Cedar Bluffs State Preserve

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LocationCedar Bluffs is located 9.5 miles southwest of Beacon, IA at 1235 - 280th , Oskaloosa, IA 52577, which is the gravel road just beyond the Eveland Access turnoff. A parking lot is located on the southwest corner of the property.

Operating Hours & Seasons Park hours are 6 a.m. till 10:30 p.m.

Discover Cedar Bluffs State Preserve in Oskaloosa

People who have been to Cedar Bluffs just can’t seem to say enough good about it! It contains 225 acres of the most unique topography in Southern Iowa. Imagine yourself hiking through deep sandstone canyons, filled with cool moist air and lined with mosses, liverworts and ferns. It’s sometimes hard to believe you’re in Iowa. Walk along Cedar Creek and admire the sandstone bluffs, fantastically shaped by eons of exposure to the elements. An observation deck overlooks the Des Moines River Valley, but other development is minimal. Our primary goal is to preserve the natural splendor of this extraordinary area.

This very unique 225 acre area contains a wide variety of deciduous trees, wildflowers, ferns and other plant life; made accessible by a carefully laid out loop trail. Lookout points along the 2 mile trail allow hikers an excellent view of the Des Moines River Valley. Towering sandstone bluffs can be found along Cedar Creek; which forms the north boundary of the property. An extensive stairway makes the descent to Cedar Creek easy and safe. Other development is minimal; our primary goal is to preserve the natural splendor that has attracted generations of visitors to this extraordinary area.