Discovering Iowa’s Hidden Gems: A Hike Through Baileys Ford Park

For the past few years, my wife and I have set out on a mission: to explore more of Iowa’s parks and wildlife preserves. We hope to discover new trails, hidden streams, and all the beauty our home state has to offer (which is tons BTW). Our latest adventure took us to Baileys Ford Park in Manchester, Iowa, and it might just be one of our most enjoyable hikes yet.

Located just three miles southeast of Manchester on Jefferson Road, Baileys Ford Park blends rich Iowa history with scenic beauty. Back in 1838, a surveyor named Joel Bailey built his cabin there along the Maquoketa River. His home became Delaware County’s first post office and a vital stop for early travelers. Today, the park spans over 170 acres and welcomes visitors with hiking trails, trout fishing, and loads of wildlife.

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We arrived at the park around 10 AM, excited to see what new trails awaited us. Between the maintained hiking trails and a logging road through Milo Forest, we put in about 3.5 miles.

The trails were easy to follow, well-kept, and offered a real sense of peace and seclusion. We went in early spring to hike, as no campers were there yet, which meant we had the trails to ourselves (for the most part) while exploring.

After hiking we drove around the park to take it all in. As we crossed a bridge at the back of the park, we stopped to admire the Spring Branch Trout Stream, a crystal-clear waterway regularly stocked by the Iowa DNR. We watched several people reeling in trout.

When we hiked along the Maquoketa River earlier that day, we even spotted bald eagles swooping down to get in on the good fishing. In the forested sections, we met all manner of animals: deer, birds, squirrels, buzzards, and more.

Baileys Ford Park isn’t just a hiking destination to take in a day. It offers over 70 camping sites, including primitive options, water and electric hookups, and even a youth camp area. Families can enjoy the playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a sand volleyball court as well.

Anglers can enjoy a handicap-accessible fishing platform on the trout stream and loads of other places to fish along it and the Maquoketa River. There's also a boat ramp and canoe/kayak access to the Maquoketa River, making it perfect for a full weekend getaway.

If you’re looking to expand your Iowa adventures, Baileys Ford Park deserves a spot on your list. Between its deep roots in Iowa history, the well-kept trails, the wildlife, and the peaceful trout stream, it offers something truly special. Whether you're hiking, camping, fishing, or kayaking, this hidden gem is well worth the visit.

There is so much to explore in Iowa!