Best Beaches in Cedar Rapids

Lake Macbride Beach, located within Lake Macbride State Park in Iowa, offers a serene and natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The park spans 2,180 acres and features a 900-acre lake, providing ample opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. The beach area is a popular spot for relaxation and recreation, with nearby amenities like picnic areas and a concession stand. The park's diverse landscape includes forests and restored prairies, making it a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
The park is named after Thomas Macbride, a prominent figure in Iowa conservation. It offers a modern campground with electric hookups, a non-modern campground, and several multi-use trails that connect the park's units and nearby Solon. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddling, or simply soaking up the sun by the lake.
Lake Macbride is particularly noted for its fishing opportunities, with species like walleye, channel catfish, and the rare Kentucky spotted bass. The park's facilities include boat ramps, a boat rental facility, and an accessible fishing dock, making it an angler's delight.