- Stone State Park
Stone State Park is located in northwestern
Iowa , in the bluffs andravine s adjacent to theBig Sioux River . The park consists of 1,069 acres (433 ha) in Woodbury and Plymouth Counties nearSioux City , and overlooks theSouth Dakota /Iowa border. Stone Park is near the northernmost extent of theLoess Hills , and is at the transition from clay bluffs andprairie to sedimentary rock hills andbur oak forest along the Iowa side of the Big Sioux River. A variety of prairie plants can be found on the steep slopes and ridges, includingyucca ,penstemon , rough blazing star, silky aster, andpasque flower .Wild turkey ,white-tailed deer ,coyote , and redfox are found in the park. Birdlife includes theturkey vulture ,barred owl , rufous-sided (eastern) towhee, and theovenbird . Exposedbedrock in the park is composed oflignite ,shale ,sandstone , andlimestone , and dates to theCretaceous period; it is rich in marinefossils . The park contains many miles ofhiking and equestrian trails, and is a popular destination for day visitors, overnight campers,mountain bike enthusiasts, andpicnic kers. * [http://www.woodburyparks.com/NewWeb/Pecaut%20Center/Center.htm Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center] is a destination nature preserve for Woodbury County, and is located within the boundaries of Stone Park. The butterfly garden is unique to the area; wild turkeys and white-tail deer are commonly sighted from the well-marked trails.*
Iowa State Parks External links
* [http://www.iowadnr.com/parks/state_park_list/stone.html Stone Park Iowa DNR]
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