Backbone State Park

Backbone State Park was dedicated in 1920. It is Iowa's first state park and arguably remains Iowa's best state park. The park is named for its narrow and steep ridge of dolomite/limestone the "Devil's Backbone". Nearly a hundred years ago, State Geologist Samuel Calvin wrote these words about "The Backbone."

"Its sides are in places precipitous, the rocky cliffs rising sheer for more than 80 feet. Erosion and secular decay have carved the rocks into picturesque columns, towers, castles, battlements and flying buttresses."

Backbone consists of 2,002 acres and is heavily wooded with a variety of tree species, predominantly oak and maple. This woodland serves as a valuable refuge for a variety of wildlife including deer, raccoon, fox, turkey, ruffed grouse and many species of songbirds.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was established in April 1933 as a part of the New Deal Program of President Roosevelt as an effort to provide work for unemployed Americans during the Great Depression. Many of Backbone's buildings were constructed by the CCC from 1933 to 1941. Among the projects completed at Backbone were the dams on the Maquoketa River forming Backbone Lake, a cluster of rustic family cabins, beach and boat house, an auditorium, bridges, roads, picnic shelters, rest rooms, and trails. Most of these structures have been restored and the effort continues.

CAMPING
There are 125 sites located in two campgrounds. The South Lake Campground currently contains 59 non-electric sites and 41 electric sites. Also available at the south lake are 2 shower/restroom facilities, a playground and a sewage dump station. The Six Pines Campground near the west entrance of the park, contains 27 non-electric sites and provides 2 pit latrines, camping fees are paid by self-registration at the campgrounds on a first come first serve basis. No reservations are accepted. Registration and fee must be completed within 30 minutes after arrival.

CABINS
Two styles of family cabins are very popular. There are 16 cabins total, including 4 deluxe cabins constructed/completed in July of 2001. The cabins are equipped with heating and air conditioning. The two-bedroom style family and deluxe cabins are available year round. These are also ADA accessible. The one-bedroom style cabins are available April through October. All cabins are equipped with a kitchenette. Renters must provide their own bedding and dinnerware. The cabins are available on a reservation basis through the park concessionaire at 563/933-4225. Reservations may be made for the current year.

PICNICKING
Backbone is a beautiful place for a family picnic. Several open shelters, and an auditorium may be reserved for a fee through the park office, 563/924-2527. Plus, the beachhouse has been renovated and is reserved through the concessionaire, 563/933-4225. The beach-house is very popular for large groups, family reunions, weddings etc.

BACKBONE LAKE
Backbone lake is an impoundment of the Maquoketa River created by the CCC. Recreation on the lake includes swimming, boating, fishing and a concession stand for refreshments. A boat ramp is located near the southwest end of the lake. Motors are limited to electric only. A boathouse for renting boats, a swimming beach and concession stand are located near the southeast end of the lake. Anglers casting their lines in the lake may catch a variety of fish such as bluegill, bass, catfish, and trout.

TROUT FISHING
Backbone is well known for trout fishing in its cold, clear, quick-flowing stream. Richmond Springs, the source that feeds the stream pumps out over 1500 gallons per minute and is located near the north end of the park. Anglers can explore the stream through a variety of shady and easy accessible trails. Backbone also contains an ADA accessible section of trout stream which is very popular.

TRAILS
Backbone has approximately 25 miles of hiking and multi-use trails. Visitors can hike along trails winding through old twisted and windblown cedars and up rough, rocky staircases to one of the highest points in northeast Iowa, the "Devil's Backbone." During winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowmobile on the gated off park roads, designated trails, and the state forest trails. (Snowmobiles are not allowed into the State Forest).

CLIMBING
Climbers and rappellers will find many challenging cliffs of rugged dolomite limestone throughout the park. The most popular rock escarpments to climb are located near the Backbone Trail. Climbers and rappellers must register at the park office.

BICYCLING
Bicyclists can pedal through scenic splendor and explore the park on these designated trails; Barred Owl, Bluebird, East Lake, and West Lake, Mountain bikes must stay on the trails.

IOWA CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS MUSEUM
The Iowa Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum opened in 1990 and is located just within the park's west gate. It provides visitors with an interesting and informative look at the work of the CCC. Backbone was the site of 2 CCC camps and contains many buildings and structures built by the CCC. Special arrangements can be made through the park office. Whether you are a first time visitor to our area or an old friend, it is hoped that you, your family and friends appreciate the natural beauty; admire the handiwork of the stone and log structures created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's; enjoy the fishing, camping, hiking, and relaxation to be found within these "Places of Quiet Beauty".

NEARBY TOWNS
Backbone State Park is located 3 miles south of Strawberry Point in northwestern Delaware County. Dundee lies one mile to the south and Lamont 5 miles to the west.

Bixby State Preserve
Just north of Edgewood lies one of Iowa's hidden treasures. Bixby State Preserve was formed when R.J. Bixby a teacher, farmer, and legislator donated 69 acres to the state of Iowa. Today Bixby consists of 184 acres of rugged algific slopes, mature hard wood forests and a trout stream, Bear Creek, Bixby was dedicated as a State Preserve in 1979. The area is for day use only. Perfect for a quiet picnic, fishing, hiking, bird watching or just relaxing.

Facilities include a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) shelter that is uniquely built into a hillside, and a primitive restroom. Nature's Geological features make this park beautiful, and aesthetically incredible.

Ice Cave/Algific Slope
At one time ice bulged form the cave. Now the ice is only visible at the entrance. this rare natural refrigeration is called an "Algific Slope". Temperatures around the ice cave stay close to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The constant flow of cool moist air has created a micro-ecosystem that is full of rare and/or endangered flora and fauna. This is why Bixby is classified as State Preserve.

Big Springs
A short distance east of the Ice Cave is the big springs. The cool clear waters from this natural fountain flow into Bear Creek. At one time water was said to flow at 300 gallons a minute form four multiple springs.

Steamboat Rock
Steamboat Rock is a popular destination for hikers. This large south facing rock has separated from the north cliff. Some say it resembles a steamboat. Next to steamboat rock is another large rock with a cave, called Castle Rock. The climb to both of these rocks begins at the shelter house. the top of Castle rock provides a bird's eye view of the valley below, a rewarding sight for a vigorous hike.

EQUAL RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
all persons are entitled to full and equal enjoyment of the recreational opportunities, privileges and advantages available in Iowa's great outdoors.

Visit the Iowa DNR's website for more information on all of our State Parks and Preserves log.
http://www.iowadnr.com/parks/index.html