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The SOUTHEAST IOWA Bike Route connects Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
& Geode State Park. This 46 mile route winds through southern Iowa woodlands, pastures
and lush cornfields with lots of rolling hills and surprisingly, some flat terrain. Lodging is available in three towns
within the first 12 miles of Keosauqua and campgrounds are available at both state parks.
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For details click here Map,*.pdf
This route travels along State Hwy 1 for .6 mile from Lacey-Keosauqua State Park to J40. It is possible to ride on
the wide gravel shoulder.
Route follows along a portion of the Woodland Scenic Byway. Share the road with the horses and buggies of the Amish
reisdents; enjoy architecture in the National Historic Districts of the villages of Bentonsport and Bonaparte; and in
Keosauqua, visit Iowa's oldest county courthouse in continuous use as well as Pearson House, a station on the
"underground railroad."
There are many annual celebrations and festivals, including "Bike Van Buren", held annually during the third weekend
of August. The two-day event draws more than 400 bicyclists.
The Forest Craft Festival is held at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park the second weekend of October. It features wood craft
demonstrations and sales, forest and wildlife management techniques, and colorful buckskinners.
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| Pedal through scenic splendor as you travel between Iowa's state parks along four bicycle routes, developed
to help you enjoy these places of quiet beauty. Routes are primarily travel paved county highways, with an occasional
stretch of bicycle trail. Carry your gear and rough it in the campgrounds or take comfort in a local bed and breakfast
or motel along the route. Gear shuttles are available for some routes.
- Central Iowa Bike Route
- Northeast Iowa Bike Route
- Southeast Iowa Bike Route
- Lake to Lake Bike Route
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Arrangements must be made in advance to leave your vehicle in any of Iowa's state parks overnight. Park rangers will
direct you to the lot designated for overnight parking, generally a visitor parking lot adjacent to the campground.
Southeast Iowa Bike Route primarily runs along county highways. Ride on the right side of the road and obey all traffic
laws. Stay alert at intersections.
Do not creat a traffic jam. Ride in double or single file, as traffic dictates.
Wear a helmet. Even a slow fall from a bicycle is enough to create serious injury.
You will find 1,640 acres of woodland at Geode State Park. It is named for the beautiful geode stone which can be found
there. Nature lovers can follow several hiking trails that wind throughout the park and end the day with a swim in the
185 acre Lake Geode located in the park. The sandy beach and concession building are a welcome sight after a long bike
ride. The park offers 187 campsites and two modern shower buildings and a trailer dump station. (Please remember
that it is illegal to remove geodes and other materials except mushrooms, nuts, fruits and berries.)
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park includes 1,653 acres of hills and valleys long a great horseshoe bend of the Des Moines River.
The hiking trails will introduce the visitor to ancient Indian mounds, a variety of wildlife including deer and wild turkey,
and beautiful scenery. There are 113 campsites, modern restrooms and shower facilities, and a trailer dump station.
The park also offers family cabins for rental. The 30-acre lake at the park has a beach, bathhouse and boat rental. You
can also find "Ely's Ford" which was an mportant Mormon Trail river crossing during the 1840's.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034
Phone: (515)281-5145
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