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Day Trips from Davenport

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Day Trips from Davenport: State Parks & Natural Areas

The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Davenport, IA. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 state parks near Davenport

Macbride Nature Recreation Area, Solon, IA 52333

Macbride Nature Recreation Area

Solon, IA 52333

Just 1 hr 9 min from Davenport, rated 4.9 stars by 226 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 9 min4.9 (226)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Matthiessen State Park Fort, IL 61348, USA

Matthiessen State Park Fort

IL 61348, USA

Just 1 hr 35 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 387 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 35 min4.8 (387)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor, IA 52157

Pikes Peak State Park

McGregor, IA 52157

Just 2 hrs 20 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 2,813 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 20 min4.8 (2,813)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

East Bluff State Natural Area, Merrimac, WI 53561

East Bluff State Natural Area

Merrimac, WI 53561

Just 2 hrs 57 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 57 min4.8 (95)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Matthiessen State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348

Matthiessen State Park

Oglesby, IL 61348

Just 1 hr 34 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 5,656 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 34 min4.8 (5,656)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Wildcat Canyon, Oglesby, IL 61348

Wildcat Canyon

Oglesby, IL 61348

Just 1 hr 34 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 375 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 34 min4.8 (375)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Maquoketa Caves State Park, Maquoketa, IA 52060

Maquoketa Caves State Park

Maquoketa, IA 52060

Just 51 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 3,900 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

51 min4.8 (3,900)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Funks Grove Nature Preserve, IL 61754, USA

Funks Grove Nature Preserve

IL 61754, USA

Just 2 hrs 17 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 211 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 17 min4.8 (211)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Ferry Bluff State Natural Area, Sauk City, WI 53583

Ferry Bluff State Natural Area

Sauk City, WI 53583

Just 2 hrs 38 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 342 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 38 min4.8 (342)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Wyalusing Hardwood Forest, Bagley, WI 53801

Wyalusing Hardwood Forest

Bagley, WI 53801

Just 2 hrs 25 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 128 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 25 min4.8 (128)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Wyalusing State Park, Bagley, WI 53801

Wyalusing State Park

Bagley, WI 53801

Just 2 hrs 17 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 1,207 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 17 min4.8 (1,207)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Wildcat Den State Park, Muscatine, IA 52761

Wildcat Den State Park

Muscatine, IA 52761

Just 26 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 1,302 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

26 min4.8 (1,302)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Davenport

What are the best state parks near Davenport, IA?

The best state parks near Davenport offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.

How much does it cost to visit state parks near Davenport?

Most state parks near Davenport charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.

Which state parks near Davenport are best for camping?

Several state parks within driving distance of Davenport offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.

What is the best time to visit state parks near Davenport?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Davenport. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.

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