Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park — Attraction in Marshall

We camped out here for the weekend.

The campground is one circular lot with I think around 18 spots. Some are basic just for tents and some have water and or electric.

The ones on the inside of the circle have more space and are more open but you don't have any privacy. Most spots on the outside of the circle, especially on the north and west sides have more privacy but not as much space.

The grounds are well kept with grass while maintained.

I hiked on most of the trails in one day. I missed the memorial trail and boardwalk. Home that I walked on will maintained. Some of them are more difficult than others but none of them too strenuous.

Note about the lake - Once you get to the parking lot for the lake you'll see nothing but trees. On the east side of the parking lot (next to the state park signage/billboard) there are two trail heads. Take the one on the left. There's a quarter mile hike down to the lake. The way back is mostly uphill. Not too steep, but steep enough you might feel it if you don't do much...

It's always so beautiful to hike through. Different areas to explore. Easy hiking for the most part. There are bathrooms and showers, camping areas, picnic areas, and a shelter house with lots of tables to enjoy picnics on even rainy days. We come here often as it isn't far from our town and walk around some. There is even a free museum when you first come in that you can go into and see how the tribes that lived on these lands survived, housed, and took care of other members. It's all pretty neat, really, Walking through the woods anytime of the year is still easy, beautiful, and safe. You will most likely find pieces of Indian artifacts laying around out there, but make sure not to take them with you. It's not allowed. However, you are encouraged to look around and then let all be as it was. There are park rangers, but as long as you're obeying park rules, then they stay friendly and let you explore. A must-see attraction. Kid friendly, pet friendly, and camping fees are super low and convenient. Tent...

Fun park and cool campground; a great alternative to other state parks that tend to be a bit more crowded. A few different trails to hike, a little lake for fishing, some native history, and an interesting marsh-swamp area with a boardwalk trail. The campground offers some nice spots and a really nice 'lawn' area with mature trees and mowed grass - it's huge and reminds me of a large city park. Bathrooms were clean, host was friendly, and I've seen a variety of wild life the two times I've visited the park. A couple of the campsite spots are close to the marsh/swamp - so they are probably best avoided at wetter points in the year. All in all, it's a fun place to spend...