails, watch the river bend, and wander the old streets of towns that time seems to have passed gently by.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, near the historic town of Keosauqua in southeastern Iowa, is one of the state's largest and most scenic parks, set along a great looping bend of the Des Moines River amid wooded hills, ravines, and bluffs. A classic park with charming Depression-era stone-and-timber structures, it offers hiking trails through beautiful forest, a lake with a swimming beach, camping, rustic cabins, ancient Native American mounds, and lovely river scenery. Rich in nature and history, it is a beloved destination in the Van Buren County river country. With its wooded trails, lake, river scenery, and historic structures, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park offers a beautiful outdoor destination in southeastern Iowa.

You can hike the scenic trails through wooded hills, ravines, and along the Des Moines River, swim at the lake beach, boat and fish on the lake, camp or stay in the rustic cabins, picnic, see ancient Native American mounds, and enjoy the river views and the charming historic stone-and-timber park structures. The forest trails, the lake, and the river scenery are highlights. It is a favorite for hiking and relaxing getaways. With its trails, lake, camping, cabins, and history, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park offers a rewarding outdoor experience near Keosauqua in southeastern Iowa.

The trails wind through wooded hills, ravines, and along bluffs above the river, so wear sturdy shoes, watch your footing on steep or slippery sections, and keep children close near the bluffs and water. When swimming, stay in the designated beach area and supervise children, and boaters should wear life jackets. Bring insect repellent for the woods in summer and stay on trails to protect the ancient mounds. Being cautious on the trails and mindful of the water ensures a safe and enjoyable visit to Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in southeastern Iowa.

Late spring through fall is the prime time for hiking, swimming, camping, and enjoying the river and lake, when the weather is mild and the woods are green, with summer ideal for the beach and fall bringing spectacular color to the wooded hills and river valley, a favorite time to visit. Trails can be muddy after rain. Winter offers quiet beauty but icy trails. For the best combination of pleasant weather and scenery, aim for late spring through fall, with fall especially beautiful, at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in southeastern Iowa.

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is near the historic town of Keosauqua in southeastern Iowa, along the Des Moines River and beside the historic Villages of Van Buren including Bentonsport, within reach of the Old Threshers Heritage Museum at Mount Pleasant, Snake Alley in Burlington, and Lake Wapello State Park to the west. That makes Lacey-Keosauqua State Park a scenic stop to combine with the Villages of Van Buren, the Des Moines River, and the other attractions of southeastern Iowa on a visit to the state.