Ledges State Park

Category: State park

Address: 1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA 50156, USA

Phone: +15154321852

Opening hours

Sunday: 4AM–10:30PM

Monday: 4AM–10:30PM

Tuesday: 4AM–10:30PM

Wednesday: 4AM–10:30PM

Thursday: 4AM–10:30PM

Friday: 4AM–10:30PM

Saturday: 4AM–10:30PM

Reviews

Jordan Fuchs

Jun 29, 2022

Absolute grand time walking the trails and seeing the landscape. Make sure you stretch them calf mussels cause boy oh boy are they gonna be molded by God himself. If you're like me and your lung capacity is absolutely atrocious from the lack of physical activity. You may have a rough time climbing to the Crows nest, which felt vary cool knowing I was up rather high but the tree cover made it lack luster. I also loved being able to drive through the river at some points in my big ol truck that I never use the way it was intended so a small amount of water makes me feel like I'm cool I guess. Fun path off the side of the hidden lake trail to look over the river. Great place. Do suggest.

Chris Rayhons

Apr 20, 2022

Easily one of the best state parks in Iowa. You can enjoy the park from the seat of your car or on foot with the trail network. If you plan on walking it's recommended to park in the lower section. The road winds through the sandstone gorge known as Pea's Creek Canyon and offers a great view of the park. If you can go on foot there are many scenic trails and viewpoints to explore that you can't see from your car. The park can be busy on the weekends but still well worth the visit!

Todd Lange

Oct 25, 2021

This park is amazing. Many well cared for hiking trails and super cool river crossings. Great place for a picnic. You can park on top or follow the road to the bottom. I recommend parking on the bottom so the return bike is down hill. We've been to Ames many times and never knew this existed. Hidden gem deep in Iowa.

Sharon Spoelstra

Aug 9, 2021

Beautiful, unique park. Follow the stream bed walking in the water or sit in it. Frequently ankle deep or so in the summer. Feels good when it's hot. You can drive through the stream 2-3 times while on the road. Always a hit with little kids. Most hiking trails are steep going up, up, up into the bluffs. Good workout. Beautiful lodge probably from the 20s. My biggest request would be better signage for trails. Even with a map, we were confused most of the time. I wish each trail had had a distinct sign with a trail name and a map so you knew where it was in relation to other trails in the park and where you would end up. (I wish this for every state park..any organizations want to take this on?!). Ledges is definitely worth a visit.

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Questions & Answers

How mush does it cost get in

Marcus Johnson | Jun 2, 2021
Todd Reed | Jun 3, 2021

No charge

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Is the park dog friendly?

ryane becker | Jun 2, 2021
Saikiran Iitr | Jun 3, 2021

Yes..with leash

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Can u camp here

Paula vought | Jun 2, 2020
Roger Trotter | Jun 3, 2020

Yes but I don't think During the Winter

Is there shower houses at campgrounds

Sherrie Sears | Jun 2, 2020
Damon Carter | Jun 3, 2020

Yes there are.

Can we ride our bicycles in park

Dave Navin | Jun 2, 2020
Michael Schmitz | Jun 3, 2020

Yes, on the roads. I believe trails are hiking only

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Have they fixed the road yet?

Jenna Kent | Jun 3, 2018
Matthew Ceaser (Matt) | Jun 4, 2018

No. They're shutting next season down at ledges to fix multiple issues.

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Will there be any functioning rest rooms the August 29th?

Doug Graas | Jun 2, 2021
Jason Bryan | Jun 3, 2021

Yes the restrooms are functioning.

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has the park open since the big storm came through?

Gary Grasty | Jun 2, 2021
Daniel Flowers | Jun 3, 2021

Ledges State Park (BOONE COUNTY) is open, however, the park is without power and phone service. The campground is open but has no electricity. Full hook-up campsites do not have water or sewer service and the campground dump station is closed. Modern restroom facilities including the shower buildings will be closed if the power is not restored on Friday morning. The Canyon Drive is open to vehicle traffic and most trails are free of storm debris.

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Can ibring my own firewood in

Theresa Houg | Jun 2, 2020
Bristal Waldera | Jun 3, 2020

Yes you sure can!!!!

Do they allow weddings and if so where? I would love to get married there. It is beautiful and I want a fall outdoors wedding .

Tracy Speck | Jun 2, 2020
Rose Thompson | Jun 3, 2020

I would think so call the park office. They have a large pavalian. They also have a couple others

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Is Ledges state park where in the '50s, there was a campfire girls camp : started w an H? Possibly Hanesha (sp?)

Myrl Stoffers | Jun 2, 2020
Paul Nygren | Jun 3, 2020

It's not at ledges but farther west on highway 30 ...thats right name and it's still camp

Is there wood available?

Rita Fuller | Jun 2, 2020
Anthony Smith | Jun 3, 2020

But you can't bring wood with you because of pests in the wood

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Camping this year?

Gregory Duvall | Jun 2, 2020
Robert Atzeni | Jun 3, 2020

There's camping when available. Recommend calling ahead

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Are campground open at ledges

Robert Smith | Jun 2, 2020
Jessie Brown | Jun 3, 2020

Yes!

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Can I get to the Canyon entrance and then walk the canyon road?

Sandi Christopherson | Jun 3, 2018
Sienna Burke | Jun 4, 2018

You can park at the top or bottom and walk the canyon road.

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Is the camp grounds going to be open at all this season

Rochell Frazier | Jun 3, 2018
Heath Johnson | Jun 4, 2018

News said it is closed fornthe season. But then the next statement they said could be open by the end of June. But officially not open this season.

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Are there good access roads to the campground?

Connie Olsen | Jun 3, 2018
Matthew Ceaser (Matt) | Jun 4, 2018

Yes there are.

When do you feed the deer

Pamela Grundstad | Jan 3, 2022
Ledges State Park (Owner) | Jan 4, 2022

Pamela, we do not feed deer at Ledges State Park. Feeding deer, especially in the winter, entices them to gather in large numbers where disease can be spread easily between members of the group. With ailments like Chronic Wasting Disease being a concern for the deer herd in Iowa, we avoid feeding them to reduce the chances of disease spread. Instead our resource management practices strive to suppress the growth of invasive species and enhance the vigor of our native species, which in turn provides food for deer through production of acorns, hickory nuts, berries, and other natural food sources that provide much more protein and energy in the winter months.

Are there any first come first served camping areas?

Jeannie Blumer | Nov 4, 2021
KARLA OROZCO | Nov 5, 2021

Yes there is

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My friend just moved to Boone and really enjoys fishing. But is unfamiliar with the area any suggestions where she might go.

Todd Amsden | Sep 5, 2021
Jonathan Govias | Sep 6, 2021

There aren't any fishing areas within Ledges, but Saylorville Lake just south has decent angling.

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Where are good places to put kayaks in and good places to exit?

Sheila Vitek | Aug 6, 2021
Cindy Kreklau | Aug 7, 2021

The boat ramp is the only place to put in or take out on the des moines river

It is only for campers or they can visit people in vehicles

Lizeth Galvez | Jun 2, 2021
Alegría Vlogs | Jun 3, 2021

There are areas for camping, but that area is to go by car and walking around is beautiful

If you are bringing a dog does an electric collar count as a leash or do you need one that is attached to the dog?

B Brody | Jun 2, 2021
Jason Olinghouse | Jun 3, 2021

You will want a leash, lots of wildlife and people.

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How friendly is it for people with walking restrictions?

John Peery | Jun 2, 2021
Quinn Schnabel | Jun 3, 2021

It is a bit rough, tree roots have taken over someplaces and have made the trail precarious for people with walking restrictions.

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Are pets allowed at the ledges?

Jonathan Floyd | Jun 2, 2021
Shari Brennan | Jun 3, 2021

Yes we had our two dogs there. They need to be on leash and you need to clean up after them of course.

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is electricity on at ledges park since storm

Gary Grasty | Jun 2, 2021
Marty Hogan | Jun 3, 2021

Madrid was hit pretty hard. I would check the DNR website and call the Park Ranger for up to date news.

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Is there a pavilion where we can have shade, if so is it handicap accessible

Laura Stevens | Jun 2, 2021
Dalton H | Jun 3, 2021

There is one located near the park exit, and park entrance! Both are handicap accessible. If shade is your only concern, a large amount of the handicap accessible areas are always in shade, because of the canyon-like nature of the park. However, there are no restrooms immediately inside the park. There are some located next to the pavilion at the exit

Is there electrical hookup for the tent sites? Are the tent sites considered Walk-Up sites?

Aaron Lingren | Jun 2, 2021
Jason Baker | Jun 3, 2021

The Hike In sites have no electricity. In the main camp ground there are full hookup sites, electric only sites, and sites with nothing. Also in the main camp ground, every site has a gravel pad. Because of this not all of them have level, cleared grass for tents to be set up on.

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WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO THE PARK ? WE ARE COMING FROM FORT DODGE.

rocky Wildt | Jun 2, 2021
Edited Visions | Jun 3, 2021

Yes Google maps is best. It is really hard to miss

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Is the park limiting the number of people who can enter.

Kim Hasstedt | Jun 2, 2021
Enoch Pedersen | Jun 3, 2021

Nope

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Is the road through ledges open?

William Rowe | Jun 2, 2020
Cathleen Brown | Jun 3, 2020

Yes, we took it yesterday

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Does anyone know if the road is open yet?

Jenna Kent | Jun 2, 2020
Gary Knoll | Jun 3, 2020

Yes it is

Which sites are walk ups?

Dawn Palmer | Jun 2, 2020
Damon Carter | Jun 3, 2020

You should be able to find exactly which ones on the Iowa Dnr website.

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Is the canyon road open yet?

Bryan Boyd | Jun 2, 2020
Sandy Thomas | Jun 3, 2020

I was there a couple weeks ago and it was open. But with the rain last few days it might be closed

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Where do you park to put in a canoe?

Christina Doidge Clausen | Jun 2, 2020
Jason Kramer | Jun 3, 2020

I agree with Mirela...lower is a bad idea...best place is dogwood ramp

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Is there a place for equine Ledges?

Darlene Johnson | Jun 2, 2020
Brian Bopp | Jun 3, 2020

Not to my Knowledge.

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Is the campground open

Aaron DeVos | Jun 2, 2020
Emily Saumer | Jun 3, 2020

The campground is open

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can you ride side by sides in the park

William Riney | Jun 2, 2020
Emily Saumer | Jun 3, 2020

Yes! There are paved roads going into the campgrounds. You are able to drive a vehicle as well as campers so I do not see why you wouldn't be able to drive a side by side into that portion. When I visited here someone was on a motorcycle.

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Is the road open today?

Scott Risdal | Jun 2, 2020
Erik Hove | Jun 3, 2020

It should be. Was open 2 weeks ago and we haven't had much rain.

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Are there cabins to rent?

Dawn Savery | Jun 2, 2020
Ledges State Park (Owner) | Jun 3, 2020

No, but we just renovated our campground! https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/ParkDetails/ParkID/610148

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Are they open? We want to go and have the kids play in the water but wasnt sure if you guys are open for Sunday?

Harley Deal | Jun 2, 2020
Jason Bryan | Jun 3, 2020

They are open. You just cant drive down the canyon road. You have to park at the top or the bottom & walk into the canyon road area where the rock ledges are located & the water streams.

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Is it legal to fly a drone at Ledges for fun?

Tony Simons | Jun 3, 2019
Ledges State Park (Owner) | Jun 4, 2019

At this time, we do not have any state park rules on drone use, but ask that our visitors respect others who are also there to enjoy the resource. We also ask that drone users are aware of and are following any FFA regulations and overall state or local ordinances with regard to drone use.

Camping the 13th-16 th of May, in primitive area. Is there any flooding?

Ginger Shifflett | Jun 3, 2019
Ledges State Park (Owner) | Jun 4, 2019

Most of the flooding at Ledges happens in the lower areas in the canyon and near the river. You can always watch for alerts and closures here: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures Thanks!

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How do I make Camping reservations?

Mabel Hamling | Jun 3, 2019
Ledges State Park (Owner) | Jun 4, 2019

Right here, Mabel! https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/welcome.do?tti=home Thanks!

Are the roads fixed?

Holly Harris | Jun 3, 2019
Robert Hamilton | Jun 4, 2019

When I was there 2 weeks ago the water was over the park roads at places so you could only come in a short distance.

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Has the road been fixed?

Holly Harris | Jun 3, 2019
Ledges State Park (Owner) | Jun 4, 2019

The road is still closed right now, but you can watch for updates here: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures

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How much does the camping g cost

Jessie Coady | Jun 3, 2019
Ledges State Park (Owner) | Jun 4, 2019

Hi, Jessie! You can find our camping rates here: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Make-a-Reservation/Overnight-Camping Thanks!

Do I have to call DNR or state parks to make a reservation or can I just call the Ledges number to book our reservations? And the park will be opened by the 4th of july? Thanks

Rose Qualley | Jun 3, 2019
Dave Anderson | Jun 4, 2019

Camping reservations can be made here - https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Make-a-Reservation

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Is there a plan to open the road through the ledges ?

Lisa Cowan | Jun 3, 2019
Ledges State Park (Owner) | Jun 4, 2019

The Canyon Drive is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to freezing and icy conditions in the low water crossings, making vehicle passage hazardous. Visitors are welcome to hike into the Canyon at this time though. Parking is located at the top (east) of Canyon Drive in the Oak Woods picnic area or in the lower part of the park in the Flood Pole parking lot. Watch for updates here: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures Thanks!

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Is the park flooded?

Daniel B | Jun 3, 2019
LORI GOLDBERG | Jun 4, 2019

Ark is not flooded , it was so beautiful to see all the wild life

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is there any entrance fee?

Leo Tero | Jun 3, 2019
Shelly Hamlin-Rodrick | Jun 4, 2019

No entrance fee.

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Is this open one way road?

Kisan Rai | Jun 3, 2019
Mike Miller | Jun 4, 2019

The one way road is open now.

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Does the stone lodge have electricity?

Flatbroke Garage | Jun 3, 2019
Seth McCoy | Jun 4, 2019

It did but there was a lot of water so it would be wise to contact them.

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Can you go swimming here?

M R | Jun 3, 2019
Scott Koster | Jun 4, 2019

I don't think so. There is a stream that runs through the bottom, but it is very shallow and the pools are only a few feet deep.

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Is it still flooded

Zachary Clark | Jun 3, 2019
Sarah White | Jun 4, 2019

Lower road was closed Sunday.

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Is a road open so we drive through or around the Ledges? We would like to get through to Honey Creek Golf course . . . Thanks!

T J | Jun 3, 2019
Tank-theXploding TreeRat | Jun 4, 2019

Lower road was open yesterday 7/30/18

Is the park open or is it closed due to flooding?

Lily Fredericks | Jun 3, 2019
Steph Lartius | Jun 4, 2019

Upper portion is open.

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Is there any fishing?

JANET MASON SCHUCK | Jun 3, 2019
Seth McCoy | Jun 4, 2019

There is fishing but due to flooding this year its been impacted.

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Have they fixed the one way road or not?

Kisan Rai | Jun 3, 2019
Steph Lartius | Jun 4, 2019

No, Canyon Road is still closed 😬. But, good news, they are working on it this year. So check it out next year!

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Do the picnic areas have grills?

Niki M | Jun 3, 2018
Melissa Wierson | Jun 4, 2018

Yes the have grills at the ledges state park ok

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Where is the best place to enter with a wagon and child?

Autumn Keahna | Jun 3, 2018
Greg Prutzman | Jun 4, 2018

By main shelter house

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Is the canyon open for the Memorial Day weekend of 2018?

Kevin Macken | Jun 3, 2018
Christy Ross | Jun 4, 2018

Yes but you have to hike down. Vehicle traffic is closed thru canyon.

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Are dogs allowed at the park?

Barbies who rule the WORLD | Jun 3, 2018
Sienna Burke | Jun 4, 2018

Yes

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has there been a war

Lorenzo Mazzone | Jun 3, 2018
Sienna Burke | Jun 4, 2018

This is not a sight that is historically known for any battles.

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Is this open now or not?

Kisan Rai | Jun 3, 2018
Brenda Caldwell | Jun 4, 2018

Hike in is open but the canyon road is closed due to road damage and the campground is closed for the season due to reconstruction of adding more campsites and electrical. I prefer hiking in to the canyon as it's not so overcrowded and the lost lake trail is always a great hike ❤️

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I want to take my dog running. Where is the best place to park? Detailed answers are appreciated as I am geographically challenged 😂

Miranda Swearingen | Jun 3, 2018
Brenda Caldwell | Jun 4, 2018

From highway thirty drive South from the four way stop. Follow that road to lower Ledges. Parking is to the left just past the Creek for waking into the park Or continue on and there are several places to park. If you keep on and get about halfway up the hill, to the right is another parking lot for the trail into lost lake. Or continue all of the way to the top, at the stop sign go left and left again at the stop sign into the top parking for the upper trails. Leashes are required for pets. Have fun it's a great park ❤️

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When will Ledges reopen

Elizabeth Waldrop | Jun 3, 2018
Brenda Caldwell | Jun 4, 2018

It's open if you're willing to hike!!

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I am planning to take my 93 year old Mother thru the park~ walking is an issue! Can you still drive thru and stop at a picnic spot? She use to do this every year on her birthday and would mean so much to her!!

John Winters | Jun 3, 2018
Joshua Przybyszewski | Jun 4, 2018

But there are places in lower ledges and upper ledges with picnic tables, just not along the stream part

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We are looking to have pictures done. Where is the best place to go and is it open and easy(ish) to get to?

Karrie Wright | Jun 3, 2018
Andrew Jay | Jun 4, 2018

With the canyon road closed to cars your best bet is to park below and walk up into the canyon. Trust your photographer, they will know the places to get the pictures done. My wife and I did the same thing in 08 for our engagement photos when the canyon road was closed with flood damage.

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If I am tent camping in a group and need more than 2 parking spaces is there a place they can park and walk back?

Traci Murphy | Jun 3, 2018
Andrew Ball | Jun 4, 2018

There is, at the camping entrance there is second car parking

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Is there camping there now, 9/12? Is there a dump station?

Sandra Souza | Jun 3, 2018
Cashynn Lindell | Jun 4, 2018

I did see a small dump station when I was there, but I'm not sure if it's operational.

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So the canyon will be closed next year too?

Kathryn Clement | Jun 3, 2018
Reagan metcalf | Jun 4, 2018

I believe just the one road.

Are leashed dogs allowed in Ledges State Park?

Jodi Flaherty | Jun 3, 2018
Andrew Ball | Jun 4, 2018

Yes they are

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