Some of these structures are currently being restored and the effort is continuing. The park is named for its narrow and steep ridge of dolomite/limestone the 'Devils Backbone'. It is Iowas first state park and arguably remains Iowas best state park. Among the projects completed at Backbone were the dams on the Maquoketa River forming Backbone Lake, a cluster of rustic family cabins, beach and boat house, an auditorium, bridges, roads, picnic shelters, rest rooms and trails. Backbone State Park was dedicated in 1920. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and mountain. Many of Backbone's buildings were constructed by the CCC from 1933 to 1941. Backbone State Park is a 6.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Dundee, Iowa that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was established in April, 1933 as part of the New Deal program of President Roosevelt as an effort to provide work for unemployed Americans during the Great Depression. This woodland serves as a valuable refuge for a variety of wildlife including deer, raccoon, fox, turkeys, ruffed grouse and many species of songbirds. Erosion and secular decay have carved the rocks into picturesque columns, towers, castles, battlements and flying buttresses."īackbone consists of 2,001 acres and is heavily wooded with a variety of tree species, predominantly oak and maple. "Its sides are in places precipitous, the rocky cliffs rising sheer for more than 80 feet. Nearly a hundred years ago, State Geologist Samuel Calvin wrote these words about "The Backbone": We camped in a beautiful camping place that did not have any nasty bugs only. Folklore named this high ridge of rock the "Devil's Backbone". 3 reviews of Backbone State Park I loved Backbone immensely when I went here. Iowa’s first and widely considered best state park has far more going on than any non-local. I remember getting stuck on the Devil’s Staircase as a child and crying. ![]() ![]() Backbone is named for its narrow and steep ridge of bedrock carved by a loop of the Maquoketa River. Backbone State Park, Dundee Backbone State Park Strawberry Point, United States Iowa’s first state park. It was Iowa's first state park and remains one of the most significant. Climbers and rappellers must register at the park office.īackbone State Park was dedicated in 1920. Beautiful shaded park with picnic area, camping, fishing, boating, and 6-8 cabins. The most popular rock escarpments to climb are located near the Backbone Trail. Climbers and rappellers will find many challenging cliffs of rugged dolomite limestone throughout the park.
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