Pikes Peak State Park

Pikes Peak State Park covers a total area of 970 acres of land in Clayton County, Iowa and can be found near McGregor City. The park was established in 1935 and offers several attractions that make the park popular including access to the Mississippi River and a river bluff that is about 500 feet long. This bluff, which is called Pikes Peak (named by Zebulon Pike), is the highest one on the Mississippi River and offers visitors a picturesque view of the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Wisconsin River to the south. 

If you look north from the bluff you will see the twin suspension bridges connecting Wisconsin and Iowa. Access to the main entrance to the park can be found approximately three miles southeast of McGregor, on County Road X-56. The park also offers several manmade facilities that make this park an enjoyable place to visit. 

Some of these amenities include picnic areas and open picnic shelters, playground, concession, modern shower and restroom facilities, scenic overlooks and viewing platforms, trails, and over fifty campsites (most of which have electrical hookups). These amenities allow visitors to the park to enjoy recreational activities like mountain biking, camping, and hiking.

As is the case in all other Iowa State Parks, dogs are allowed into the park. There are certain rules and regulations that however need to be observed to ensure that everyone at the park has a good time and that everyone remains safe. Some of the regulations that need to be observed are as follows. First, all dogs must be restrained either through a leash that has a maximum length of six feet or through a secure enclosure. 

All dogs must be attended to at all times and not allowed to wander around the park. Dogs are prohibited from going into any park buildings with the exception of camping tents, yurts, and cabins. If you choose to use the cabins or yurts, you should be aware that there is a two-dog limit for every cabin or yurt. Additionally, it is also expected that you will follow basic pet etiquette which includes cleaning up after your pet and then immediately discarding the poop in available receptacles.