Blackburn State Park - Iowa

The History

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of southwest Iowa, Blackburn State Park boasts a surprisingly young history, woven with threads of family legacy and environmental preservation. Established in 2019, the park’s story begins with William R. (Bill) Blackburn, a native Iowan with deep roots in the region. Driven by a desire to honor his ancestors and safeguard the unique ecosystem of the Loess Hills, Bill, along with his wife Sara, generously donated over 150 acres of land to form the park’s core.

This wasn’t just any piece of land. The Blackburns’ gift encompassed a slice of Bill’s childhood, a place where memories of family picnics and exploring the rugged beauty of the Loess Hills were etched into his soul. By gifting this cherished land, the Blackburns ensured that future generations could experience the same wonder and connection to nature that he had. It was a legacy of love for both family and the environment, forever preserved in the rolling hills and whispering woodlands of Blackburn State Park.

Hiking and Recreating at Blackburn State Park

Blackburn State Park offers a serene escape into the heart of the Loess Hills, a unique ecosystem unlike any other in the state. Lace up your boots and enjoy the two-mile main trail, winding through a tapestry of woodlands, ravines, and meandering streams. As you climb the gentle slopes, panoramic vistas unfold before you, revealing rolling hills cloaked in a patchwork of farmland and forest. On a clear day, the Missouri River glistens like a silver ribbon in the distance. Pause at one of the three grand stone benches perched atop the ridge and soak in the scenery and fall in love with it as Bill Blackburn once did.

Know Before You Go

Region: Midwest United States
Location: 1291 Cemetery Rd, Thurman, IA 51654
- Some of the drive to the park is on gravel farm roads so take proper precautions when traveling.
Coordinates: 40.85804814836284, -95.73729941874903
Costs: Free to enter but permits are required for groups.
Schedule: Open During Daylight Hours
Attraction Type: State Park
Additional Resources: Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development

My Visit

I had only recently heard about the creation of this park and decided to stop in on my way home from visiting family in the area. Winston and I only had a brief visit. We hiked around the grounds but did not complete the full trail. Just enough to explore and enjoy the nicely created park. Even tried out the very clean pit toilet. A very quiet park nestled in amongst the farm fields was a great way to stretch our legs before heading back to the highway. This park would be one that I will frequent often when I visit my family in the area. A big thank you to those who have created such a fantastic place to memorialize the Blackburn family members and this beautiful land they loved so much.