Iowa’s newest state park, Blackburn State Park, lies 3 miles northeast of Thurman. William R. (Bill) and Sara Blackburn generously donated a large parcel of land in 2019, resulting in the establishment of this 72-acre park. Bill, who has roots in the area, traces his family history back to 1840 when his ancestors settled in the Loess Hills area.
Iowa’s Loess Hills
The Loess Hills are one of those places that sneak up on you. If you’re just passing through southwest Iowa, you might notice the little rolling hills out your window and think nothing of it. What most travelers don’t realize is that those humble hills have a geological history spanning thousands of years and stretch for nearly 200 miles along the western edge of the state. It’s one of Iowa’s best kept secrets, hiding in plain sight along the highway.
My Connection to Blackburn State Park
Blackburn State Park holds a special place in my heart, as my family hails from this area, and I have close connections with those who generously donated the land. During my time in Iowa in high school, I forged friendships with Cory, his brother Cameron, and their parents. We spent countless hours together in their basement, creating memories and sharing laughter. Although many years have passed since those days, a tragic event in 2003 marked the loss of Cameron in a freak tractor accident while working with his grandpa. To honor Cam’s memory, I find solace in reflecting on those cherished moments at the stone bench.
As you sit in the profound silence unique to such places, gazing over the beautiful hills, it’s impossible not to develop a deep affection for this location. A devoted family, passionate about the area, constructed this phenomenal park, making it imperative for us to treasure it as much as they do.
For further details about the park and additional photos from my visit, explore my Blackburn State Park page. If you find yourself in Southwest Iowa, make sure to visit this place – you won’t be disappointed.
If you want the full trip details for Blackburn State Park, the Blackburn place page has the know before you go info, coordinates, and photos. Knob Noster State Park in Missouri and Weston Bend State Park are good Midwest companions if you are building out a trip. The newsletter is where I share the extra stuff: finds, trip notes, and places that do not always make it to the blog. Subscribe on Substack if you want to follow along.
