Photos: Palisades-Kepler State Park

Weekends are for the family. Hiking has become a great way to stay in shape and keep my kids active. This Saturday our trip took us through Mount Vernon to just outside of Cedar Rapids, IA to Palisades-Kepler State Park. Palisades-Kepler lies along the beautiful Cedar River in Linn County. The 840-acre park features river bluffs, deep ravines, a sprawling forest with a large variety of wildflowers, and loads of wildlife.

After the day of hiking at Palisades-Kepler State Park, I can see why it is such a popular destination. The lodge is great for a wedding reception or family gathering, and staying in one of the 4 cabins could be a fun experience with family and friends. Access to fishing and wonderful trails make this an easy place to stay with access to a city that can supply anything you might need. I've got lots of state parks left to check out, but I think I've got a pretty good start.

Check out another one of the adventures below