We took a short, two hour drive, out to Morrison-Rockwood State Park for the weekend. While the weather was hot (90 degree plus) we found this state park very pleasant. The park is about fifteen minutes commute from Clinton, IA. After hearing how all campgrounds are packed across the country, this was about half full. Site #46 was clean and well shaded as most of the sites.
After the two hour drive west on I-88 we passed through the quaint town of Morris. The Victorian houses on the hillside are spectacular. This is just one example. The downtown street is being redone and from what we could see have restaurants, bars, and shops.
Driving up the streets behind the Victorian homes shows nice, suburban homes. This weekend was Garage Sale weekend with man homes with items out for sale.
We ate lunch at Family Chef, which was packed for lunch. The folks there are friendly and this seemed where "everyone knows your name" is for real.
On Saturday we went for a planned short hike hoping the woods a bit cooler. We actually got lost. The trail has numbered stakes to follow and at one point we realized there no stakes and we were turn around. With temperatures in the 90's we worried about wandering around to long. We finally came out by a road and fortunately a couple on horseback came by and we asked for directions. They looked at the map turned in their saddles and pointed, you should be that way at the next road crossing. They were correct, hikers saved!
Yes, you would think the key fob car horn would have worked, but we were out of range. Thank goodness for the horse back riders!
We headed back to our site, took a nap and then Michelle fix a yummy dinner for the worn out hikers!
Lake Carlton is a fishing lake and even in the heat, many trying their luck. We had ice cream from the small restaurant and headed back to our campsite at dusk. We headed home on Sunday and can recommend Morrison-Rockwood State Park,