Jones County: Nature, Culture, and River Trails

Jones County invites you to combine experiences in nature, waterways, and culture. The river valleys are characterized by sheer cliffs and scenic landscapes. At the same time, historic sites, museums, and the Grant Wood Scenic Byway lead through a region with many different facets. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, you can therefore consider whether hiking, canoeing, family experiences, or art and history should be the focus of your trip.

River Valleys, Forests, and Distinctive Landscapes

An impressive natural destination is Pictured Rocks. This 726-acre wildlife management area lies along the Maquoketa River. Steep limestone bluffs enclose a narrow river valley, while hiking trails lead through untouched hardwood forest. A developed river access point allows canoeing and kayaking on the Maquoketa River. If you would like to visit the caves at Pictured Rocks, you will need a permit form from the director of the Jones County Conservation Board.

Whitewater Canyon also combines striking scenery with nature observation. The 562-acre wildlife management area includes forest, upland, and shoreline habitats. Along Whitewater Creek, 200-foot-high cliffs rise above the water, complemented by scenic overlooks. Hikers have access to several caves and rock shelters. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are possible on ungroomed trails. These differences make the two areas interesting destinations for trips where, depending on the season, you can choose between water, forest, and winter activities.

Trails for Active and Shared Days

Central Park offers approximately five miles of hiking trails through forest, restored prairie, and wetlands. A special addition is the StoryWalk® Trail: it combines book pages with interactive activities and is designed as a family activity. At the Jones County Nature Center, you can discover exhibits, hands-on activities, and regular public programs. This makes it possible to combine time outdoors with environmental education without every outing having to consist exclusively of a long hike.

Other trails have their own distinct focuses. The Grant Wood Trail at the Martelle Trailhead is 0.5 miles long, paved, and open year-round. The 10-foot-wide, paved Wapsi Trail runs between Anamosa, the historic Hale Bridge, and Wapsipinicon State Park. Native prairie plantings have been established along its edge. The Wapsipinicon River flows approximately 43 miles through Jones County and thus shapes many of the water-based experiences.

Water, State Park, and Historic Structures

At Wapsipinicon State Park, visitors can enjoy boating on the Wapsipinicon River, hiking, camping, and cave tours. The multi-use trails are open in winter for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. If you would like to stay there overnight, the campground can be reserved in its entirety; reservations are required. Many of the park's structures, including the stone arch bridge, lodge, and shelters, were handcrafted by inmates from the nearby Anamosa State Penitentiary.

Several specific access points are available for canoeing and kayaking. Eby's Mill Access has a concrete, developed ramp and is suitable for kayaks, canoes, and tubes. Stone City Access allows canoeing and kayaking along limestone bluffs, rock cliffs, and wooded banks. The Eby's Mill Wildlife Area Leifker Addition also includes one mile of shoreline along the Maquoketa River, hiking trails, and is part of the Indian Bluffs-Pictured Rocks Bird Conservation Area.

Art, History, and the Grant Wood Scenic Byway

The Grant Wood Art Gallery displays prints of Grant Wood's paintings, furniture designed by him, and materials related to the Stone City Art Colony. The gallery is self-guided and can be visited for a voluntary donation. Another cultural destination is the Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum, which opened to the public in 2002. There, you can see original uniforms, architectural artifacts, weapons made by inmates, and detailed architectural exhibits.

For a drive featuring changing cultural and scenic impressions, the 80-mile paved Grant Wood Scenic Byway is an appealing option. It runs from Stone City to the Mississippi River. From Anamosa, the route heads west to Stone City and east to Antioch School. Antioch School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; from June through October 15, visiting hours are Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Depending on your preferred pace of travel, a vacation rental can therefore serve as a base for days in nature, museum visits, or a longer drive along the byway.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

For additional destination ideas, you can also explore Johnson, Decatur County, Muscatine County, Howard County, Jefferson County, Sioux County, and Hardin County.

For the higher-level travel overview: Iowa.