Iowa is full of wonderful state, county, and city parks, and if we had to pick a favorite…we couldn’t! But here’s a relatively little-known one along the far edge of the state that we love. It’s full of recreational opportunities and beautiful sunset views, and you should definitely make plans to visit it soon.

Deep Lakes Park, located in Muscatine County along Iowa’s eastern border, is a beautiful hidden gem with plenty to see and explore whether you love an active adventure or prefer to sit with your toes in the sand.

Brett Meyer/Google Maps

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Mississippi River (and the Iowa/Illinois border), this 435-acre recreational area used to be a sand and gravel quarry.

Brady Holmes/Google Maps

Now, it features a number of clear-water lakes, some large and easy to spot, others small and hidden away in the trees, just waiting for you to stumble upon them as you explore.

Brett Meyer/Google Maps

There are 120 acres of lake surface in this park, and all of them are good for fishing and boating. Lake Chester, one of the larger lakes, even has a large, sandy beach area to enjoy. Also, watch for various sand dunes left from the park’s quarry days.

Bradlee Meyer/Google Maps

Folks don’t come here just to swim, though. There is beauty here in every season, and it’s a favorite local spot to watch the sun bid each day “hello” or “goodbye” at any time of year.

Kristin Wieland/Google Maps

The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and, in addition to its lakes, also provides restroom facilities and a paved 1.2-mile hiking or biking trail. You can find this park at 2554 Pettibone Avenue in Muscatine.

Brett Meyer/Google Maps

Which of Iowa’s parks is your favorite, can you choose? To learn more about this one, Deep Lakes Park, or to plan your visit to explore this peaceful area for yourself, see the park’s website here. For exact directions, use this Google Map link. And for another interesting outing along the Mississippi River, consider this beautiful stroll!

Brett Meyer/Google Maps

Brady Holmes/Google Maps

Bradlee Meyer/Google Maps

Kristin Wieland/Google Maps

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Address: Deep Lakes Park, Pettibone Ave, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA