Big Hollow
8 miles North of Burlington, West off Hwy 61 319-753-8260, www.dmcconservation.com

As Des Moines County's largest park, Big Hollow consists of 768 acres. It features an extensive trail system that progresses through woods, prairies, and around ponds. If one tires of hiking the trails, try horseback. Camping, cross-country skiing, and hunting are also permitted in this diverse park. Visitors can try their luck fishing in the stocked, no wake, 178-acre lake, target practice on the shooting range (must be certified to do so), swim at the beach or stargaze at the observatory. The John H. Witte Observatory is run by the Southeastern Iowa Astronomy Club and is open to the public the first and third Fridays of the month.

Crossroads RV Park
708 S. Iris, Mount Pleasant, IA 319-385-9737, www.XRDSRV.com

Crossroads RV Park is a new, modern RV park where every site is a Large, Level Pull Thru with Full hook ups. 100 amp, 50 amp and 30 amp service along with Wireless Internet, Laundry, Handicap Restrooms and other amenities. Easy access off of Hwy 218/27, "The Avenue of the Saints".

Geode State Park
12 miles W of Burlington on Hwy 34 319-392-4601

Named after the beautiful state rock of Iowa, Geode State Park displays a collection of Keokuk Geodes at the main camp-ground. Quartz lines the inside of the Keokuk Geode, which is formed in limestone, and can only be found in the southeast Iowa, northeast Missouri and west central Illinois region.

Lower Agusta Skunk River Access Area #1
6 ½ miles South of Burlington, West off Hwy 61 319-753-8260, www.dmcconservation.com

4th Pumping Plant Recreational Park
15 miles North of Burlington, East off of Hwy 99 319-753-8260, www.dmcconservation.com

Welter Recreation Park
¼ miles East of Danville on Hwy 34 319-753-8260, www.dmcconservation.com

Upper Agusta Skunk River Access
6 ½ miles South of Burlington, West off Hwy 61 319-753-8260, www.dmcconservation.com

Bangert Gardens
3500 Hillcrest, Burlington 319-752-9328, www.bangertgardens.com

Experience acres of beautiful gardens uniquely designed. Over 200 different trees and dozens of varieties of perennial and annual flowers can be found. Take time to walk through the moss garden to the one and a half acre pond, explore the cactus garden, and see hundreds of hostas and shade plants. A variety of antique tractors and equipment can be viewed on the grounds. Call and learn more about setting up a tour of these beautiful gardens.

Baxter Vineyard's
2010 E Parley St, Nauvoo 217-453-2528, www.nauvoowinery.com

Baxter’s Vineyards, the oldest winery in the state of Illinois, is a small family winery located in the historic town of Nauvoo, Illinois. The winery was established in 1857 by Emile and Annette Baxter. Today, the Baxter’s Vineyards continues within the same family with Kelly Logan and his wife Brenda. Kelly is a part of the fifth generation of Baxter’s to grow grapes and apples and make wine in Nauvoo.  Baxter’s Vineyards offers complimentary tasting and self-guided winery tours.

Big Hollow
8 miles North of Burlington, West off Hwy 61 319-753-8260, www.dmcconservation.com

As Des Moines County's largest park, Big Hollow consists of 768 acres. It features an extensive trail system that progresses through woods, prairies, and around ponds. If one tires of hiking the trails, try horseback. Camping, cross-country skiing, and hunting are also permitted in this diverse park. Visitors can try their luck fishing in the stocked, no wake, 178-acre lake, target practice on the shooting range (must be certified to do so), swim at the beach or stargaze at the observatory. The John H. Witte Observatory is run by the Southeastern Iowa Astronomy Club and is open to the public the first and third Fridays of the month.

Lindon Wines
12646 Highway 61, Burlington 319-752-3677, www.lindonwines.com
Tours by appointment.  Lindon Wines produces wine from locally grown grape varieties, red, blush, and white to pair with foods ranging from beef to seafood, depending on your palate.  Wines vary from dry to slightly sweet and a cream sherry aperitif.

Lock and Dam #18
Located four miles east of the Great River Bridge on U.S. Hwy 34, then four and a half miles north on Lock & Dam Rd, 309-873-2246

Constructed between 1934-37 at a cost of over 9 million dollars, this lock and dam is one of 29 on the upper Mississippi River. See how barge traffic moves up and down the river as they pass through this 600-foot lock with a maximum lift of 10 feet. During the winter months, view large populations of bald eagles as they migrate south and feed at the open water around the lock and dam.

The Mighty Mississippi River

Greater Burlington, Iowa is located on the bluffs overlooking the Mighty Mississippi River. The river is valuable for leisure, recreation, and commerce. The river is home to at least 260 species of fish, and 40 percent of the nations' migratory waterfowl use the river corridor during their spring and fall migrations.

Starr's Cave Nature Center & Preserve
11627 Starr's Cave Rd, Burlington 319-753-5808, www.dmcconservation.com

Part of the State Preserves System, this forested area contains limestone bluffs, three caves, prairie remnants and some endangered plant species. The Nature Center offers hands on displays and scheduled activities including folk concerts and environmental education programs.

Wildlife Lakes Elk Farm
13852 Washington Rd, West Burlington 319-752-4659, www.wildlifelakes.com

Group Tours welcome by appointment.  Wildlife Lakes Elk Farm is home for some of Mother Nature's most beautiful scenery, wildlife, and elk. A series of man-made ponds and lakes make this an ideal location for many animals and waterfowl to call home. Canadian geese return year after year to nest and raise their young ones. Visitors can view the day-to-day operations of a working elk farm that has been raising and breeding elk for 10 years. Call for more information, visitors are always welcome.

Crapo/Dankwardt Parks
2900 S. Main or 2600 S. Madison / 2700 S. Main or 2400 S. Madison, Burlington

Opened in 1895, these parks cover more than 100 acres of the west bank of the Mississippi River. Come enjoy a leisurely walk around Lake Starker or throw out a blanket for a picnic under one of the many species of trees. A comprehensive listing of trees in this nationally-known arboretum is available at the park office in Dankwardt Park. These parks also feature ball diamonds, swimming pool, tennis courts, roller hockey rink, horse-shoe area, disc golf course, BMX track and miles of trails.

Starr's Cave Nature Center & Preserve
11627 Starr's Cave Road, Burlington

Part of the State Preserves System, this forested area contains limestone bluffs, three caves, prairie remnants and some endangered plant species. The Nature Center offers natural history displays, and scheduled activities, including folk concerts and environmental education programs. For more information contact 319-753-5808 or www.dmcconservation.com.

Geode State Park
12 miles West of Burlington on Hwy 34

Named after the beautiful state rock of Iowa, Geode State Park displays a collection of Keokuk Geodes at the main camp-ground. Quartz lines the inside of the Keokuk Geode, which is formed in limestone, and can only be found in the southeast Iowa, northeast Missouri and west central Illinois region.

Longmeadow Park
Longmeadow & Swan St., West Burlington

Walking path, handicapped accessible playground equipment, basketball court, soccer fields, 2 shelters (1 small, 1 large with electric), adult swing. Residents can call to reserve shelter house, sand volleyball at 319-752-5451.

Mosquito Park
N. 3rd and Franklin Streets, Burlington

Named for its size, this small park is located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River just north of downtown and boasts one of the most beautiful views in the area. Just the right size to sit back and relax.

Perkins Park
1700 block of Dill Street, Burlington

The land for this park was once part of the massive estate of Charles E. Perkins, former president of Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. The park also features paths with footbridges, playground equipment, shelter house, and tennis courts.