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LMQC’s outdoor bloggers, Teri Stickler and Kaia, explore the trails and natural beauty of Scott County Park – and give us a glimpse of the pioneer village at Walnut Grove along the way.
By Teri Stickler and her Samoyed, Kaia
Kaia looked ready for adventure when she and Teri took to the trails around Scott County Park.
As the seasons are again changing, Kaia and I were hopeful to take in all the fall colors with its yellows and rust-reds, multiple shades of green and brown, as we walked some of the 29.3 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails Scott County Park offers.
Only nine miles north of Davenport, we enjoyed some of the most gorgeous scenery and trails in the expansive 1,280-acre park. The trails are open sunrise to sunset, though any dirt trails are closed to all users when conditions are muddy.
Treking down Glynn’s Creek Nature Trail
On this fall day, we chose took Glynn’s Creek Nature Trail, an easy to moderate walk along the creek and through a forested area with several walking bridges and a generous number of benches along the way. And though I had so hoped to be fortunate enough to enjoy the full spectrum of fall’s colors, along this trail, nature was already a step ahead.
Most remaining leaves were shades of brown, many already on the ground which, on the bright side, made it easier to hear any local squirrels and other critters amongst the leaves, collecting their winter’s cache of supplies. Many of the plants were beginning to dry and spread their seeds, readying for spring to come. We were even fortunate enough to discover a cluster of bright red Jack-in-the-Pulpit seeds on the forest floor.
Scott County Park is the county’s largest park. (Follow Highway US 61 north to exit #129.) One is never at a loss to find a picnic area or shelter, including grills or even fireplaces. There are several playground areas, camping areas, restrooms, baseball fields and in the summer, a heated swimming pool. In fact, if one wanted to really immerse themselves in the great out-of-doors for several days, there are a few modern cabins available to rent. And in winter, come and do some sledding or cross-country skiing.
Check out Walnut Grove Pioneer Village
Walnut Grove Pioneer Village is the site of the annual Christmas Walk, this year scheduled for November 28th.
As we left the park, we drove past the nearby Walnut Grove Pioneer Village. Another fun place to come explore. In fact, they are hosting their annual Christmas Walk November 28th.
The Pioneer Village will be decked out for the holidays – a perfect getaway for the whole family to enjoy the out-of-doors , especially after all the Thanksgiving revelry!
Links for further adventure:
- https://www.scottcountyiowa.gov/conservation/scott-county-park
- https://www.scottcountyiowa.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/pages/20210329_TEAS_Brochure_11x17.jpg
- https://www.qctrails.org/trails/trail/scott-county-park-trails?lid=14
- https://www.scottcountyiowa.gov/conservation/pioneer-village
- https://www.scottcountyiowa.gov/conservation/scott-county-park/cabins/pine-grove-cabins
Check out Teri and Kaia’s pictures from their most recent adventure …
By Teri Stickler and her Samoyed, Kaia
Kaia looked ready for adventure when she and Teri took to the trails around Scott County Park.
As the seasons are again changing, Kaia and I were hopeful to take in all the fall colors with its yellows and rust-reds, multiple shades of green and brown, as we walked some of the 29.3 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails Scott County Park offers.
Only nine miles north of Davenport, we enjoyed some of the most gorgeous scenery and trails in the expansive 1,280-acre park. The trails are open sunrise to sunset, though any dirt trails are closed to all users when conditions are muddy.
Treking down Glynn’s Creek Nature Trail
On this fall day, we chose took Glynn’s Creek Nature Trail, an easy to moderate walk along the creek and through a forested area with several walking bridges and a generous number of benches along the way. And though I had so hoped to be fortunate enough to enjoy the full spectrum of fall’s colors, along this trail, nature was already a step ahead.
Most remaining leaves were shades of brown, many already on the ground which, on the bright side, made it easier to hear any local squirrels and other critters amongst the leaves, collecting their winter’s cache of supplies. Many of the plants were beginning to dry and spread their seeds, readying for spring to come. We were even fortunate enough to discover a cluster of bright red Jack-in-the-Pulpit seeds on the forest floor.
Scott County Park is the county’s largest park. (Follow Highway US 61 north to exit #129.) One is never at a loss to find a picnic area or shelter, including grills or even fireplaces. There are several playground areas, camping areas, restrooms, baseball fields and in the summer, a heated swimming pool. In fact, if one wanted to really immerse themselves in the great out-of-doors for several days, there are a few modern cabins available to rent. And in winter, come and do some sledding or cross-country skiing.
Check out Walnut Grove Pioneer Village
Walnut Grove Pioneer Village is the site of the annual Christmas Walk, this year scheduled for November 28th.
As we left the park, we drove past the nearby Walnut Grove Pioneer Village. Another fun place to come explore. In fact, they are hosting their annual Christmas Walk November 28th.
The Pioneer Village will be decked out for the holidays – a perfect getaway for the whole family to enjoy the out-of-doors , especially after all the Thanksgiving revelry!
Links for further adventure:
- https://www.scottcountyiowa.gov/conservation/scott-county-park
- https://www.scottcountyiowa.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/pages/20210329_TEAS_Brochure_11x17.jpg
- https://www.qctrails.org/trails/trail/scott-county-park-trails?lid=14
- https://www.scottcountyiowa.gov/conservation/pioneer-village
- https://www.scottcountyiowa.gov/conservation/scott-county-park/cabins/pine-grove-cabins
Check out Teri and Kaia’s pictures from their most recent adventure …
Teri Stickler
Outdoor Blogger and Co-Adventurer
Meet Teri Stickler. Teri is a retired Quad-City teacher. She thoroughly enjoys the out-of-doors, sharing most of her adventures with her Samoyed companion, Kaia.
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