Many state parks offer hiking opportunities as well. At Lake Macbride State Park near Solon you can hike along the water's edge. Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Dubuque offers something for everyone. In addition to its E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center, which includes displays on the history of the region and aquariums filled with fish native to the area, there also are some opportunities for short hikes. Pikes Peak State Park near McGregor has trails with spectacular views of the Mississippi River.
Some parts are handicapped-accessible.
While you're in the area, check out Effigy Mounds National Monument near Marquette for some trails that can be more strenuous than they initially appear. But the views from the top make the effort worth it. This story appeared in The Gazette on September 4, 1999.