Elmgren Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elmgren Park is a historic park located in the state of Iowa.


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Summary

It is well-known for its beautiful landscapes and various attractions that make it a popular destination for visitors. The park boasts of several reasons to visit, including its impressive natural beauty, rich history, and recreational opportunities.

One of the main attractions at Elmgren Park is the Historic Stone Arch Bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge was built in 1876 and is a popular spot for fishing and hiking. Another point of interest is the park's amphitheater, which offers outdoor performances and events throughout the year.

Elmgren Park is also home to several miles of hiking trails that wind through its wooded areas and along the banks of the Cedar River. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife and unique plant life.

Visitors to Elmgren Park can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and camping. The park has several campsites that offer a peaceful and secluded environment.

The best time to visit Elmgren Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the park is alive with outdoor activities. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons.

Overall, Elmgren Park is a must-see destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and natural escape in the state of Iowa. With its rich history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities, it is a great destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

       

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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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