Nine Eagles State Park

About this park

Nine Eagles State Park sits in the rolling, wooded hills of southern Iowa near the Missouri border, a landscape noticeably different from the flatter farmland found across much of the rest of the state. A 64-acre lake sits at the heart of the park, surrounded by oak-hickory forest and remnant prairie patches. The park is known for its network of trails: nine miles of hiking trails and six miles of dedicated horseback riding and bridle trails wind through the timbered hills, making it one of the better equestrian destinations in Iowa's state park system. The lake supports fishing for bass and panfish, along with a swimming beach and boat access for non-motorized craft. Because of its relatively remote location away from major population centers, Nine Eagles tends to be quieter than parks closer to Des Moines or the Quad Cities, appealing to visitors seeking a low-key camping trip. Its mix of forested hills, a small lake, and dedicated horse trails gives it a distinct character among Iowa's southern state parks.