Explore Wilderness Around Marion Over Fourth of July 2013, Summer Break

I find the best way to get rid of stress is to completely remove myself from my day-to-day work/life environment.

You probably do, too, which is most likely why one of you out there invented vacations.

For me, parks and nature have always been an easy, peaceful retreat, so, for you, I’ve outlined some very cool parks within driving distance. This way you can feel away from home, while being close to home.

Read more: 

• Fourth of July Week Finds: Best of Marion and Cedar Rapids
• What's Open and What's Closed For Fourth Of July

Pinicon Ridge Park — Central City

I was turned on to this park from a recent visit to , my hairstylist, owner of and a blogger on Marion Patch. This park features all sorts of fun, relaxing stuff. It’s got campgrounds and cabins, a wildlife exhibit, Frisbee golf and paddle boats, canoes and kayaks. Mapel also mentioned what sounds like the highlight, at least to me, an ancient 74-foot tall observation tower. She said it’s safe, but looks old and might test your stomach’s tolerance of vertigo.

Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area — Palo

Pleasant Creek offers a very wide variety of amenities, what you would expect from a fairly large park. There’s a lake for boating and beaching — the practice of laying down in sand — hiking, picnic areas, camp ground and, hunting and plenty of wildlife — for shooting at and for watching. And it’s only 15 minutes northwest of Cedar Rapids. 

Dudgeon Lake State Wildlife Management Area — Vinton

The goal here is to present parks you might not have heard of. Dudgeon Lake exemplifies this. it’s the largest park on the list — approximately 1,275 acres. This one is best for those who truly want to get lost in nature or those that want to hunt and become immersed in it. The features of the park are a little more bare bones, but that’s part of it’s appeal. It has hunting, fishing, hiking, and boat ramp access.