Pikes
Peak State Park
Pikes
Peak State Park
Pikes Peak State Park is located on the highest bluff
overlooking the Mississippi River, just east of Highway 340 about 1½ miles south of McGregor in Clayton County, Northeast Iowa
(see Map 1 below). In the heart of one of the nation's most picturesque regions, the Park offers a unique combination of natural diversity, history and scenic beauty.
From the top of the 500-foot bluff, the confluence of the Wisconsin River and the mighty Mississippi may be seen to the
south. To the north, the view of the twin suspension bridges connecting Iowa and Wisconsin is breathtaking.
The bluffs that rise above the Mississippi River at Pikes Peak State Park expose geologic strata from the Cambrian Jordan Formation thru the Ordovician Dunleith Formation of the Galena Group. The park is located in the "Paleozoic Plateau" region of Iowa, an area that was subjected to only the earliest glacial advances, with most glacial materials erosionally removed.
Native Americans of the Woodland Culture (800 to 1200 A.D.) sculpted "effigy" mounds, in the shapes of animals, on many ridge tops in the area, including in Pikes Peak Park. In 1693, explorer Louis Joliet and Father James Marquette became the first Europeans to view the great unknown river now called the Mississippi, as their canoes reached the Wisconsin River just east of the Park. This event is captured in a diorama just inside the entrance to Iowa Hall in the University of Iowa Natural History Museum in Iowa City
(see below). Follow Highway 340 at the south end of McGregor's Main Street, wind upward about 1.5 miles, and you arrive at Pikes
Peak State Park, the highest bluff on the Mississippi River. Pikes Peak, in the heart of one of the nation's most picturesque
regions, offers a unique combination of scenic beauty, history, and outdoor recreation opportunity.
Map 1. Map of NE Iowa and Pikes Peak State Park
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The
Concession Building at Pikes Peak State Park |
HISTORY OF PIKES PEAK STATE PARK
In this area, Native Americans of the Woodland Culture of 800 to 1200 A.D. sculpted earthen "effigy" mounds on ridge tops, in the shapes of animals, to celebrate their oneness with Mother Earth. Many of these mounds remain today as a monument to these people and a reminder to us that we are also of the earth.
In 1673, the first white men to see what is now Iowa, explorer Louis Joliet and Father James Marquette, reached the mouth of the Wisconsin River (see picture below) and beheld the great, unknown river now known as the Mississippi. After the Louisiana Purchase, the government sent Zebulon Pike in 1805 to explore the Mississippi valley and select locations suitable for military posts. Pike recognized the park site as an important, strategic point, and an excellent location for a fort. The government agreed on the vicinity but selected the prairie around Prairie du Chien (now Wisconsin) for the fort. Several years later, Pike was again sent westward by the government and named Pikes Peak in Colorado.
Diorama depicting Native Americans observing Marquette and Joliet as they
approach the Mississippi River.
Diorama from Iowa Hall, Museum of Natural History, University of Iowa, Iowa City
(Click on diorama for higher resolution
image)
In 1837, Alexander McGregor established a ferry across the Mississippi River. McGregor's Landing was established at the site of the town that now bears his name. When Mrs. Munn, the grand-niece of McGregor, died, her will provided that Pikes Peak be given to the federal government as a gift. The land had been inherited from McGregor. It was later conveyed by Congress to the State of Iowa and became Pikes Peak and Point Ann State Parks in 1935. Mrs. Munn had never allowed settlers on the land and as a result, the landscape at Pikes Peak today probably does not vary much from the way it was hundreds of years ago.
PICNICKING IN PIKES PEAK STATE PARK
Pikes Peak State Park offers excellent picnicking opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely outdoor meal and, at the same time, enjoy some of the finest views in the upper Midwest from the overlooks and trail viewing platforms. A rustic stone open picnic shelter is located in the main picnic and overlook area as well as two open "gazebo" shelters. The stone shelter may be reserved for a fee through the park ranger. A playground located near the stone shelter offers fun for younger visitors. The sidewalk and shelter in the picnic-overlook area are accessible to the mobility-impaired as are the shower buildings, several overlook structures and the "effigy bear mound."
CAMPING AT PIKES PEAK STATE PARK
Pikes Peak State Park has an attractive campground with 77 campsites. It includes 60 electrical sites, modern shower and restroom facilities and a trailer dump station. The park concession, located just a short distance from the campground, offers a variety of refreshments, ice and souvenirs to campers and other park visitors. Camping permits are obtained by self-registration at the campground. Camping Fees can be paid at the site.
TRAILS IN PIKES PEAK STATE PARK
Pikes Peak State Park is a hiker's delight. On its trails, hikers can explore beautiful wooded bluffs and valleys. Along the trails, hikers will see sheer walls of Decorah limestone, and fossil remains including brachiopods, gastropods and cephalopods. The trail goes past Bridal Veil Falls, a refreshing spring. The other trail leading to the Point Ann overlooks and the town of McGregor offers an invigorating hike with breathtaking views. An exercise trail is located at the edge of the campground.
ANNUAL "FESTIVALS" AND "SPECIAL" EVENTS
Volkssport Trails & Events. Six permanent Volkssport Trails have been established for seasonal use within state parks and recreation areas.
Whether you are a first time visitor to our areas 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 camping, hiking and relaxation to be found within these "Places of Quiet Beauty". (other annual festivals and special events)
BICYCLING
Mountain bikes are allowed on a portion of the trail system running from Hoestead Park to McGregor Parking. The Northeast State Park Bike Route connects Wapsipinicon, Backbone and Pikes Peak State Park, utilizing a portion of the bike lane on the Great River Road. Detailed brochures are available.
OTHER NEARBY RECREATION SITES
Effigy Mounds National Monument, 7 miles north on Iowa 76. Villa Louis Historical Site, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Ft. Crawford Medical Museum, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge District Office and Visitor Center, between McGregor and Marquette. Yellow River State Forest, 15 miles north on Iowa 76.
NEARBY TOWNS
The cities of McGregor and Marquette, Iowa, located 2 to 3 miles north of the park offer a variety of sight-seeing, shopping and dining opportunities.
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. The campground, picnic area and overlooks are accessible.
