The park contains historic stone shelters and retaining walls constructed by the WPA in the 1930s that remain largely intact.
The park's elevation changes create a challenging environment for its designated disc golf course.
McHose Park serves as a critical connector for the Boone trail system, which links various residential neighborhoods to public amenities.
McHose Park is a 110-acre municipal recreation area located in Boone, Iowa, featuring significant limestone bluffs and diverse woodland topography. The park serves as the primary outdoor hub for the community, offering extensive trail systems that connect to the broader Boone area pedestrian network. It contains multiple picnic pavilions, a disc golf course, and traditional playground equipment set within a hilly, forested landscape. A distinct feature of the site is its historical limestone structures, which were largely developed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the 1930s. The park also provides access to the Des Moines River valley environment, supporting local wildlife observation and birdwatching.
The stone archway and historic WPA-era masonry shelters near the main entrance.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the steep, unpaved inclines along the ravine trails.
Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as the dense forest cover and river proximity attract mosquitoes.
Check the park map at the entrance to differentiate between the paved multi-use trails and the more rugged hiking-only paths.
Attempting to traverse the steep limestone ravines after recent rainfall, as the trails become exceptionally slippery and prone to erosion.
Leash your dogs at all times and pack out all trash to maintain the integrity of the natural woodland trails.
