Iowa’s capital region is a place of endless discoveries. Not only will you find an incredible dining scene, historic villages and small towns, and Hawkeye State history, but less than an hour from Des Moines itself, you can explore Iowa’s largest lake! On the shores of Lake Red Rock, climb an Iowa observation tower and take in some of the best views in all of Iowa.
Lake Red Rock is the largest lake in the Hawkeye State, with more than 15,000 acres of water spread out over miles and miles.
Flickr / Slappytheseal The lake was created as part of a damming project on the Des Moines River, and it was completed in 1969. It sits less than 50 miles from the city of Des Moines itself, making it a perfect day trip destination for anyone in the city and capital region.
Over 35,000 acres of land surround the lake, and many of these acres have been developed for recreation! You can camp, hike, and even drive through some of the lake’s most stunning scenery.
Flickr / Tushar Dayal Six campgrounds, four boat launches, two beaches, and even an archery range are available for public use! You can find more information about all of the lakeside facilities right here.
On the northern side of the lake, Cordova Park sets aside more than a thousand acres of preserved open space. The main attraction here is the Cordova Park Observation Tower.
Google Local / Heather Hyatt The park offers waterfront hiking trails and an enormous picnic pavilion, but most people come by to climb high.
The tower was converted from a water tower, and its 107’ tall platform is the highest observation deck in the region! It takes some effort to climb the 170 steps to get to the top, and the view alone will leave you breathless.
Travel Iowa It costs just fifty cents - quarters only - to climb to the top. All of the funds go to preserving the park and tower itself.
From the (safely enclosed) open-air platform, you can see for miles and miles in all directions. If you’re afraid of heights, don’t look down!
Flickr / Tushar Dayal The metal rung steps make this a bit of a nerve-wracking trek.
On a clear day, it feels like you can see to the ends of the Earth! All of Lake Red Rock is in view, and it’s a stunning sight in every season.
Flickr / Slappytheseal
Plan to visit Cordova Park on Lake Red Rock to experience this historic and impressive Iowa observation tower. You’ll remember the view for the rest of your life!
Flickr / Slappytheseal
The lake was created as part of a damming project on the Des Moines River, and it was completed in 1969. It sits less than 50 miles from the city of Des Moines itself, making it a perfect day trip destination for anyone in the city and capital region.
Flickr / Tushar Dayal
Six campgrounds, four boat launches, two beaches, and even an archery range are available for public use! You can find more information about all of the lakeside facilities right here.
Google Local / Heather Hyatt
The park offers waterfront hiking trails and an enormous picnic pavilion, but most people come by to climb high.
Travel Iowa
It costs just fifty cents - quarters only - to climb to the top. All of the funds go to preserving the park and tower itself.
The metal rung steps make this a bit of a nerve-wracking trek.
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Address: Cordova Park, 1378 Hwy G 28, Otley, IA 50214, USA
