Vote To Make Backbone State Park A Top-10 U.S. Destination

A northeast Iowa park is being recognized as one of the nation's best recreational areas and a vote is underway to make it a Top-10 destination in the United States.

Backbone State Park in northern Delaware County is listed among the Top 50 Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat, according to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF). Backbone is ranked at No. 15 on a list that includes California's Yosemite National Park (No. 5) and New York City's Central Park (No. 32).

The nationwide survey of thousands of moms revealed the list of favorite fishing spots in each state that have everything a family needs to experience the great outdoors: play areas and family-friendly amenities, picnic areas, safe water, boat access and plenty of fish to catch. According to takemefishing.org, research shows kids are more likely to go fishing with their mom and 45-percent of new fishing participants last year were women.

Backbone, Iowa's oldest state park, is located three miles south of Strawberry Point. Dundee lies one mile to the south and Lamont is five miles to the west. Dedicated in 1919, the 2,001-acre park is named for a narrow and steep ridge of bedrock carved by a loop of the Maquoketa River originally known as the Devil's Backbone.

In its summary on the Top-50 list, takemefishing.org stated: "At Backbone State Park, families can fish for trout, bluegill, crappie and more. A variety of other outdoor activities are also available, including camping, boating and hiking, making Backbone State Park an excellent family-friendly destination."

There's still a chance for Backbone and the state of Iowa to win a place among the nation's Top 10 Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat list. Voting is open at www.takemefishing.org/momapproved/. Anyone can vote daily through June 29.

Source: takemefishing.org