🌤 Weather at Dolliver Memorial State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–70 °F | 58–83 °F | 25–74 °F | 7–31 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Fort Dodge 5NNW, 15 mi away, elevation 1,115 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 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.
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.
More parks in Iowa: Brushy Creek State Recreation Area and Frank A. Gotch State Park. See the full Iowa state parks guide.
⛺ Camping at Dolliver Memorial State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 23 sites — 18 standard electric sites (20/30/50 amp, mostly back-in) and 3 tent-only sites, plus 1 full hook-up site. Modern restroom, shower building, and dump station. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Two Basic Family cabins, $50/night or $300/week, sleeping four, each equipped with a small refrigerator, cook-top stove, microwave, and sink. |
| Pets | Pets allowed at standard campsites; not permitted at the cabins, lodges, or shelter. |
| Reservations | 100% reservable; book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 515-359-2539. Statewide DNR booking window is 3 months ahead of arrival. |
| Special sites | RV/equipment length 30-62 feet. One youth-group-only site. South Lodge and Center Lodge are historic CCC-era day-use structures available for reservation. No equestrian or boat-in sites. |
| Season notes | Campground open April 1 - October 31, closed November 1 - March 31. Statewide peak camping rates apply May 1 - October 15. |
Camping questions about Dolliver Memorial State Park
Can you camp at Dolliver Memorial State Park?
Yes. Dolliver Memorial State Park has 23 campsites. 18 standard electric sites (20/30/50 amp, mostly back-in) and 3 tent-only sites, plus 1 full hook-up site. Modern restroom, shower building, and dump station.
How do you reserve a campsite at Dolliver Memorial State Park?
100% reservable; book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 515-359-2539. Statewide DNR booking window is 3 months ahead of arrival.
Are there cabins at Dolliver Memorial State Park?
Two Basic Family cabins, $50/night or $300/week, sleeping four, each equipped with a small refrigerator, cook-top stove, microwave, and sink.
Are pets allowed at the Dolliver Memorial State Park campground?
Pets allowed at standard campsites; not permitted at the cabins, lodges, or shelter.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Dolliver Memorial State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Dolliver Memorial State Park?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Dolliver Memorial State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
