Stone State Park: Loess Hills Oasis

Stone State Park, an urban wildlife sanctuary on the edge of Sioux City, Iowa, lies in the heart of the Loess Hills. This unique geological formation, created by windblown glacial silt, offers a rugged and remote feel despite its proximity to the city. The park's history dates back to private ownership, including a period when it housed a menagerie of animals that evolved into a public zoo in the 1920s. During the Great Depression, the land was deeded to the state, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed many of the park's iconic structures in the 1930s, including the Stone Lodge, entrance portals, and Calumet shelter. These structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Stone State Park provides a diverse range of recreational opportunities. Over 15 miles of trails cater to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular. The Carolyn Benne Nature Trail offers an interpretive walk through the park's natural history. Scenic overlooks provide views of the Big Sioux and Missouri River floodplains. Turtle Lake offers fishing opportunities, and the nearby Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center provides educational exhibits on the Loess Hills. The park also offers camping facilities, including electric and non-electric campsites, camping cabins, and a youth group campsite. Shelters and a day-use lodge are available for reservation. Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and various plant species.