Black Hawk Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Black Hawk Park is a popular destination located in the state of Iowa offering a wide range of outdoor activities.
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Summary
It is situated in the Cedar Valley area, near the city of Cedar Falls, and covers nearly 1,500 acres of land with beautiful scenic views of the Cedar River.
There are several great reasons to visit Black Hawk Park, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and picnicking. The park features several hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, including the 7-mile Cedar Valley Nature Trail. There are also several campgrounds available for tent and RV camping, with some sites offering electric hookups. Those who enjoy fishing can take advantage of the park's numerous fishing spots that are teeming with a variety of fish species, such as catfish, walleye, and bass. Boating is also a popular activity, with boat ramps located throughout the park.
One of the most popular points of interest in Black Hawk Park is the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, which is located within the park. The nature center offers several educational programs and exhibits focused on the local flora and fauna. Visitors can also enjoy viewing live animals, such as birds of prey and reptiles, within the center.
Another interesting fact about Black Hawk Park is its history. The park was named after Black Hawk, a Native American leader who fought against the United States during the Black Hawk War of 1832. The park is also home to several historic structures, such as the 1800s-era Hartman Log Cabin and the 1915 Black Hawk Park Shelter House.
The best time of year to visit Black Hawk Park depends on personal preferences. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing, while fall offers beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures. Winter also offers opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. Overall, Black Hawk Park is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in Iowa.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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Black Hawk County Park
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Big Woods Lake
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George Wyth State Park
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Thunder Woman Park
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Deerwood City Park
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Roadman Roadside Park
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Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
Pfeiffer Springs Park
George Wyth State Park
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Cedar Bend Park