110 PUBLIC PARKS OF IOWA 



To add to the beauty of the river itself, are several tributaries that 

 have cut a way for themselves through the rocks of the ages. And so 

 it is that Wildcat Glen, Elk Run and Rock Run have each a beauty oi 

 their own that attracts and holds the eye of visitor or resident. One 

 feels his inability to describe the many beautiful spots; sight alone can 

 convey to the stranger the correct idea of Iowa Falls. 



To bring this natural beauty closer to the public, the citizens of 

 Iowa Falls have preserved it in the way of parks, drives and bypaths 

 that offer opportunity for a communion with nature in many of her 

 moods. Wildcat Glen has been given to the city by Mrs. A. J. Foster as 

 a part of the park system, while Jones park, given to the city by the late 

 L. E. Jones, gives the city control of Rock Run. River Drive affords oppor- 

 tunity to view the lower river, while Riverside Drive running west of town 

 takes one along the upper river, with beauties all its own. This latter 

 route forms part of the "Around the Loop" drive, which is popular with 

 everyone and gives a glimpse of Siloam Springs, a resort west of the city 

 that is the mecca of autoists within a radius of thirty miles of Iowa Falls. 



The river attracts many during the summer months with its de- 

 lightful boating amid romantic surroundings. Combined with this recre- 

 ation, one is offered bathing facilities and good fishing. The river at this 

 point has been stocked nearly every year either by the federal govern- 

 ment or by the state, and with good protection it is fast becoming a 

 favorite spot for the disciples of Isaac Walton. 



Many delightful hikes appeal to the lovers of the great outdoors. 



Possibly no more exhilarating sport is offered any place in Iowa than 

 the famous canoe trip down the Iowa river from Alden to Iowa Falls, 

 and if one wishes a longer trip, then on to Eldora. Particularly excit- 

 ing is the dash down the rapids that marks the course of the river for 

 a distance of over seven miles between Alden and Iowa Falls. When 

 the stage of the water is good, the lovers of this sport ship canoes to 

 Alden by rail and then, pushing off in the stream, commence an excit- 

 ing trip that must be taken to be appreciated. Whirled past beautiful 

 pastoral scenes and through canyons cut in the solid rock, every min- 

 ute is- fraught with enjoyment and just enough of that risk of the hazard- 

 ous to add zest to the journey. Shooting the rapids, one drifts out upon 

 placid water that for a\ short distance flows with a gentle current, and 

 the next moment turns the nose of the canoe into the churning waters 

 of the rapids. 



Just outside of the city is found Siloam Springs, where man has added 

 to the beauty of nature and provided a place that affords rest and recre- 

 ation far from the heat and turmoil of the city life. The springs them- 

 selves produce water the equal of any of the famous springs. Some 

 day it will be utilized as a table water by some one enterprising enough 

 to put it properly before the public. Surrounding the springs are 

 beautiful shady nooks, while for those who love to dance, a commodious 

 pavilion has been provided. 



With her four transcontinental and interstate auto routes, more and 

 more people are brought here each year. It is a delightful stopping 

 place for tourists, for here is a resting place so different that it is a 



