Dolliver Memorial State Park
Dolliver Memorial State Park reveals Iowa’s ancient geological past through its stunning Copperas Beds – vivid red-orange sandstone formations stained with iron deposits over 350 million years. This 570-acre park along Prairie Creek features box canyons, Native American mounds, and some of the most dramatic scenery in central Iowa.
Early settlers even used the “copperas” minerals for dye. Today, hikers can walk the creek bed beneath 100-foot sandstone walls, spot petrified wood embedded in the bluffs, and explore Boneyard Hollow’s box canyon – an experience unlike any other Iowa state park.
What Makes Dolliver Special
Copperas Beds
A 100-foot wall of sandstone stained red-orange by iron deposits. 350 million years of geological history visible in the rock layers.
Boneyard Hollow
A dramatic box canyon with rocky streams and towering cliff formations. Named for early settlers finding buffalo bones here.
Petrified Wood
Look for ancient petrified wood embedded in the sandstone bluffs – remnants of prehistoric forests.
Native American Mounds
Woodland Culture burial mounds from 800-1,200 years ago – sacred archaeological sites.
The Copperas Beds
The Copperas Beds are Dolliver’s crown jewel – a towering wall of 350-million-year-old sandstone with distinctive red-orange coloring from iron-cemented pebble conglomerate. Two ways to experience them:
- 📸 Overlook: A trail leads to a scenic overlook above the formations
- 🧗 Creek Bed Route: For adventure seekers, hike upstream through Prairie Creek directly to the formations (best when water is low)
History: Early settlers extracted the iron, magnesia, and sulfate minerals (“copperas”) from these rocks for use as dye.
Hiking Trails
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔥 Copperas Trail | 1.2 mi loop | 🟡 Moderate | CCC stone steps, Copperas Beds, ridge walk |
| Boneyard Hollow Trail | 1.0 mi | 🟡 Moderate | Box canyon, cliff formations, rocky stream |
| Prairie Creek Trail | 2.5 mi | 🟡 Moderate | Follows creek; option to hike in creekbed |
| Ridge Trail | 1.5 mi | 🟡 Moderate | Forest ridgeline, overlooks |
| Mound Trail | 0.5 mi | 🟢 Easy | Native American burial mounds |
🥾 Trail Tips
- Creekbed Hiking: Water shoes recommended; best in late summer when creek is low
- Photography: Morning light illuminates the Copperas Beds’ red-orange colors
- South Campground Trails: Most rugged terrain; prepare for steep sections
Camping Information
| Site Type | Count | Hookups | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Sites | ~25 | Electric | Near shower house |
| Non-Electric Sites | ~15 | None | More private, wooded |
Amenities: Modern restrooms, showers, dump station. All sites reservable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is copperas?
Copperas is a mineral compound (iron, magnesia, sulfate) that early settlers extracted from these rocks for use as dye. It gives the sandstone its distinctive red-orange coloring.
Can I find petrified wood?
Yes! Petrified wood from prehistoric forests is embedded in the bluffs. Look but don’t remove – collecting is prohibited.
Is the creek safe to hike in?
Yes, when water levels are low (typically late summer). Always use caution on wet rocks. Flash floods are possible after heavy rain.
🔶 Discover Iowa’s Colorful Canyons
Dolliver Memorial State Park offers geological wonders unlike anywhere else in Iowa – ancient sandstone painted with iron minerals and box canyons carved over millions of years.
📍 Address: 2757 Dolliver Park Ave, Lehigh, IA 50557
📞 Phone: (515) 359-2539
🌐 Reservations: iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com
