Backbone State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Backbone State Park |
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Richmond Springs
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 Backbone State Park
Location in Iowa
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| Area | 2,001 acres (8.10 km2) |
| Established | 1919 |
| Governing body | Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Backbone State Park |
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Backbone State Park Historic District
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| Area | 1,415 acres (573 ha) |
| Built | 1933-1942 |
| Architect | John R. Fitzsimmons |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| MPS | CCC Properties in Iowa State Parks MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001842 |
| Added to NRHP | December 23, 1991 |
Backbone State Park is Iowa's very first state park. It opened way back in 1919! You can find it in Delaware County, about 3 miles (5 km) south of Strawberry Point. The park is famous for a narrow, steep rock ridge. This ridge was carved by a loop of the Maquoketa River and was first called the Devil's Backbone. That's where the park gets its unique name!
A man named E.M. Carr from Lamont, Iowa donated the first 1,200 acres (486 ha) of land. Later, in the 1930s, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built a dam. This dam created Backbone Lake. The CCC also built most of the trails and buildings you see in the park today.
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Discovering Backbone State Park's History
The area known as the Devil's Backbone was a favorite spot for scientists. People like W.J. McGee, Thomas Macbride, and Samuel Calvin came to study its very old rock formations. Edward M. Carr bought 1,200 acres (486 ha) in the 1890s. He wanted to protect the Backbone Ridge from being destroyed.
How Backbone Became a Park
Thomas Macbride and others from the Iowa Park and Forestry Association thought this area would be perfect for a state park. In December 1918, the State Board of Conservation agreed. They recommended buying the land. It took about a year to complete the purchase. Finally, on May 28, 1920, Backbone was officially opened as Iowa's first state park!
Building the Park with the CCC
Developing the park started in 1925. There were some disagreements in the 1920s and 1930s about how to develop it. One group wanted to protect the natural areas. Another group believed in using the park for many different things. The idea of multiple uses won out.
During the Great Depression, a special program called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped. The CCC was a public program that gave jobs to young men. Two CCC camps worked on Backbone State Park from 1933 to 1942. They built cabins, picnic areas, hiking trails, and camping spots. They also worked on Richmond Springs. Because of the CCC's hard work, Backbone became one of the largest and most developed parks in Iowa.
Backbone State Park's Historic Areas
Many parts of the park are considered historic. In 1990, three main areas were listed as historic districts. These areas include the Cabin-Bathing Area, the Picnicking, Hiking & Camping Area, and Richmond Springs. They have many important historical features.
Some of these features include stone entrances, dams to stop erosion, an auditorium, stone restrooms, and stone steps for trails. There are also stone walls, trout ponds, a fish hatchery garage, and stone drinking fountains. You can also find a stone lodge (now a museum), a stone barn, and special markers. One marker remembers the Daughters of the American Revolution who planted 6,000 trees! Other markers honor people important to the park's creation. The historic district covers 1,415 acres (573 ha). This was the size of the park in 1942 when the CCC finished their work.
Exploring the Park's Natural Wonders
Backbone State Park covers 2,001 acres (810 ha). It is mostly covered in thick forests, with many oak and maple trees. The park's geology is very special. It's part of the Driftless Area, which means it wasn't covered by glaciers during the last Ice Age. This left behind very old rock formations called dolomite from the Silurian period.
A large rock ridge, like a spine, runs through the park. This ridge gives the park its name. The area has many active springs, caves, and sinkholes. Some cliffs are over 80 feet (24 m) high! Climbing and rappelling are popular activities here, but you need a permit.
Fun Activities at Backbone State Park
The park has 21 miles (34 km) of trails for many activities. You can hike all year round. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Backbone Lake is great for swimming, boating, and fishing. Backbone Creek is known for its Rainbow and Brown trout. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources stocks the creek with fish.
If you want to stay overnight, there are 49 campsites with electricity and 49 without. Cabins are also available for rent, and it's a good idea to make reservations. The park also has two shower buildings and a playground.
You might see lots of local wildlife in the park. This includes foxes, turkeys, and deer.
Backbone State Forest
Right next to the park is Backbone State Forest. This forest has 186 acres (75 ha) of pine trees. Unlike the park, you can go horseback riding and hunting in the forest. The park's main office is in Dundee.
Iowa Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
The Iowa Civilian Conservation Corps Museum is located in the park. It has exhibits that show what the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) did in Iowa's state parks. Since Backbone State Park had two CCC camps, many of its buildings and trails were built by these workers. The museum first opened in the spring of 1991.
Images for kids
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Picnic shelter
