Discover the Serenity of Lake MacBride

Getting There

• Car

  From any location in Iowa Great Lakes, head south on Highway 71 (S) until you reach the junction with Highway 9. Take Highway 9 E and continue until you reach the junction with Highway 20. Merge onto Highway 20 E towards Waterloo. After approximately 15 miles, take the exit toward I-380 S. Continue on I-380 S for about 50 miles. Take exit 18 for US-218 S toward Mount Pleasant. After about 10 miles, take the exit for IA-1 S. Continue on IA-1 S for about 15 miles until you reach Lake MacBride State Park. Follow the signs to the park entrance. Note: There may be a small entrance fee for the state park.

• Public Transportation

  If you are using public transportation, start by taking a local bus or shuttle service to the nearest major bus station in Iowa Great Lakes. From there, you can take a Greyhound or regional bus that heads toward Iowa City. Once in Iowa City, you will need to take a taxi or rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft) to get to Lake MacBride State Park. Be sure to check the bus schedules in advance as they may not run frequently. Note that rideshare fares can vary, so it’s good to check the app for estimated costs before booking.

• Bike

  For those who are adventurous and enjoy biking, you can rent a bike in Iowa Great Lakes. Follow the trail that heads south along the lakeshore until you reach Highway 71. From there, take the scenic route on county roads that lead toward Lake MacBride. This route is about 20 miles and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. Make sure to wear a helmet and have water with you for the journey. Keep in mind that some parts of the route may not have dedicated bike lanes, so be cautious.