Big Creek State Park Tours

Photo by Erik Rowley


Get away from it all and enjoy the serene natural surroundings of Big Creek State Park. Make use of any walking tracks and picnic areas spread across this unspoiled habitat.

This protected natural landscape in Polk City is well-liked by travelers, so make a spot for it on your must-see list. Don't think that's all there is to do here, though. There are loads more attractions waiting for you to experience after Big Creek State Park. Saylorville Lake, Tournament Club of Iowa, and Beaver Creek Golf Club are close by.

Plan a trip to see Big Creek State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Winterset, IA
Kasa 2BD Walk to Sculpture Park Des Moines
Qube Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Big Creek State Park

Qube Hotel

Qube Hotel

2.5 out of 5
300 Boulder Pointe, Polk City, IA
Qube Hotel
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3 out of 5
5000 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale, IA
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
GrandStay Hotel & Suites

GrandStay Hotel & Suites

2 out of 5
6215 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA
GrandStay Hotel & Suites
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston, IA
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Super 8 by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines Area

Super 8 by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines Area

2 out of 5
206 SE Delaware Ave, Ankeny, IA
Super 8 by Wyndham Ankeny/Des Moines Area
Red Lion Inn & Suites Grimes

Red Lion Inn & Suites Grimes

251 Gateway Cir, Grimes, IA
Red Lion Inn & Suites Grimes
Home2 Suites by Hilton Ankeny

Home2 Suites by Hilton Ankeny

3 out of 5
1230 S.W. DISTRICT DRIVE, BUILDING B, Ankeny, IA
Home2 Suites by Hilton Ankeny
Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2 out of 5
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Days Inn by Wyndham Ankeny - Des Moines

Days Inn by Wyndham Ankeny - Des Moines

2 out of 5
105 Ne Delaware Ave, Ankeny, IA
Days Inn by Wyndham Ankeny - Des Moines
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Big Creek State Park

At Big Creek State Park in Polk City, Iowa, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including popular boating and exploring the scenic Paddy's Creek Campground, which offers a beautiful and quiet camping experience. The park is also surrounded by county parks, making it a great spot for outdoor festivals, live music, and roller skating, ensuring a fun-filled vacation for all.

Food and drinks

Visit Snus Hill Vineyard and Winery, just 7 miles from Big Creek State Park, for a romantic atmosphere and delightful wines. For a similar experience, check out Penoach Winery, located 18 miles away, offering great entertainment and a scenic setting. Don't miss the local foggy lake for a unique experience!

Shopping

For shopping near Big Creek State Park, check out Merle Hay Mall, located 11 miles away, offering a variety of family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, Jordan Creek Town Center and Outlets of Des Moines, both 15-16 miles away, also feature great entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at the Tournament Club of Iowa, just 1 mile from Big Creek State Park, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. For a unique experience, head to Lake Robbins Ballroom, 12 miles away, where you can dance the night away in a romantic setting filled with culture and entertainment.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Pole Position Raceway, located 9 miles from Big Creek State Park, where you can enjoy high-speed karting. For scenic hiking, explore the Greenbelt Trail, 13 miles away, offering beautiful outdoor views. Additionally, catch exhilarating races at Boone Speedway, 18 miles from the park.

Nightlife

For an exciting night near Big Creek State Park, visit Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino for thrilling gaming and romance. Hoyt Sherman Place offers cultural entertainment with its captivating performances, while Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park provides adventurous family fun to round out your evening.

Find the best attractions near Big Creek State Park

When visiting Big Creek State Park in Polk City, Iowa, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy attractions like Saylorville Lake, Big Creek Marina, and Big Creek Beach. This area offers a blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities, making it ideal for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. Nearby, Rock Creek State Park also provides additional opportunities for exploration and enjoyment in nature.

  • Iowa State University: Experience the vibrant energy of Iowa State University, a modern college campus just 16 miles from Big Creek State Park. Explore its beautiful grounds, dynamic student life, and engaging cultural events that reflect its city vibes.
  • Saylorville Lake: Just 5 miles away, Saylorville Lake offers a romantic escape with its picturesque beach and outdoor activities. Enjoy stunning scenery, perfect for picnics, water sports, or a relaxing day by the water.
  • Adventureland: Located 15 miles from the park, Adventureland is a family-friendly theme park packed with thrilling rides and entertaining shows. It's an ideal destination for fun and excitement for visitors of all ages.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Big Creek State Park

To save money during your visit to Big Creek State Park, take advantage of the free entry to the park and nearby attractions like Saylorville Lake and Snus Hill Vineyard. Plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider eco-certified options for sustainability. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package for extra savings, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards on future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Big Creek State Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Big Creek State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.