Black Hawk State Park

Tucked in the southeast corner of the charming town of Lake View, the Black Hawk State Park is a furrific spot to enjoy some R&R with the whole family, including four-legged members. Spanning 86 acres, it features the southernmost glacier-formed lake in Iowa, the 957-acre Black Hawk Lake. Needless to say, water activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing are pawpular here.

Feel the wind in your hair as you and Fido take a cruise along the lake. There are three boat launching ramps located within the park and no motor size restrictions on the lake. Before you set off, make sure your doggo has their life jacket on. Water-loving pups will also enjoy playing at the swimming beach at the east end of the campground. Note that this area is unsupervised, so always keep an eye on your pooch!

Puppers who would rather stay on land can go exploring on the 1-mile Stubb Severson Nature Trail. This interpretive, multi-use path contains 20  marked sites that allow visitors to learn about the various trees and shrubs in the park. As you and your furry hiking partner follow the trail, you may encounter deer, waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife. You can also use this trail to access the Witches Tower, a hexagonal stone shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. From the tower, you and Fido will be treated to pawsome views of the Black Hawk Lake area.

If you and your pooch need to take a break from exploring, stop by one of the park's many open picnic shelters and enjoy a picnic by the water's edge. For a longer stay, make yourselves at home in the spacious campground, which includes electric and non-electric campsites. Wherever you go in the park, always keep your pup on a 6-foot leash and clean up after them. Dogs may not be left unattended in the campground.

For outdoor relaxation in northwest Iowa, head to the Black Hawk State Park!