Stone State Park, Sioux City Travel Guide

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Explore the rugged beauty of Iowa's Loess Hills at Stone State Park, offering hiking, camping, and scenic views near Sioux City.

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Stone State Park

Stone State Park, nestled in Sioux City's Loess Hills, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Established in 1935, the park features over 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use, along with scenic overlooks and historical structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

A brief summary to Stone State Park

5001 Talbot Rd, Sioux City, Iowa, 51103, US
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Monday 4 am-10:30 pm
Tuesday 4 am-10:30 pm
Wednesday 4 am-10:30 pm
Thursday 4 am-10:30 pm
Friday 4 am-10:30 pm
Saturday 4 am-10:30 pm
Sunday 4 am-10:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Stone State Park.

Wear sturdy shoes for hiking, as the trails can be steep and uneven.
Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, especially for spotting deer and birds.
Visit the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center to learn about the unique Loess Hills geology and ecology.
Reserve camping cabins or shelters in advance, especially during peak season.
Check for severe weather warnings, as there are no designated storm shelters in the park.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Sioux City Public Museum

Sergeant Floyd River Museum

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

LaunchPAD Children's Museum

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Explore Stone State Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Stone State Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Interstate 29, take exit 151 for Highway 12 North. Continue north on Highway 12 for approximately 4 miles to reach the park entrance. Follow Talbot Road directly to the park. Parking is available in designated lots throughout the park.
Public Transport

Sioux City Transit Route 8 may offer service to areas near Stone State Park. From the nearest bus stop, follow Talbot Road to the park entrance. Check Sioux City Transit for schedules and fare information. A single ride fare is typically $1.75 [The price is an estimate and may vary].

Discover more about Stone State Park

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.