Home › Iowa › Palo › Morgan Creek Arboretum
Morgan Creek Arboretum
4.8 ★★★★★ 130 Google reviews · Running trail in Palo, Iowa · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Morgan Creek Arboretum'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.
Tranquil area for learning about tree species along trails or at an arboretum.
What runners say about Morgan Creek Arboretum
“Beautiful little Park set way back off main thoroughfares went there for a wedding absolutely beautiful the wedding and the scenery”
“Many benches to take a break and just enjoy the quiet surroundings”
Nice walking or running trails. A great place to learn about trees as they have plaques telling you what the trees are. A small butterfly garden. Many benches to take a break and just enjoy the quiet surroundings
Morgan Creek is one of our favorite parks for walking. We sometimes park on the south end and walk the long, paved bike trail up to the arboretum. Other times we park on the north end and just walk the arboretum. It's a pretty area for casual walks, especially in Spring.
Amazing place to take the whole family. Nice, smooth crushed limestone path that is easy for all ages and abilities. At the entrance, there are drinking fountains for adults, kids, and for our furry four legged friends. Over 250 different species of trees all labeled with plaques for identification.
Very nice place to walk around with your family! Quiet, peaceful and lots of wildlife to look at. My kids absolutely love coming here.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful little Park set way back off main thoroughfares went there for a wedding absolutely beautiful the wedding and the scenery”
“Many benches to take a break and just enjoy the quiet surroundings”
“We sometimes park on the south end and walk the long, paved bike trail up to the arboretum.”
“Nice, smooth crushed limestone path that is easy for all ages and abilities.”
“There is also a bathroom located near the garden for when nature calls.”
“At the entrance, there are drinking fountains for adults, kids, and for our furry four legged friends.”
Plan your run at Morgan Creek Arboretum
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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 trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitelinncountyiowa.gov
- Social Facebook
Running trails near Palo
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Seminole Valley Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 254 reviews
This 409-acre park features a historic village & farm, a playground, a soccer field, trails & more.
Cherokee Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 190 reviews
Tranquil park with a gravel trail running along a creek, and picnic tables.
McLoud Run Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 59 reviews
Park with picnic tables and a playground, plus a walking trail along a stream.
Cedar Valley Nature Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 235 reviews
Flat trail on a former railroad bed for biking, walking and jogging.