5 ways to celebrate the great outdoors in Iowa the summer, from nature walks to lakes
Going outdoors doesn't mean you have to break a sweat. Iowa offers plenty of opportunities to soak in Mother Nature in clever ways. Get out on the water and take a water-filled trip to Okoboji. Visit wetlands and savannahs in Cedar Rapids. Take in a ballgame with the Iowa Cubs. Head to a local festival across the state, or pick a passel of flowers.
Here, a look at five ways to spend the summer outdoors in Iowa.
More: Fill your summer with 113 things to do in Iowa, from Hawkeye point to 'American Gothic'
Indian Creek Nature Center, Cedar Rapids
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids. Wander through 200 acres of wetlands, oak savannas and tall grass prairies. Enjoy free yoga and Pilates classes during Practice in the Prairie, Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. June through September.
Learn more: indiancreeknaturecenter.org
More: 5 ways to learn more about Iowa this summer, from farm equipment to military history
Iowa Cubs Annual Citizenship Ceremony
Spend the Fourth of July at the ballpark. The Iowa Cubs will take on the St. Paul Saints, but before the game, watch as the I-Cubs host their annual naturalization ceremony. After the game stay for the fireworks show.
Learn more: milb.com/iowa
Pick your own flowers
Create your own bouquet from flowers you pick at Willow Creek Farm in Prole. The farm's U-pick hours will begin in July. Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch while you’re there. In Maxwell, visit the Iowa Flower Farm from June through September to pick flowers from their fields. Make sure and bring a bucket with you for your blooms.
Learn more: visitiowafarms.org/
Celebrate Iowa towns
You can find annual festivals in towns across the state. Travel to Macksburg for the National Skillet Throw on June 17 or head to Riverside for Trekfest on June 23-24. In July, Polk City will hold its annual Four Seasons Festival that includes a pancake breakfast, fun run and a car show.
Learn more: traveliowa.com/things-to-do/
Okoboji
Six glacier-carved lakes create numerous opportunities to enjoy the water. Go boating, water skiing, wakeboarding or fishing. If you prefer to stay on land head over to Arnolds Park and take in the views from the Ferris wheel or ride the “Legend” wooden roller coaster.
Learn more: vacationokoboji.com
Heather Torpy is a freelance writer in Des Moines.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: The best ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Iowa the summer
