Crapo Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crapo Park is a popular destination located in Burlington, Iowa.


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Summary

The park is situated along the Mississippi River and covers over 200 acres of land. There are many good reasons to visit Crapo Park, including its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance.

One of the most notable points of interest in Crapo Park is the Spirit Hollow Golf Course, which is considered one of the best in the state. Visitors can also enjoy several hiking and biking trails, as well as beautiful views of the Mississippi River.

Another highlight of the park is the Burlington Memorial Auditorium, which hosts a variety of concerts, performances, and other events throughout the year. There is also a historic carousel that is over 100 years old and still operates today.

In terms of historical significance, Crapo Park is home to several structures that date back to the early 1900s. These include the Stone Shelter House, the Old Stone Bridge, and the Stone Aquarium.

The best time of year to visit Crapo Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and many of the outdoor recreational activities are available. However, the park is open year-round and there are still plenty of things to see and do during the off-season.

Overall, Crapo Park is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Iowa, learn about its history, and participate in a variety of outdoor activities.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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