The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Story County

The Ada Hayden Heritage Park North Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through Ames's scenic landscapes. You'll wander along mostly paved paths, enjoying peaceful water views of the 83-acre Ada Hayden Lake and passing through vibrant prairie areas. The route, which is 1.4 miles (2.3 km) long with only 20 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, is a perfect, quick escape that takes about 35 minutes. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife, including trumpeter swans and bald eagles, especially from the Ada Hayden Bridge.

Planning your visit is simple, as the park provides ample off-street parking, picnic shelters, and restrooms. The trail is accessible year-round, making it a great option for a spontaneous outing, though spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions. Its easy difficulty and accessible surfaces make it suitable for all ages and abilities, including those with strollers.

This park, established in 2004 on a former quarry site, is named after Ada Hayden, a conservationist dedicated to preserving Iowa's native prairies. It's a significant spot for local ecology, showcasing wetlands and prairies, and you might even spot beaver and muskrat activity. Beyond hiking, the trails are popular for running, biking, and even snowshoeing, offering a versatile outdoor experience in Story County.

The Ada Hayden Heritage Park North Loop offers a delightful journey through Ames, Iowa's natural beauty. You'll trace the shores of the expansive Ada Hayden Lake, enjoying peaceful water views and the chance to spot diverse birdlife, including bald eagles. The path itself is a comfortable mix of hard-surface and crushed rock, making for an easy 2.4-mile (3.9 km) hike with just 76 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 1 minute.

Accessing the North Loop is simple, with readily available parking directly at the Ada Hayden Heritage Park trailhead. The park provides amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, making it convenient for a quick outing. This easy route is suitable for all ages and skill levels, perfect for a relaxing walk or a gentle jog.

Established on the site of a former rock quarry, Ada Hayden Heritage Park boasts a unique blend of wetlands and prairies, showcasing Iowa's native plant life. Beyond the lake, you'll encounter the Ada Hayden Overlook Swing, offering a charming spot to pause and take in the scenery. It's a fantastic option for wildlife spotting and experiencing the local ecosystem.

The Ada Hayden Heritage Park Loop offers a delightful and accessible outdoor experience, circling the picturesque Ada Hayden Lake. This easy 4.0-mile (6.4 km) hike, with just 54 feet (16 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes, making it ideal for a relaxed outing. You'll enjoy diverse terrain, from paved sections to crushed rock, all while soaking in lake views and the park's prairie landscapes. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife, particularly around the Upper Pond, where turtles are often seen. It's a fantastic route for wildlife spotting and enjoying nature without a strenuous climb.

Parking is readily available at Ada Hayden Heritage Park, though it can get busy on weekends due to the park's popularity for various activities like walking, running, and cycling. The trail is incredibly family friendly and accessible, welcoming strollers and wheelchairs on its well-maintained paths. Consider visiting during spring or fall for the best birdwatching opportunities, as hundreds of species frequent the lake.

This park is more than just a trail; it's a significant natural haven named after Iowa State University conservationist Ada Hayden. Once a rock quarry, the area has been transformed into a vibrant ecosystem of prairies and wetlands, serving as a crucial habitat for diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, pelicans, and deer. Interpretive signage along the route provides fascinating insights into the park's history and ecological importance, making it an educational as well as recreational destination.

Peggy's Trail Loop offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through peaceful wooded terrain that feels miles away from the city. You'll enjoy the gentle path, which is mostly flat but includes a few steeper sections, leading to a pleasant overlook of Onion Creek. It's a perfect spot for a quiet stroll or a family outing, providing a refreshing dose of greenery and fresh air.

This easy 2.0-mile (3.3 km) hike, with only 86 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 51 minutes, making it an accessible option for nearly everyone. The trailhead is located in Reactor Woods, behind Iowa State University's Applied Sciences Complex in Ames, with convenient parking. It's a great choice for a quick, low-effort walk, especially if you're looking for family-friendly trails.

Beyond its natural beauty, Peggy's Trail Loop holds a unique historical significance. Reactor Woods was once the site of the Ames Laboratory Nuclear Research Reactor, playing a role in the Manhattan Project and the development of nuclear energy. This adds an intriguing layer to your walk, connecting you to a piece of scientific history right here in Story County.