Find Outdoor Paradise on the Shores of Lake Red Rock in Iowa
Stunning beauty by the lakeshore? Panoramic views from the top of the Midwest’s tallest observation tower in a public park? A robust outdoor paradise?
In Central Iowa, residents and visitors alike can enjoy all of the above and more on the shores of Lake Red Rock. From the top of Cordova Tower in Marion County on the shores of Lake Red Rock, visitors can see landmarks from as far as 35 miles away on the clearest days.
With its amazing birds-eye views, stunning natural landscape, and lakeside tranquility, Lake Red Rock is a year-round destination that showcases some of the most awe-inspiring natural beauty in the Midwest — the type of beauty that has to be seen to be believed.
An Outdoor Paradise in Central Iowa
Far from cornfields and big cities, Iowa is an outdoor paradise for residents and visitors alike. While Iowa’s Great Lakes are a popular tourist destination, Lake Red Rock holds the distinction of being the Hawkeye State’s largest lake.
DID YOU KNOW: Lake Red Rock is actually a reservoir formed by the Red Rock Dam on the Des Moines River and is more or less confined to Marion County.
On the north end of the lake, visitors can explore Cordova Park and Roberts Creek State Park. On the south end of the lake, visitors can enjoy spending time at Elk Rock State Park. The lakeshore at each park offers everything visitors want in an outdoor experience: Lakefront access, campgrounds, hiking trails, opportunities for fishing and boating, and of course relaxation.
Fascinating Geological Wonders
Among the sites within Cordova Park is Cordova Cliffs, a well-traveled location for water-side relaxation and beautiful sunsets.
While cliff jumping isn’t permitted in the area, visitors can climb along the rocks and enjoy views of the surrounding sandstone bluffs and gaze at the lake’s unique geological history where sandstone bluffs and ancient rivers flowing across the region formed the fascinating landscape that travelers enjoy today.
NOTE: To get to the cliffs, travelers recommend parking at the Cordova Observation Tower, following the trail behind the tower to the lake to explore the scenic jagged edges on the lakefront.
A Unique Birds-Eye View
A trip to the top of a very tall tower won’t have you rescuing a damsel in distress or fighting off a dragon, but what visitors in Cordova Park can expect are some of the most incredible views in the Midwest.
Cordova Tower is the Midwest’s tallest observation tower in a public park at 106 feet tall. It’s a converted water tower that was completed in 1999 and is visited by thousands each year. Eager visitors can ascend a winding staircase of 170 steps to enjoy incredible views. Be prepared — the tower charges 50 cents per person and requires quarters.
Situated on the north side of Lake Red Rock, Cordova Tower can be reached from Otley, Knoxville, Monroe, and Pella — all towns in Marion County — making it an easy day-trip destination for many Iowans.
On the clearest days, visitors can see landmarks from as far as 35 miles away. Metal safety bars at the top of the tower obscure the view a little bit, but there are big enough gaps between the bars for visitors to get photos and video.
Enjoyable little spot to see some great views of Lake Red Rock and the surrounding area. For someone who is a little sketchy about heights, I found this one to be really secure and not scary.
– Megan via Google
A Fascinating Way to Enjoy the Lake
One of the most unique aspects of Lake Red Rock is the Red Rock Water Trail — a marked route on a waterway (in this case the Des Moines River to Lake Red Rock to the Red Rock Dam) where paddlers and boaters can explore the path and also go ashore to enjoy activities like picnicking and camping.
The Red Rock Water Trail covers a 36-mile loop and can paddled or enjoyed in both motorized and non-motorized boats. Along the way, travelers can see beautiful bluffs and cliffs, birds, a sea cave, and eagles’ nests. The trail has eight different access points, giving travelers space to camp and easily continue on their journey whenever they want.
A Hotbed of Outdoor Activity
As the biggest lake in Iowa, Lake Red Rock offers something for every visitor — from youngsters wanting to splash away in the water to seasoned anglers looking to hook into feisty fish.
Fishing
Fishing is a year-round activity in Lake Red Rock and anglers of all abilities can try their luck fishing for black bass, white bass, walleye, and catfish among other species. During the winter, fishermen can fish the open water under the dam or ice fish in the surrounding bays.
Hiking
Each of the parks around Lake Red Rock has extensive trails that allow hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to find a slice of tranquility as they enjoy lakeside bliss.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted in some areas around Lake Red Rock and hunters should be sure to check maps before heading out to see where hunting and trapping are specifically permitted.
Enjoy a Multitude of Outdoor Experiences at Lake Red Rock
In the middle of Central Iowa, Lake Red Rock is a year-round playground for visitors of all ages to escape into the stunning beauty of nature.
Whether you climb to the top of Cordova Tower for scenic views, paddle along the Red Rock Water Trail, cast for fish in the lake, or simply choose to soak up the sun, the lake presents something for everyone to enjoy themselves and bask in the beauty of this picturesque Iowa lake.