Ambrose A. Call State Park

State Park • IA

Overview

Ambrose A. Call State Park is a quiet, wooded retreat in northern Iowa, offering a pocket of rugged terrain and forested hills amid the surrounding farmland near Algona. The park preserves one of the area’s few remaining stands of native woodland, providing a peaceful setting for hiking, camping, and low-key outdoor recreation.

Landscape & Geology

Landscape

The park’s landscape is defined by rolling hills, mature hardwood forest, and shaded ravines carved by small creeks flowing toward the East Fork of the Des Moines River. Dense tree cover creates a cool, secluded atmosphere, especially in summer, while seasonal wildflowers and fall color add visual interest throughout the year.

Trails & Scenic Views

Trails

Hiking trails loop through the park’s wooded interior, following ridgelines and creek bottoms as they wind through forest and ravine terrain. The trails are short but scenic, offering opportunities for quiet walks, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing in a natural setting.

Recreation

In addition to hiking, Ambrose A. Call State Park features an 18-hole disc golf course that weaves through wooded and open areas of the park. Picnic shelters and open green space provide places to relax, while the campground offers both electric and non-electric sites for overnight stays.

History

The park is named after Ambrose A. Call, an early Iowa settler whose land claim in the mid-1800s later became part of the protected area. A rustic lodge built in 1928 still stands within the park and reflects the early development of Iowa’s state park system.

Why Visit

Find Your Next Adventure

With its wooded hills, shaded trails, and relaxed pace, Ambrose A. Call State Park is well suited for short hikes, casual camping trips, and quiet outdoor time. Its small size and forested character make it an inviting stop for visitors seeking a peaceful nature escape in northern Iowa.