Cherokee Park

Winding Woodland Paths

Positioned in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Cherokee Park provides a peaceful escape without having to venture far from civilization. The 1-mile crushed limestone trail winds through quiet woodlands, making it a good spot for clearing your mind after a long day.

You'll come across this tranquil spot nestled off Johnson Avenue between Edgewood Road and Wiley Boulevard NW - easy to access but somehow feeling miles away from city life. The shade from the trees provides a natural canopy, offering relief on muggy Iowa summer days.

Trail Network

The park offers a thoughtful mix of paved and gravel paths that cater to different preferences. If you stick to the paved trail, you can follow the complete perimeter loop, while the gravel sections create shortcuts and connect you to various areas throughout the park.

On the western side, a charming bridge offers a picturesque crossing point that's accessible via the gravel paths. The trails circle around a central rainwater channel bursting with natural vegetation - a subtle reminder of how urban parks can support ecological systems right in our neighborhoods.

Nature Encounters

Despite being just a stone's throw from shopping centers and streets, Cherokee Park harbors surprising wildlife. You might find yourself freezing mid-step as a deer calmly crosses your path, or chuckling at the antics of busy squirrels preparing for winter. The gentle stream flowing through the grounds attracts various critters and creates a soothing soundtrack for your walk.

The diverse plant life transforms this space into a miniature forest sanctuary that somehow exists right behind a Walgreens - proof that nature finds a way even in urban settings.

Fitness Opportunities

What sets Cherokee Park apart is its thoughtfully designed calisthenics area with exercise stations dotted along the trail. Each station includes instructional plaques that break down different movements and explain how they benefit your flexibility and strength. It's like having an outdoor gym where you can breathe fresh air instead of gym sweat - a nice change of pace from indoor workouts.

You can park along Midway Drive on the north side of the trail, with additional spots near the park sign and several informal dirt areas along the road's shoulder. A portable toilet is available when nature calls.

Getting There

The park sits quietly behind Walgreens, with crossing lights at Jacolyn and Wiley making it safer to access on foot. The paths accommodate wheelchairs, making this natural retreat accessible to everyone regardless of mobility challenges.

One of the nicest things about Cherokee Park is that you're within a block of food, gas, and other conveniences - making it easy to combine a refreshing walk with running errands.

Bringing Your Dog

Your four-legged friends are welcome here, but they need to stay on leash at all times. You'll find a waste bin conveniently placed by the park sign near the parking area, so there's no excuse for not cleaning up after your pooch.

The varied landscape offers plenty of interesting smells and sights for curious canines, making it a stimulating outing for both of you.

Behind the Scenes

Cherokee Park is maintained by the Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, which oversees more than 106 parks across over 4,171 acres throughout the city.

Good to Know

The park maintains an alcohol-free policy in line with Cedar Rapids Municipal Code 10.03, helping keep the atmosphere family-friendly and safe for everyone.

You can visit daily from 6AM to 10PM, allowing both early morning and evening visits.