Dolliver Memorial State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Dolliver Memorial State Park — Famous for its unique geological “Copperas Beds,” towering sandstone bluffs, and beautiful location deep within the Des Moines River valley.
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“>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
Deep in the Des Moines River Valley
Dolliver Memorial State Park is a hidden gem tucked deeply into the gorge carved by the Des Moines River. Surrounded on all sides by vast expanses of flat agricultural land, descending into the park feels like entering a different world. The dense canopy of the mature hardwood forest plunges the valley floor into deep, cool shade, creating a microclimate that supports lush ferns and diverse wildlife totally absent from the upper prairie.
Exploring the Copperas Beds
The unquestionable highlight of the park is the massive, exposed geological formations known as the Copperas Beds. Towering nearly 100 feet above Prairie Creek, these towering sandstone bluffs display incredibly complex, horizontally swirled layers of oxidized iron, creating streaks of brilliant reds, oranges, and purples in the stone. Geologists and casual hikers alike find themselves fascinated, as water constantly seeps from the porous rock face.
Hiking and Historic Architecture
Navigating the park is a deeply scenic experience. The trail system requires crossing Prairie Creek several times, sometimes necessitating wading through the shallow, clear water. Throughout the park, visitors will also notice the distinct, highly durable stone architecture. Many of the beautiful rustic lodges and stone retaining walls were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression, adding an element of historical craftsmanship to the dense wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Iowa state parks free?
Yes, Iowa state parks are completely free to enter. There are no entrance fees or vehicle permits required. Camping fees apply and reservations can be made through the Iowa DNR.
Can I explore caves at Iowa state parks?
Yes, Maquoketa Caves State Park features over a dozen caves that visitors can explore, including Dancehall Cave with electric lighting. It is one of the most unique state parks in the Midwest.
What are the best state parks in Iowa?
Top parks include Maquoketa Caves (cave exploration), Pikes Peak (bluffs overlooking the Mississippi), Backbone (Iowa’s oldest state park), Ledges (sandstone formations), and Lacey-Keosauqua (scenic river bluffs).
What is the best time to visit Iowa state parks?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions. Fall foliage peaks in mid-October along the Mississippi River bluffs. Summer is hot but great for camping and water activities. Winter is cold but peaceful.
Explore More Iowa State Parks
Dolliver Memorial State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Iowa. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Iowa guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
