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Morgan Creek Park
Morgan Creek Park is located just west of the Cedar Rapids city limits in Linn County providing a wide variety of natural and recreational features within this 352-acre area. Steep, wooded hills in the east and gently rolling hills in the west combine with the stream valley of Morgan Creek. Over 4 miles of trails allow you to explore every corner of the park throughout the year. Enjoy the bluebells in spring, the summer prairie flowers, fall colors in the arboretum and cross-country-skiing in the winter.
A major redevelopment is taking place south of the current park, which is where the new day use entrance will be located.
Morgan Creek Park is a carry in-carry out park. You won't find any garbage cans. Please take back with you what you bring in!
Addresses
Morgan Creek Park (new entrance as of May 27, 2022 on south side of park) | 7212 E Ave NW, Cedar Rapids |
Morgan Creek Park Campground (north side of park) | 7287 Worcester Rd, Palo |
Morgan Creek Park Arboretum parking lot (north side of park) | 7439 Worcester Rd, Palo |
The older "day use" portion of the park on the north side off of Worcester Rd. IS OPEN. Parking is available around the corner to the right. Vehicle access up the drive is gated shut, and only open on days when group camps are reserved. The group camp has been moved to next to the shelter there.
Camping
Family Campground
Campgrounds are open generally from April 15 - October 15, ground conditions permitting. Morgan Creek Family Campground has modern sites with electricity and water. Campsites are equipped with a fire-pad and picnic table, with showers and restrooms nearby. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A dumping station is available for use by campers who camped in the park. Camping discount booklets are also available from the park office and campground hosts. Firewood is available at the campground host site.
- All campers must self-register and pay the required Camping Fee.
- Visit this link to take a Virtual Tour of the Morgan Creek Park campground.
Group Campground
The group campground is now located up the hill within the former north side day use area at 7001 Morgan Park Rd. The vehicle entrance is gated shut, except when reservations are made for use. The group camp includes four picnic tables, a fire ring, and a shelter. A water spigot and a primitive (pit) restroom is also nearby. The group campground is reserved online.
Arboretum & Butterfly Garden
The entrance to the Arboretum is east of the family campground entrance off Worcester Road. A one mile crushed limestone trail loops and winds through over 250 species of trees and shrubs. The collections include: native and exotic shade trees; ornamental trees and shrubs; prairie grasses and forbs; crab apples; lilacs; and the butterfly garden.
REDEVELOPMENT
Morgan Creek Park has been redeveloped on the south side of the park near E Ave. The project is guided by 2015 Master Plan to modernize and update amenities for future generations.
State of the art playground never before experienced in this area
New walking paths along with the paved Morgan Creek Trail
New picnic shelters and flushable restrooms
- Reservable open-aired shelter that can accommodate over 125 people.
Morgan Creek Shelter
The new Morgan Creek Shelter is located within the new development site. it is an open air facility that can be reserved during the park operating season of April 15 - October 15.
View amenities and make a reservation.
Off-Leash Area
Pets are not required to be leashed in a 40+ acre park section west of the first parking lot at the main entrance at E Ave across the footbridge. Pet owners are still responsible for the actions of their dog. Leash-requirements are still in place for other areas of Morgan Creek Park.