palisades-kepler state park

Hello, I am from Cedar Rapids,Is. I have lived here all my life. We found my son homeless so he went out to camp at this park. I went out and help him tear down his campsite. Because he had been there for his 2 weeks that are allow. He left for the 72 hour as the rules stated. I tooknhim back out there and set up his camp. To have the very rude and disrespectful camp host tell him he ca,t stay there. Because he left pop cans in the foire pit. Who hasn't done that I am guilty. As I was talking too the ranger and the host. He was standing there with a smerk on his face. He was also say the wrong site. So to me I doidnt know the rules were made up as u go. So beware don't not leave a piece of trash on the ground because u will not be allowed back there as they say. Homeless not by choice just by the card ur dealt in life. So I say to the park ranger and host. My god have peace on your soul for judge people over a few pop can in a burn barral. My u never find yourself down on your luck and somebody treats u the same way

Beautiful piece of woodland in a mostly prairie-farm area. Great trails and well maintained. I walked about 10 feet down a trail when the movement of a deer surprised me as the doe leapt away. The cliffs on the opposing side of the river remind one of how powerful rivers can be. When the water is not too high, there is a natural sand-bar beach that forms in the river. This is an active river with a good current and people fishing, so while splashing in the water is certainly fine, be very careful if you decide to swim. When we went, although the beach area had a good decent amount of people, the rest of the park was close to deserted. A great place to get away from normal life, relax and unwind.

Palisades is a beautiful park, well maintained, with many amenities. The lodge is frequently used for local weddings. The trails are well maintained and there is hiking at many levels. I would caution visitors that although it looks like a charming beach on the river, the undertow and nearby roller dam mean the river is not for swimming. Excellent wildflower and bird viewing.

My teenage kids and I had a great time walking the trails and having a Picnik along the river. We needed to relax and enjoy our time after checking out colleges for my son..... It is well worth the visit.

Palisades-Kepler park is just outside Cedar Rapids, IA. It offers 840 acres of park to camp, hike, fish and the peace and quiet one wants to enjoy life with. Wildlife can be seen everywhere and the facilities here are very good. A youth campground is available as are cabin rentals and a Lodge rental. Modern campsites are offered as well. Plenty to look at and the forested trails are awesome and maintained. Plenty of parking, too. Great scenic views of the Cedar river so by all means bring that camera! I witnessed many bald eagles fishing the day I went and several deer wandering the forest. Even saw a woodchuck on the Cool Hollow trail that leads from the Lodge. This is what a state park in Iowa is meant to be.

Palisades State Park is a wonderfully preserved park in east central Iowa. I have lived near the park for years and regularly spend time walking the roads and trails of the park. The abundance of wildlife are thoroughly enjoyable to view as you walk through the park. The camping facilities are range from modern to primitive and provide a great experience no matter the level you are looking for. The numerous trails are well kept and the rental cabins were recently rebuilt for years of enjoyment.

Great hiking trails overlook the Cedar River, picnic table & pavilions are available. I took my daughter's senior pics there.

Very clean park, well maintained, nice DNR, excellent camp host roomy camp sites, clean bathrooms, river is a good hike down hill or drive to it. Trails are in great shape and cover a lot of the park, but no biking on the trails(bummer).

Great hiking trails, beautiful views, wildlife - perfect for photographers, nature lovers, families, etc! Walk the beach to look for clam shells or have a peaceful picnic. Iowa nature at it's finest!

We visited Palisades-Kepler for a few hours in April during a visit to Cornell College. It was a surprise to find the cliffs and steep hillsides in the middle of eastern Iowa rolling farmland. It was a damp and cool early spring day but we could imagine how beautiful it is during the summer and fall. The out-and-back hiking trail above the river is nice hiking but a bit rough for running. The Cool Hollow trail is one we'd like to try on another visit.

For me it was an amazing experience to walk in the low river and also see the amazing trees turning from green to gold. It's a very enjoyable place to visit with friends, family or as a couple.

We felt Palisades was run down and on the stinky/smelly side of things. The bathrooms weren't kept up when we were there. The beach area (by the river) had duck droppings covering it. I would recommend a different place to stay and picnic.

My family and I mainly go here when we're in the mood for a moderate hike. There are some trails which do involve a small amount of climbing, so if you have bad/old knees, reconsider. It's a great place to hike with your dog(s). Our dog loves it. They have some picnic areas, restrooms, etc. There are also cabins which can be rented, although we've never done so.