Pilot Knob State Park

Pilot Knob State Park is a 700-acre preserve in Iowa shaped by glacial formations, dense forests, and marked hiking trails that weave through the terrain. An observation tower rising to 417 meters offers views across the landscape, while a 15-acre lake allows fishing and boating activities.

Citizens purchased the land in 1920 through fundraising and established it as a state park in 1923, making it one of Iowa's earliest protected areas. The 1930s saw major development when the Civilian Conservation Corps built infrastructure that shaped the park.

The Civilian Conservation Corps left visible marks through limestone structures like the amphitheater and picnic shelters that shape the park experience today. These buildings from the 1930s show how public work programs shaped the land for visitors.

The park has campgrounds with electrical hookups, modern shower facilities, and clearly marked trails for hiking and horseback riding throughout the grounds. Wear sturdy footwear since trails cross varied terrain and conditions change with the seasons.

Dead Man's Lake contains a floating sphagnum bog covering about 4 acres, a geological feature found nowhere else in Iowa. This fragile ecosystem shows how diverse the park's habitats can be.

Location: Hancock County

Inception: 1923

Elevation above the sea: 417 m

Website: https://iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Pilot-Knob-State-Park

GPS coordinates: 43.24889,-93.55722

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:02