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Starr's Cave Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 404 Google reviews · Running trail in Burlington, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Starr's Cave Nature Center'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.
Park, featuring a cave and trails, along with creek access for wading.
What runners say about Starr's Cave Nature Center
“Beautiful location with lots of verticality, a neat bridge to walk across, and a couple of small caves to look inside.”
My only disappointment was you can't get into the cave anymore. Was a mostly flat and even walk, great for people that want surrounded by nature, but can't handle climbing trails.
It's a fun place to visit. Decent trails, caves, woods, and a small river.
This is a great place to visit. Inside they have a floor of cool children's play & learning activities. They host many outdoor adventures. There are lots of trails the main trail is wheelchair accessible all the way to the cave. Kids & adults have fun creek stomping & playing in the water.
Beautiful location with lots of verticality, a neat bridge to walk across, and a couple of small caves to look inside. Absolutely stunning during peak fall colors!
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful location with lots of verticality, a neat bridge to walk across, and a couple of small caves to look inside.”
“There are lots of trails the main trail is wheelchair accessible all the way to the cave.”
“Was a mostly flat and even walk, great for people that want surrounded by nature, but can't handle climbing trails.”
Plan your run at Starr's Cave Nature Center
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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitedesmoinescounty.iowa.gov
- Phone(319) 753-5808
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM–3 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM–3 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM–3 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM–3 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–3 PM |
| Saturday | 12–4 PM |
| Sunday | 12–4 PM |
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