Stone State Park

Stone State Park covers a total area of 1,069 acres of land near Sioux City and spans across Woodbury County and Plymouth County in Iowa. The park was established in 1935 and protects several natural features of the land including a natural section of the Loess Hills. If you want to head over to the park, drive about four miles north of Interstate highway 29 towards the northwest corner of Sioux City. 

When you get to the park, you will find several special features that make this park an attractive proposition for most nature enthusiasts. Some of these features include the following. First, the park is the home to a wide variety of fauna and is a recognized national urban wildlife sanctuary that includes rare butterflies, such as the Olympia white and the Pawnee skipper. These butterflies can be found throughout the prairie ridges. 

Secondly, you will also find a wide variety of bird species including barred owls, turkey vultures, rufous-sided towhees, and ovenbirds. Third, you will find other animals like coyotes, wild turkeys, red foxes, and white-tailed deer. Fourth, the park also hosts the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center that features a ‘walk-under’ prairie, natural history dioramas, a children's discovery center, a 400-gallon aquarium of native fish and several other interpretive displays.

Those that want some fun or recreational activities to enjoy within the park will also have plenty of opportunities to engage in fun things to do in the park. Some of the fun activities that visitors can enjoy in the park include horseback riding, lake and river fishing, camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and snowmobiling.

If you have a dog, you are allowed to bring them into the park at no extra cost. With that said, you are expected to follow all Iowa State park rules. Some of the rules that relate to your dog include the following. First, you are always meant to keep immediate control of your pooch at all times. 

In fact, the park rules emphasize that you should always keep your dog either on a leash or in a secure enclosure at all times. The length of the leash should not be more than six feet in length. If you choose to camp in the park, you should also be aware that there is a pet limit of only two animals per yurt or cabin.