Home » Stargazing spots » Iowa

Palisades-Kepler State Park

Palisades-Kepler State Park

General Information

NamePalisades-Kepler State Park
CategoryState park
StateIowa
Address 700 Kepler Dr, Mt Vernon, IA 52314 (View on Google Maps)

Palisades-Kepler State Park, located in eastern Iowa, offers diverse natural features ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is known for its scenic hiking trails that wind through wooded areas, rugged bluffs, and along the Cedar River, presenting opportunities for wildlife observation, including deer and bald eagles. Various routes cater to different skill levels, making it a family-friendly destination. Amenities include cabins for overnight stays and picnic areas with tables and grills. The park’s location provides dark skies, perfect for stargazing. Its clean and well-maintained environment attracts visitors year-round, especially for winter hiking and vibrant fall foliage views.

Enjoyed this article?

Get daily 10-minute PDFs about astronomy to read before bed!
Sign up for our upcoming micro-learning service where you will learn something new about space and beyond every day while winding down.

Join the Waitlist

Be the first to receive our daily 10-minute astronomy PDFs and help shape our launch!

Please enter a valid email address

You're on the list!

Thank you for joining our waitlist. We'll send you an email as soon as we launch our astronomy PDFs.

Open Hours

  • Friday: 4:30 AM–10:30 PM
  • Monday: 4:30 AM–10:30 PM
  • Saturday: 4:30 AM–10:30 PM
  • Sunday: 4:30 AM–10:30 PM
  • Thursday: 4:30 AM–10:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 4:30 AM–10:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 4:30 AM–10:30 PM

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Yes

Activities

  • Hiking: Yes

Amenities

  • Barbecue grill: Yes
  • Picnic tables: Yes
  • Public restroom: Yes

Children

  • Good for kids: Yes
  • Kid-friendly hikes: Yes

Pets

  • Dogs allowed: Yes

Contact Information

Phone(319) 895-6039
Website