A 169-step observation tower and a vast waterscape provide a striking introduction to Marion County. Cordova Park encompasses 1,100 acres on bluffs above Lake Red Rock; its tower is 106 feet tall. The reservoir, in turn, covers more than 13,000 acres of water and 35,000 acres of land available to visitors. Together, these different scales offer a view of the landscape and its possibilities: Lake Red Rock offers camping, boating and fishing, as well as access to a paved, 13-mile hiking and biking trail.
Water, Trails and Parks
The parks each have their own character. Roberts Creek Park spans 1,535 acres, with extensive wooded and grassland areas. Two modern campgrounds lie on the east and west sides of 300-acre Roberts Creek Lake. Marion County Park is a 140-acre recreation area and the oldest recreation area managed by the County Conservation Board. Its seven-acre fishing lake is home to largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish.
Smaller landscape features also have room to shine here: 83-acre Big Rock Park includes old-growth forest and a nature trail. At the Wallashuck Recreation Area, amenities include lake fishing, a nature trail, access to the Volksweg Trail, camping, a bird-watching area and a playground. The Fifield Recreation Area also provides access to the Volksweg Trail and has four reservable outdoor shelters.
At Elk Rock State Park, a different combination opens up the landscape: two boat ramps provide access to Lake Red Rock. The equestrian campground has horse stalls, hitching rails and a riding arena. The park takes its name from an unusual rock formation near the river’s south side.
By the River: Pedestrian Bridge and Eagle Watching
Horns Ferry Bridge is for pedestrians only. Along the Des Moines River, the area offers a seasonal opportunity to watch bald eagles; they often roost at the Gladys Black Bald Eagle Refuge and can be seen from the bridge. Nature watching is complemented by insights into the history and significance of the river corridor: a bird sculpture called “Winged Expressions” stands beside information about the Des Moines River and the history of the bridge.
Visitors interested in information about nature can also find exhibits, lake views, information about the lake and nature equipment rentals at the Lake Red Rock Visitor Center. A visit to the water can thus be shaped by both the landscape and activities and by a thematic introduction to the area.
History, Engineering and Racing
The Marion County Historical Village opened to the public in 1970. Today, it includes eight buildings and offers a glimpse into life in the early years of Iowa and Marion County. The Stage Coach Inn is believed to have been built in 1852; it stood along the route of the Western Stage Line, which apparently connected Knoxville with Monroe, Pella, Oskaloosa, Albia and Fairfield.
The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum tells a different story, one dedicated to sprint car racing. The vehicles and exhibits on display change throughout the year; on average, 30 to 35 open-wheel race cars can be seen there. The exhibits offer a glimpse into a form of racing whose engineering and history are at the heart of the museum.
Pella: Architecture, History and Pastries
Cultural discoveries also include Pella. The Vermeer Windmill is 124 feet 6 inches tall and is considered the tallest working windmill in North America. The Historical Village of Pella Historical comprises 18 buildings and covers Pella’s history from the 1840s onward; it includes the Boyhood Home of Wyatt Earp. The Scholte House was built in 1847 and 1848 by Hendrik Scholte for his wife, Maria. The Tulip Toren, built in 1968, is 65 feet tall.
Smaller details also tell the story of Pella: the Klokkenspel has eight mechanical figures, each four feet tall, depicting people and moments from the city’s history. Jaarsma Bakery has been serving Dutch specialties there since 1898. Pella’s Dutch Letters are a fitting treat: flaky, S-shaped pastries filled with almond paste and topped with sugar. Pella Historical Museums also sponsors the annual Tulip Time Festival. Since dates and programming vary, it’s a good idea to check the dates for the relevant year before planning.
Discover more destinations: Jefferson County, Buena Vista County, Cerro Gordo County, Story, Hancock County, Winneshiek County, Monona County.
Return to the main travel overview: Iowa.
