Ledges State Park in Iowa

Ledges is unique, offering sandstone cliffs in a deep wooded river valley. The winding road along Pea's Creek offers motorists views of the canyon without even getting out of the car. The sandstone ledges rise nearly 100 feet above the floor of the streambed. The sandstone was deposited 300 million years ago following the retreat of the shallow sea that covered much of the mid-west. About 13,000 years ago, glacial meltwater began to cut down through the sandstone, forming the parks dramatic cliffs and valleys. The park offers numerous picnic areas, a campground, and 4 miles of trails that lead up and down steep slopes to scenic overlooks.

Archeological evidence found within the park dates to around 4,000 years ago. At the time of European settlement, the Ledges area was inhabited by the Sauk, Fox (now the Mesqwakie) and Sioux. Native American mounds in the vicinity contain artifacts acting as silent reminders of the area's past inhabitants.

The beauty of the canyons and bluffs of Ledges very quickly became a major attraction to the growing local communities. Ledges was proposed as a state park as early as 1914. The first park custodian, Carl Fritz Henning, was appointed in 1921. In 1924, the Ledges officially became one of Iowas first state parks.

Park facilities constructed of native timber and field stone by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's are still standing today. These examples of fine craftsmanship include an arch stone bridge, shelter in Oak Woods, stone trail steps and the stone shelter in lower Ledges.

Ledges has a long history of being flooded by the nearby Des Moines River. The major flood water levels have been recorded on a flood pole located in the lower area of the park.