Stone State Park is an urban wildlife sanctuary on the edge of Sioux City and the heart of the Loess Hills. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built many of the park’s structures in the 1930s including entrance portals, the Calumet shelter and a rustic stone lodge. Visitors can explore the natural history of the park by walking its many of miles trails, looking for wildlife and birds, or at the nearby Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.

Hike or bike more than 15 miles of trails. The Carolyn Benne Nature Trail details the natural history of the area on an interpretive walk through the park. Mountain bikers can traverse six miles of challenging dirt trails throughout the park, and equestrians can explore six miles of the multi-use trails. Cross country skiing and snowmobiling are popular trail activities in the winter.

Stay overnight in one of three camping cabins or at the park’s campground. Camping cabins contain heating and air conditioning, but do not offer sanitary facilities. The cabins are located near the campground, which contains electric sites, a large youth group campsite and a modern restroom and shower building. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Stone State Park.

Reserve one of three open shelters for an outdoor gathering during your visit. The Wahkaw Shelter is ADA accessible and a CCC-era day-use lodge provides a great venue for large events such as weddings or family reunions. Open picnic areas are available throughout the park and offer beautiful views of the Loess Hills and surrounding area. The shelters and lodge can be reserved through the online reservation system for Stone State Park.

Learn about the natural history of Stone State Park at the nearby Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, which is managed by the Woodbury County Conservation Board. Interpretive displays include a “walk-under” prairie, fish aquarium and children’s discovery area with hands-on furs and artifacts. The Nature Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, please contact the Woodbury County Conservation Board at 712-258-0838.