A weekend spent in Wabaunsee State Park staying in a camping cabin. Waubonsie state park is located in SW Iowa near Hamburg, as part of the Loess Hills. There is camping and several camping cabins. With a handful of trails and equestrian part of the park. Staying in a camping cabin allowed for use to enjoy camping without the set up and more space. The cabin included a common area, bed room, and kitchen. There was no running water but there was a larine nearby and electricity for light. I am unsure if this is all cabins, but we stayed in the hideaway which definitely lived up to its name as it was tucked in the woods.

Hiking Wabaunsee State Park

We spent Saturday morning exploring the State Park. From our research, we began with the Sunset Ridge trail which was said to be the highlight of the park and we would agree. This hike is around 2 miles. Within these two miles, you get to enjoy vast views looking into Nebraska. Due to a storm we were not able to enjoy the view at sunset but do look forward to doing so in the future. After this we enjoyed some partial hikes with overlooks where we enjoyed more of the views while eating lunch.

Glenwood

Glenwood is a 20 mile drive north on I-29. We decided to spend our afternoon here as there were many places that interested us. We began at Keg Creek where we enjoy a drink and then off we went o Bodega Winery. Bodega winery had many styles to offer and we enjoy a charcuterie board that they called the combo. If it weren’t for the wind, we would have happily enjoyed our drink outside next to the pond. We then followed up at the Sacrilegious Cidery. Many ciders to be had and great owners. My favorite was the mango. We enjoyed supper at the Bucksnort before heading back to the Cabin.

Hastie Hallow

Just 10 minutes from Bodega Winery located on Pathfield Road. We enjoyed a drive through here which is all dirt with the sides ranging 20-25 ft. It was crazy to see trees growing out of the top and spectacular to drive through. I would recommend not driving here after it rains as the road is not maintained.

Hitchcock Nature Center

Located near Council Bluffs is Hitchcock Nature Center. This plus aims to capture the beauty of the Loess hills offering camping, cabins, backcountry camping, and many many trails. After our experience in Wabaunsee State Park this experience definitely allowed more trails and more variety of views. We only had a short time, but got to enjoy some of the ridges along with the boardwalk trail and climbed the tower. If you are truly coming for the Loess Hills this is where I recommend setting up camp. There is a nature center as well that was not open while we were there.