We started the new year with a First Day Hike at Lake Ahquabi State Park in Indianola, Iowa. The trails were perfect for winter hiking. We parked near the fishing shelter (follow signs for the beach) and completed part of the 4 mile lake trail, which hugs the shoreline. There's also 2.5 miles of wooded trails.
There are a few restrooms along the lake trail and the ones near the boat ramp were unlocked. The downside to winter hiking is that we're never sure where we'll find open restrooms.
I purchased an Iowa Parklands Lake Ahquabi trail map and it's definitely worth the 99 cent charge. If he has one available for the park I'm visiting, I always purchase because they're so helpful to have when visiting parks for the first time.
