spring park

This is a nice park in a natural landscape, very little manipulation by mankind. A refreshing way to see Osage's natural state. The spring is a great site as well as the hiking trail along the river. A must see when you visit.

This is a great park for a picnic or any other outing in nature. The spring has been flowing out of its casement for well over a century now and is still as cold as memories from childhood recall it being. My (extended) family and I have spent many hours at Spring Park, and we will be back again. The Harry Cook Trail is a nice trail to hike from Osage out to the park. The trails on the western edge of the park lead a person further along the Cedar River. The paved nature trail in the western half of the park (just over the little bridge into the camping section) is a great place to introduce little ones to various aspects of nature. For a really spectacular view, hike down into the park in the winter. The spring will be flowing.

I have loved the spring since I was a child. It was always a treat to go. So visiting again as an adult was a trip to the past. But it is the same as 50 years ago. Well-kept place for a picnic. No need to bring water!! Swings etc for the kids and a river running through it. Very green and pretty.

I remember going to Spring Park as a teenager, drinking from the iron springs. I took my son there last summer while we were in that part of the country. The iron springs hadn't changed a bit, and the park was even nicer than I remember. This is a very nice area to visit, and the water's wonderful.

We live about fifteen minutes from Spring Park, so we visit it several times a year. My most recent visit was this afternoon, when I took my kids there for a few hours.Spring Park is located along the Cedar River two or three miles west of Osage. The park is surprisingly wooded, considering this part of Iowa is mostly corn fields or pastures. The gravel drive into the park actually reminds me a bit of the Smoky mountains, in that the drive is slightly curvy, hilly, and heavily forested.The park has several hiking trails. These are rustic, loose gravel trails that may be buggy during certain times of year. There are a few short bridges to cross along the trails. The most popular trail is roughly two miles one way, and leads to the outskirts of Osage. That trail is particularly pretty, going alongside the river, then through the woods and by a creek.There's picnic tables, a shelter house, grills, and a restroom with running water. The park has a playground, and an old spring next to a quiet creek. Occasionally you'll see people swimming in the Cedar River, but most of us don't since the river isn't the cleanest.Spring Park has a short scenic loop you can drive on. The road is gravel, one lane and one way, and is about a mile in length. You can hike it or bike it as well. It goes through the woods and by the river. It also goes by the few primitive campsites in the park. These campsites are extremely primitive, with no running water or electricity. On the plus side, almost no one camps there so you're bound to have the whole area to yourself once the day trippers leave. Campsites are dirt cheap; last time I checked they were just $5/night!I've always seen some type of wildlife whenever I go. I've seen eagles, deer, snakes, and a woodchuck. Today I'm pretty sure I saw a crane flying over one of the creeks.

This is a beautiful old park. The iron springs are still there from when I was a child. Good memories and beautiful wooded areas and camp sites. Walking trail back to town.