If you're looking for an Iowa summer that doesn't require a crowded resort or a long drive, we've got a pretty good idea.
Come to Lake Red Rock.
Spend the morning on the water, the afternoon exploring a small town, and the evening around a firepit—or in the middle of the action at Knoxville Raceway.
Summer is when Marion County really comes alive. Pack the swimsuit, grab your sunglasses, and Set Your Pace.
Paddle. Sail. Fish. Water ski. Float. However you like to enjoy the water, Iowa's largest lake is ready for you.
Explore the rocky shoreline and wooded nature areas, find a quiet stretch of water, or spend the evening watching the sun disappear over the lake. There's plenty of room to escape the hustle. Especially when the sunset is this good.
With more than 1,000 campsites around Lake Red Rock, it's easy to turn your lake day into a full weekend. Many campsites connect to nature trails and hard-surface trails, making it easy to go from tent to trail without getting back in the car.
Make your adventure a little more colorful: Plan your visit around the Lake Red Rock Balloonfest and watch the sky come alive with hot air balloons over the lake.
Cool off at the beaches at Whitebreast or North Overlook, let the kids loose at the Playscape, or try something different at the Red Rock Archery Range or Roberts Creek Disc Golf Course.
Looking for something to do? Stop by the Red Rock Visitor Center to check out gear and summer programs. And keep your camera ready. The Bessie Spaur Butterfly Garden in Knoxville and the nature trails around Lake Red Rock are full of photo-worthy moments.
Summer in Marion County means racing. Catch sprint car action in the Sprint Car Capital of the World - Knoxville Raceway, then get behind the wheel yourself at Slideways, where go-karts look the part of a sprint car.
Want to cool off? Head to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum and dive into the history behind Knoxville's racing culture.
And if you're here during Knoxville Nationals, buckle up. It's one of the biggest weeks of the year - and one you won't forget.
The lake may be the headliner, but don't stop there.
Ride the Red Rock Dam Mountain Bike Trail, explore the Volksweg Trail, hike through Cordova Park, or take a scenic drive between Marion County's communities.
Then slow things down. Browse local shops in Pella, Knoxville, and Pleasantville, grab a cold drink, and find something local to eat. Add a stop at a winery or brewery, check out a local event, and make a day of it.
Your Very Marion County Summer Weekend
8 AM — Hit the Water
Paddleboard, kayak, fish, ski, or simply enjoy the morning on Lake Red Rock.
11 AM — Lunch + Shopping
Head to Pella, Knoxville, or Pleasantville for lunch and some local shopping.
1 PM — Pick Your Adventure
Mountain bike, hike, play disc golf, visit the butterfly garden, or cool off at the beach.
3 PM — Sip Something Local
Visit a winery or brewery and slow the afternoon down.
5 PM — Let's Go Racing
Head to Knoxville for sprint car racing or explore the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum.
Evening — Firepit Time
Head back to your campsite or cabin, light the fire, and watch the stars come out.
Morning — Slow Start
Grab breakfast and a coffee in one of our communities.
10 AM — One More Adventure
Hit a trail, explore Cordova Park, or spend a few more hours on the lake.
Noon — Pella
Browse the shops, explore downtown, and grab a Dutch treat.
Afternoon — One Last Lake View
Before heading home, find a spot along Lake Red Rock and take it all in.
Come for the lake. Stay for the trails, small towns, food, drinks, camping, and racing.
Paddle. Hike. Bike. Shop. Sip. Race. Repeat.
Check the local events calendar before you visit and build your weekend around whatever catches your eye. Because around here, you don't have to follow someone else's itinerary.
Invent your adventure.
