📷 Photo by Niko Vassios on UnsplashPikes Peak State Park
McGregor, IA
A bluff-top park with one of the best views on the upper Mississippi, over the mouth of the Wisconsin River. A boardwalk trail leads to a small waterfall.
Pikes Peak State Park is a state park in Clayton County in northeastern Iowa, near McGregor. It sits on a bluff about 500 feet (150 m) above the Mississippi, opposite the mouth of the Wisconsin River. The park was established in 1935, covers about 960 acres (roughly 390 ha) and is named after Zebulon Pike, who climbed the heights in 1805.
From the main overlook you look out over the river. Point Ann Overlook, with a view of McGregor and the Mississippi, can be reached on a 4-mile (about 6.4 km) trail. A half-mile boardwalk leads to Bridal Veil Falls. In all there are 11 miles (about 18 km) of hiking trails. The park holds the Bear Mound, an animal-shaped earthwork from the Woodland period.
About 7 miles to the north, Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves more than 200 earthen mounds; a 2-mile trail passes more than 20 of them. The campground has sites with and without hookups; reservations are required and possible from March to November. Check hours and access in advance.
- Nearest town
- McGregor, IA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 42.9960, -91.1690
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Homestead CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Pikes Peak State Park · 109 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Gateway Campground and ParkCampsite12 mi from Pikes Peak State ParkElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Elkader City Park CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Pikes Peak State Park · 100 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterToilets
- Sandy Bottoms-UpMotorhome stopover23 mi from Pikes Peak State Park · 50 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Broken Paddle Lodge & RV ParkMotorhome stopover24 mi from Pikes Peak State ParkMotorhomes
- Waukon City Park CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Pikes Peak State Park · 28 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterShowersWaste disposal
All campsites in Iowa · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Pikes Peak State Park?
Pikes Peak State Park is in McGregor, IA, at GPS 42.9960, -91.1690. It is about 4 mi from Prairie du Chien.
Can you camp near Pikes Peak State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Pikes Peak State Park, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 89 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Pikes Peak State Park?
Pikes Peak State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Iowa’s Driftless bluffs and Norwegian Decorah.
What is there to see near Pikes Peak State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Effigy Mounds National Monument (6 mi), Mount Hosmer Park (26 mi), Backbone State Park (34 mi) and Field of Dreams Movie Site (35 mi).
When is the best time to visit Pikes Peak State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)