STORY COUNTY
Established in 1846, Story County was named after Joseph Story, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice in 1853. It’s 576 acres is home to a rose capital, the Iowa State University, and the geographical center of Iowa (approximately 5 miles north or Ames, Iowa). It also happens to have some beautiful parks, prairies, trails and recreation areas.
Hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, fishing, and hunting…Story County is definitely one of those places with a little bit of something for everyone. Many are the hours I have spent wandering along the paths of these beautiful parks and prairies. Each lush and unique and well cared for.
McFarland Park
An absolutely delightful 240 acres, this perfect mix of tall grass prairie, forest and river offers a peaceful escape into nature. Enjoy an easy 1-mile stroll around the lake or dig into the 5.5 miles of soft surface trails through prairie and forest. Story County Conservation Center is also located here with weekday hours from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Picnic Grounds
Enclosed Bird Blind
Fishing
Bathrooms
Trails
Prairie
Small lake
Hunting
Mobility scooter available for check out.
Tedesco
Tedesco is one of those places that caught me by surprise. Technically an environmental learning corridor this unique space is located in ISU Research Park in Ames, Iowa. What I love is that it offers 37-acres of outdoor space that is progressive, collaborative and absolutely gorgeous.
Stream
Paved Trails
Observation platform
Prairie
Solar Powered Charging Stations
3 Small ponds
Doolittle Prairie
To many this place could look like nothing more than a tangle of wild flowers and grasses, but this 40 acres of pothole prairie offers valuable habitat for wetland wildlife. This is a place to observe and take in the show of wildflower blooms. Its long driveway alone offers perfect opportunities to watch bumble bees, butterflies and dragonflies floating amongst milkweed, thistle and black-eyed susans. To catch it at its best, I recommend a visit between May and September.
Public Hunting is allowed
