Autumn Leaves + Fun in State Parks - Part Four

Prairie Rose State Park Video Clip

As you may have noticed, autumn is my favorite season, particularly when it sticks around long enough to really enjoy it! I adore the changing leaves, the harvested fields, pumpkin patches, handing out treats on Halloween, and enjoying Fall food - all things pumpkin, apple, and comfort food. We have been fortunate this year to have a longer mild Fall. The weather has been incredible for Fall outdoor fun and especially for leafing. I have had a wonderful time seeking out and discovering beautiful scenes everywhere.

While some of you may be ready for me to write about something new, please humor me one more fall foliage/state park post. Next week, when the weather turns cold, I promise I’ll move on to other topics such as my summer trips to Europe and Boston and other trips of the last year or two. As the Midwestern saying goes, “You need to make hay while the sun shines.”

Today I enjoyed an idyllic afternoon walk with a dear friend I’ve known for a long time. She suggested going to Prairie Rose State Park near Harlan, Iowa and I’m so glad she did. The lake was picture-perfect with lots of vibrant trees vying for your attention. The park was not terribly busy. There was one row boat with folks fishing on the lake, a few geese sunning themselves in shallow water, enough breeze to keep the bugs at bay, and just a few other people enjoying the park.

Prairie Rose was named for the small historic town of Prairie Rose which used to be located near the park’s entrance. The 400+ acre park has several areas to explore. We walked along one side of the lake with a flat concrete surface road and a few benches strategically placed in which to relax and enjoy the views. It was quite peaceful and ideal for conversation and also private reflection. I could have sat by the lake all afternoon. There were also several camping pads on that side of the lake. The area across the lake from where we parked had two camping cabins (with no attached bathrooms) and a separate building in between with the toilet(s). While I could have made this lodging work when I was younger, these days I would not be too excited about treks in the dark to use the facilities. Just sayin.’ 😉 My friend and I both agreed on that! Ah, the joys of getting older. 🤷‍♀️😉😁

The park boasts seven miles of trails that are open year-round for hiking as well as winter sports. Fishing and “no-wake” boating are popular pastimes on the lake. Two picnic shelters, the two camping cabins, and several campsites can be reserved ahead online. Picnic tables, a sand volleyball area, and a playground are available as well. Other popular activities include canoeing and kayaking.

All the weather forecasters I’ve seen or heard in the last few days predict a hard freeze and markedly colder Midwest temperatures starting this Friday night, October 27. If you are able, I’d encourage you to explore a park, a forest, an outdoor attraction or garden before then. Heck, even an evening neighborhood walk, a sitting spell near a pond, or a leisurely drive down a road with a tree canopy or rolling harvested hills offers respite from a stressful day and a glimpse of Autumn beauty. Make it a priority. You are worth it!