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Lake Ahquabi State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 980 Google reviews · Running trail in Indianola, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Ahquabi State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Spacious campground, boat rentals, fishing, sandy beach & trails featured in a 770-acre preserve.
What runners say about Lake Ahquabi State Park
“The restrooms were pretty clean for a park like this, but smelled a little mildewy.”
“Always get amazing photos too, truly just a beautiful peaceful place to go.”
“Always get amazing photos too, truly just a beautiful peaceful place to go.”
The campground is sort of terraced on a hill, no trees in the campground, very open. The park had no trail map signs anywhere I could see. When hiking around the lake it would dump me out in the campground and I wasn’t very clear where it started back up.
This was my first visit here and I was told that it was recently renovated. I hope in the future they will mark the path better and also provide mileage sign telling you how long the trail actually is. I have been to a few parks here and there and did not expect the trail to be as long as it was.
We really enjoyed our stay here. The park was clean and well maintained. The restrooms and showers were clearly well taken care of. They have some walking trails that were also great. Most of the sites were electric only, with water spigots sprinkled throughout, but there are also full hook-up sites.
Absolutely gorgeous. The restrooms were pretty clean for a park like this, but smelled a little mildewy. The showers got kind of dirty over the weekend with so many visitors (gorgeous May weather, who can resist?) and because of the mildew smell I decided against using the showers.
Trail conditions & character
“Always get amazing photos too, truly just a beautiful peaceful place to go.”
“There are a few benches but not many restroom stops considering how long the trail is.”
“Always get amazing photos too, truly just a beautiful peaceful place to go.”
Plan your run at Lake Ahquabi State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteiowadnr.gov
- Phone+1 515-961-7101
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
Running trails near Indianola
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Otter Creek Park
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Family-friendly space featuring prairie grass, a wood tower, a pond and trails for hiking and fishing, plus campsites.
McCord Park
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Park featuring playgrounds for big and small kids plus soccer fields and a basketball court.
Barker Park
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Playground with slides, swings and a sand area, plus a picnic area and a BBQ grill.
